Gun range skill level for a beginner

[ATLDave]

george, I think you are overestimating the intrinsic physical demands of shooting a gun passably well. It is far easier to learn to shoot a gun decently well than to learn to play golf at a competent level, for instance. It is easier than learning to safely drive a car on modern highways. The physical barriers are pretty low until you get into high-level competition or the combat equivalent. It does require a fair amount of time to refine and to maintain the skill(s), which many "shooters" never bother to put in. The same is true for learning to drive a car, throw a football with a spiral, hit a 9-iron onto a green, perform long division, etc.

If you're talking about reaching the olympic level of shooting, or the equivalent in other shooting sports... yes, it will take a combination of talent and training and time. But to get better than 90% of people at an average, open-to-the-public range? No. Talent will reduce the amount of time required, but no great level of talent is a prerequisite. Less talent = more time/work required. But the threshold level is low.

 

[george burns]

Some people find playing golf easier than others, is what I am saying. And all the teaching in the world is not going to make you more coordinated. So there is shooting , and there s shooting. I don't consider that most folks shoot that well, Maybe at paper targets that don't move with no pressure or time constraints. But not everyone can do everything well. And if it comes down to saving ones life, or that of another person, having a gun, is not enough, being able to draw fire and hit a moving target is not so easy, as it's not going to stand there and allow you to take shots at it.
I am a people watcher, I have seen guys shoot well at paper, but at their own pace, most with terrible habits, like looking to see where the bullet went before firing again, not limited to flinching, that can be fixed, but a total affinity for what one is doing, grip, movement , weak hand training etc. A false sense of security can easily be provided by a man with a gun. There is the sport, then the protection and self defense aspect, competition portion, and so many others, so when you say shooting well, what does that really mean?
If it's just a casual shooting at a man sized target 25 feet away, you really should be able to do that easily, so in the broad sense anyone can shoot. Like anyone can drive a car.

 

[SilentStalker]

I would say those are average at best, no offense, at least for all of the people I have ever taken for the first time. Even people flinching can generally create groups this good or better with a decent pistol and some understanding of the fundamentals. There are many people that shoot quarter size groups or better at 11 yds, but these are either people that have trained for many many years, shoot comps or are naturally gifted. There is nothing wrong with your groups by any means. When shooting a pistol for practical application you aren't trying to shoot tiny groups. However, the way I look at it is, if you can shoot tiny groups then you will be that much better prepared for when you do need to have every bit of an edge in the practical application, aka actually have to use your self defense weapon. Shooting groups tho is just part of the battle, especially if you are going to carry for defense. Keep practicing and having fun. Thats the main thing.

 

[Tcruse]

When comparing groups at a range, it all depends on the day and time you go. I usually find that my 2-3" groups at 10 yd are better than most, however, I have found on occasion a person that has sub-1" (or sub-1/2") groups at that distance. The key is to shoot enough so that "muscle memory" is such that you get good hits at speed/under pressure (shot timer)/while moving/with target moving. Since, the rare time that you might actually need to use your hand gun as a defense

 

[rpenmanparker]

Odds are none of us are the best shot on Earth. So we may be the best at the range much of the time, but then someone show up who can beat our pants off. That is just how it works.

 

[Sav .250]

Have you ever heard of , I`d rather be lucky than good ? Enjoy...........