Acceptable Group Size ???

[MtnCreek]

I know it's dependant on a lot of factors, but what do you view to be an acceptable group @ 10 yds and 20 yds with a full frame centerfire pistol (G17, G21, .....) ? I've really focused on building my pistol skills over the past year and have improved greatly. I shot 3 to 5" groups at 10 yds and pie plate size at 20 yds today. Ok, you can stop laughing now; that's pretty good for me. That's pretty much what I've been shooting for the past month or so; sometimes a little better, sometimes worse.

I'm going to try an IDPA shoot in a couple of weeks. I'm not going because I want to compete, just refine some skills and hopefully get some good advice.

Am I shooting well enough that I may leave the match with a sliver of dignity left ???

Thanks!

 

[Sniper X]

After a while in competition, those groups will get a lot smaller.....not bad anyway for a casual shooter!

 

[Naybor]

You're doing good and will do better.
"Pie Plate Groups will take in the heart and/or lungs every time.

Hang in there ~ Have fun ~ be safe!

 

[Geckgo]

we talking slow fire I assume (for me 2-5 seconds per shot because it's just too boring to shoot slower)? At 10 yrds I try for 3 in groups, but this is after putting well over a thousand rounds through my XD and dry firing just as much, if not more. My double taps I can keep on a pie plate at 10 yrds, and I wasted ammo really quickly doing that. At 25, I try to keep them on an 8 inch target, but don't always do so well at it. This is all offhand with a steady 2 hand grip.

I would easily consider 5" groups at 10 yrds to be above average. From what I have seen at the range, most people don't shoot alot, and keeping all of the bullets on paper at 10 yards is a challenge for some, even with full size guns.

At 50 yrds I'm kind of hit and miss with 8 1/2 x 11 paper, but I can hit it pretty consistently from a rest of some sort.

I don't know about IDPA, but you are definitely doing a decent job, and in a self defense scenario, you will get it done. In that situation you will probably be looking at 10 ft rather than 10 yards, and that should account for the adrenaline rush affecting your accuracy.

Just my two cents, others here have a lot more experience than I

 

[TH3180]

I have shot a few USPSA matches and I suck. I still have a ton of fun and I know I will get better as time goes on. Funny thing when you suck like I do, a lot of the folks that have been doing this for years will come over and give me tips. I have learned so much in three matches.

 

[1SOW]

I have shot a few USPSA matches and I suck. I still have a ton of fun and I know I will get better as time goes on. Funny thing when you suck like I do, a lot of the folks that have been doing this for years will come over and give me tips. I have learned so much in three matches.

That's one of the best parts of shooting in competition. You'll see it done right, learn fast and meet a lot of really good folks who want to help.

Does someone who can't ________(fill in the blank) suck? Naaah, they just havent been taught or practiced enough.

It's probably one of the best places for new shooters to learn the right way the first time.