Pistol to learn accuracy with

[jonboynumba1]

you can also find the old steel frames S&W autos and mags cheap and they tend to be very accurate guns if in decent shape...depends what kind of trigger you want....if you want a SA/DA with a safety the old S&W's can be found cheap...some of them have quite nice triggers. I'm a 1911/GLOCK kinda guy myself...a used 17 would be OK for plinking but GLOCK is not what one thinks of for serious accuracy generally speaking...A used Beretta 92 or Taurus copy there-of could be a good accurate shooter. Also fairly accurate on average. It just depends what fits you...a single-stack S&W nine with the right grips might be just the ticket for you if a 1911 cocked and locked isn't your thing.

ooop just read your post above....the 19 is a fine weapon and great CCW...and there is certainly a .22 kit available for it...good choice!

 

[Red Cent]

As a competitor for a number of years, I can tell you the top shooters will tell you to dryfire. I dryfire for about fifteen minutes every day. Learn the trigger on your gun. Learn the proper hold. Practice until the sight doesn't move when it clicks. And then dryfire more. Take that practice to the range. Don't attempt accuracy. DO NOT SHOOT AT A TARGET FOR A WHiLE. Shoot slowly at a 10'x10' piece of paper. No dots, no marks. Don't try to hit the bullet hole. All shooters have target panic. Most shooters, rifle or pistol, will tense up (target shooting) and will not squeeze the trigger. They will attempt to put the sights on the target and start to pull. The pistol or rifle will start moving and they "panic", moving the rifle or pistol back on target and hitting the trigger. No one can hold still. Learn to focus on the front sight,slowly squeeze the trigger and be surprised.

This practice can be taken to IPSC or IDPA. You have taught your subconscious to perform a certain way and when you pull the pistol, you will do as you practice. Was it Hickok who said "Shoot accurately.........but in ahurry". Or something like that.

You are not required to show everybody, including yourself, that life doesn't depend on an inch group and pressure will be off your back. When you shoot, blur the background, make the front sight clear and crisp and then apply the dryfire practice. Keep watching the sight and when it goes bang continue to watch the front sight. If you do it correct, both the dryfiring and live fire, the breaking of the trigger should suprise you.

Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
Pratice by yourself. Dryfire and live fire. Get rid of the bad habits. When they throw a can out there, apply your practice.
Desire and determination.

 

[Red Cent]

"Target panic is a very unpleasant psychological state which many shooters have experienced. It is recognised on the undesired and sudden impulses to "punch" the trigger as soon as the sight is in or near the bullseye. Sometimes it is impossible to get the sight on the bullseye. If you have target panic, don't give up in despair, it can be effectively cured with some pretty simple exercises. Here I give you an exercise that can be used to cure target panic.

Close range shooting
Put up the largest target face and shoot from a short range. This is so easy so you would be able to perform a good shooting technique if you really try. Concentrate on finding the right feeling and build up your confidence. If you have a serious problem and this exercise is too difficult, just take the target face away as an initial drill. When you are able to perform a good technique, go up and repeat the process. Increase the distance successively and hopefully you will be able to shoot at any distance without any problem. Let this process take some time, several weeks at least."


Target panic is more prevalent in archery and in firearms. I have been taught by professionals in both disciplines.

 

[rtpzwms]

I'll jump in on the 1911 band wagon. A good 1911 and a conversion kit for practice would be a great way to go. With a 100 year history you really won't find a better safer handgun. Also all of the options and models you're likely to find one that will fit you well and look great.

 

[1SOW]

Learn to shoot with a .22 auto.: (Most have approx. grip angle of .45.) Stance, grip sight picture and trigger pull and follow-up---the basics. When you're consistent and comfortable then apply what you've learned and practiced to centerfire. Use scattered snap-caps in your loaded mags. (juggle the mags behind your back so the snap caps are a surprise.

The same principles are used. The difference is flip and recoil increases in CF, so 'second' and subsequent shot target acquisition is different, a little slower. Most shooter problems/mistakes are just the same with .22 or CF. CF justs amplifies the result of improper stance, grip, sight picture and trigger pull and follow-up.