How much DA practice vs SA practice?
- Thread starter nachosgrande
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DA vs SA
I shoot both DA and SA with as many wheelies as I can carry to the range...
However, I suggest that you practice both until you become 'proficient' enough to focus on one or the other. I suggest starting 'up close' until you figure out tigger control, in either SA or DA.
If you can hit your marks up close, move back. But only do so when you're guaranteed that you know that 'the broadside of the barn' is within your reach.
Most folks at our range (and in our club) will be more than happy to answer questions, show what works for them, and even let you handle their 'pieces' to put some lead down range. Our group might be different from others, but I hope not as we're all enthusiasts in this together...
Personally, I'm not a crack shot and more of a crack pot, but I shoot 'ok'. I like to help folks (kids, gents, ladies) when they ask. I also like to ask others about what they do... it might just be idle conversation, but it certainly is good to talk to others that enjoy the same stuff...
I like my smiths, in 14, 17, 586, 1917, 29(s), and 629. Each has something unique about it. The more I add I'm sure will just increase the warm fuzzies I get from the whole lot of 'em.
I won't discount my 'old model' SA Ruger Super Blackhawk. She's ugly, not as fine as she must have been new out of the box, a bit pitted and crusty, but she's sweet on the trigger.
I had a Colt and a Dan Wesson, but sold them off - not because they were offensive, but because I longed for a Smith... (Ford vs. Chevy here?)
Don't get me wrong, I grew up shooting SA for accuracy (tin cans, game, etc.).
I really like my recently found 'bulls-eye target shooting league' because you need both with wheelies... (wish I knew about this growing up).
We used to play 'move it out' when I was younger... start the target close, shoot it, then 'move it out' farther... shoot it some more, (lather, rinse, repeat until out of ammo). At some point it would become 'shoot at it' rather than 'shoot it'.
Now, don't get me wrong. I like my bottom feeders too (Glock, Colt, S&W, Browning, others if the price is right...). Each has it's advantage, it's feel and each likes to be stroked in a different way. A couple have their distinct purpose outlined on a card in my pocket.
I also see here the combination of CCW vs plinking vs target thoughts. There certainly isn't anything wrong with shooting both.
I'm also a proponent for shooting 'non-dominate'... Righties shoot lefty (switch sides, including the eye you 'squint').
If you 'cheat' and use a scope, or if your aged eyes require a scope, try shooting with both eyes open and see how you do...
Just a 'thot' or two to let tumble around...
I put a few picts here for reference...
The S&W 17 is mine, all double action...
The Beretta and Mosquito are a friends, and are bottom feeders...
DA:
Semi-Auto Beretta 92 9mm:
Semi-Auto Sig Mosquito 22 (with Red Dot):
I shoot both DA and SA with as many wheelies as I can carry to the range...
However, I suggest that you practice both until you become 'proficient' enough to focus on one or the other. I suggest starting 'up close' until you figure out tigger control, in either SA or DA.
If you can hit your marks up close, move back. But only do so when you're guaranteed that you know that 'the broadside of the barn' is within your reach.
Most folks at our range (and in our club) will be more than happy to answer questions, show what works for them, and even let you handle their 'pieces' to put some lead down range. Our group might be different from others, but I hope not as we're all enthusiasts in this together...
Personally, I'm not a crack shot and more of a crack pot, but I shoot 'ok'. I like to help folks (kids, gents, ladies) when they ask. I also like to ask others about what they do... it might just be idle conversation, but it certainly is good to talk to others that enjoy the same stuff...
I like my smiths, in 14, 17, 586, 1917, 29(s), and 629. Each has something unique about it. The more I add I'm sure will just increase the warm fuzzies I get from the whole lot of 'em.
I won't discount my 'old model' SA Ruger Super Blackhawk. She's ugly, not as fine as she must have been new out of the box, a bit pitted and crusty, but she's sweet on the trigger.
I had a Colt and a Dan Wesson, but sold them off - not because they were offensive, but because I longed for a Smith... (Ford vs. Chevy here?)
Don't get me wrong, I grew up shooting SA for accuracy (tin cans, game, etc.).
I really like my recently found 'bulls-eye target shooting league' because you need both with wheelies... (wish I knew about this growing up).
We used to play 'move it out' when I was younger... start the target close, shoot it, then 'move it out' farther... shoot it some more, (lather, rinse, repeat until out of ammo). At some point it would become 'shoot at it' rather than 'shoot it'.
Now, don't get me wrong. I like my bottom feeders too (Glock, Colt, S&W, Browning, others if the price is right...). Each has it's advantage, it's feel and each likes to be stroked in a different way. A couple have their distinct purpose outlined on a card in my pocket.
I also see here the combination of CCW vs plinking vs target thoughts. There certainly isn't anything wrong with shooting both.
I'm also a proponent for shooting 'non-dominate'... Righties shoot lefty (switch sides, including the eye you 'squint').
If you 'cheat' and use a scope, or if your aged eyes require a scope, try shooting with both eyes open and see how you do...
Just a 'thot' or two to let tumble around...
I put a few picts here for reference...
The S&W 17 is mine, all double action...
The Beretta and Mosquito are a friends, and are bottom feeders...
DA:
Semi-Auto Beretta 92 9mm:
Semi-Auto Sig Mosquito 22 (with Red Dot):
MCgunner
Member
Ya know, if I didn't enjoy hunting, I wouldn't do it. Sorta reminds me of Ron White's story of his brother-in-law talkin' about his big kill.
I quite enjoy all aspects of providing my own meat. I'd rather do it than have some yahoo at the slaughter house do it for me, frankly.
peacemaker45
Member
I reckon I'm in the minority, here. I probably shoot a thousand rounds SA for every one I do DA. But then, I'm a cowboy shooter.
~~~Mat
~~~Mat
BlindJustice
Member
Although today I prefer my 1911 and a CZ 75B, I started out with a S&W
Model 18 4" Bbl. Combat Masterpiece in the mid-60s. I carried the Mod. 18 on the farm in my teens. I recall a lot of SA shots at
cottontails and DA proficiency came along slowly. A few times I would
stop the tractor after scaring up a horned toad. THey stop after scampering - I'd stop the tractor and do a slow DA trigger pull to pick them
off, smooth, keeping the sights aligned is the trick.
These days on range trips, I'll take my MOdel 617 10 shot cyl. 6" Bbl
along with my 625 5" Bbl. .45 ACP/.45 AR. They both weigh 45 oz. and
the sight radius is almost the same with the med. K-frame being
shorter in length it's only approx. .5 difference in length, although the
617 has a little differenct balance. I start the revolver practice with
the 617, a cylinder full in SA, only - with my vision I'm limited to 7-10
yards. 2nd Cyl. SA first shot, followed by a slow DA shot, concentrating
on a smooth pull. 3rd cylinders will be 10 DA shots, and then
worrk in 4th-nth, with 5x Double Taps. And just for "fun" I'll DA a full cylilnder as fast as i can empty it. No rule against it at my
range, first time I did it after coming out off the firing line back
in the lobby, Bill was behind the counter. He said he was watching
on the remote monitor. Not a lot of young guys with Double
Action shooting it seems, these days they like their Tupperware.
I guess 2/3rds to 75% DA vs SA
I then switch to the 625, about the same routine, but practice
smooth reloads with either full moon clips prepared at home, or with
HKS speedloaders with the .45 AR. I don't do the empty the cyl. as
fast as possible with it though. It's had the Master Revolver Action
Job at S&W - although my 617 is very smooth for an out of the box
action and has less reciprocating mass/parts the smoothness of the
worked over 625 is noticeable switching over.
If my vision allowed shooting out to 25-50 yards I'd
probably shoot mostly SA - FWIW.
Randall
Model 18 4" Bbl. Combat Masterpiece in the mid-60s. I carried the Mod. 18 on the farm in my teens. I recall a lot of SA shots at
cottontails and DA proficiency came along slowly. A few times I would
stop the tractor after scaring up a horned toad. THey stop after scampering - I'd stop the tractor and do a slow DA trigger pull to pick them
off, smooth, keeping the sights aligned is the trick.
These days on range trips, I'll take my MOdel 617 10 shot cyl. 6" Bbl
along with my 625 5" Bbl. .45 ACP/.45 AR. They both weigh 45 oz. and
the sight radius is almost the same with the med. K-frame being
shorter in length it's only approx. .5 difference in length, although the
617 has a little differenct balance. I start the revolver practice with
the 617, a cylinder full in SA, only - with my vision I'm limited to 7-10
yards. 2nd Cyl. SA first shot, followed by a slow DA shot, concentrating
on a smooth pull. 3rd cylinders will be 10 DA shots, and then
worrk in 4th-nth, with 5x Double Taps. And just for "fun" I'll DA a full cylilnder as fast as i can empty it. No rule against it at my
range, first time I did it after coming out off the firing line back
in the lobby, Bill was behind the counter. He said he was watching
on the remote monitor. Not a lot of young guys with Double
Action shooting it seems, these days they like their Tupperware.
I guess 2/3rds to 75% DA vs SA
I then switch to the 625, about the same routine, but practice
smooth reloads with either full moon clips prepared at home, or with
HKS speedloaders with the .45 AR. I don't do the empty the cyl. as
fast as possible with it though. It's had the Master Revolver Action
Job at S&W - although my 617 is very smooth for an out of the box
action and has less reciprocating mass/parts the smoothness of the
worked over 625 is noticeable switching over.
If my vision allowed shooting out to 25-50 yards I'd
probably shoot mostly SA - FWIW.
Randall
I think that's a very good idea. I shot my DA target revolver 90% SA, and then went to a speed match (steel plate) and had my clock cleaned. In fact, I almost *couldn't* shoot DA because I instinctively reached for the hammer every time. For most people, it's very true that you will fight like you train, unless you're a professional fighter and master at all techniques.
I decided to split up my DA vs. SA guns - the 6" target revolver stays as-is and becomes a range-only gun (bullseye, pins etc.). For the house/IDPA revolver (replacing the 6" in that role), I got a used 4" and bobbed the hammer. The DA practice will eventually carry over to the 6" gun (both K-frames) in case I bring it to another speed match.
One day I'll have a 3" SP101, and it will get a DAO hammer for the same reason.
The 4" .22LR revolver will stay as-is. It won't get pulled for a home invasion or whatever.
For SA love, the Blackhawk will do just fine without any compromises.
I'm an incorrigible optimizer, and would LOVE to have one gun (ok, maybe two) for all situations - it would just set my mind at ease. (Un)fortunately many shooty goals are mutually exclusive. Instead I end up optimizing by having a separate gun for each function - and running out of space.
-Daizee
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Hmmm... are they not a protected species in WA?
As a bit of a lizard nut I hate to hear of them being used for target practice -- especially as the species has had such a hard time keeping off the endangered list.
-Sam
Marvin KNox
Member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2008
- Messages
- 244
IMO - a DA/SA revolver that is carried for self defense should be shot far in excess of 90% in the DA mode.
Some say that you should remove the hammer on a revolver to alleviate the temptation to revert to SA in a self defense situation. I agree that high stress and SA may not fit together well for self defense. Buy I think if a guy stayed way above 90% DA in his practice shooting he would get good enough not to need to revert to SA just for a little accuracy.
Pure target shooting is always fun in SA - stance, breathing, sight picture and all that - you know? When I hunt spotted owls on Weyerhauser land just outside of Seattle I alway use the SA mode to be assured of a good clean head shot.
Some say that you should remove the hammer on a revolver to alleviate the temptation to revert to SA in a self defense situation. I agree that high stress and SA may not fit together well for self defense. Buy I think if a guy stayed way above 90% DA in his practice shooting he would get good enough not to need to revert to SA just for a little accuracy.
Pure target shooting is always fun in SA - stance, breathing, sight picture and all that - you know? When I hunt spotted owls on Weyerhauser land just outside of Seattle I alway use the SA mode to be assured of a good clean head shot.
Lovesbeer99
Member
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2006
- Messages
- 1,413
30% SA for accuracy at distances up to 25 yards.
5% SA weak hand alternating with strong hand at distances up to 15 yards
30% DA slow for accuracy up to 25 yards
35% DA for speed with combat accuracy (maybe more like competition accuracy) up to distances of 25 yards.
I plan to spend more time with strong hand/week hand in DA.
These are rough estimates of course.
5% SA weak hand alternating with strong hand at distances up to 15 yards
30% DA slow for accuracy up to 25 yards
35% DA for speed with combat accuracy (maybe more like competition accuracy) up to distances of 25 yards.
I plan to spend more time with strong hand/week hand in DA.
These are rough estimates of course.
Hostile Amish
member
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2008
- Messages
- 522
I normally shoot DAO for defensive practice, but shoot single-action for target shooting.
weisse52
Member
DAO, If I want to shoot SA I will buy a SA.
But then if was into handgun hunting I would do a lot more SA.
But then if was into handgun hunting I would do a lot more SA.
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