Think I'm turning in my autos

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I've got a similar problem shooting semi autos vs revolvers. I started shooting hand guns about 2 1/2 years ago and shoot my two GP-100s and model 10s much better than either of my semi autos. I've been frustrated to the point of thinking about selling my semis too. I decided to keep my P226 Sig 9mm and get an instructor instead of wasting more ammo trying to diagnose myself. I'm going to concentrate on the revolvers which I enjoy shooting before I tackle the Sig again. Range trips are a lot more fun when you hit what you're aiming at. I'd keep a 1911 if I were you or you may end up on the "guns you have wished you didn't sell" threads. Thanks for posting.
 
bersaguy: said:
US Army training film on the use of the 1911. Has mention of the difference between revolver and auto grip

Boy, I haven’t seen that two-handed grip technique with a 1911 since my U.S.A.F. days way back when! Thanks for sharing that, but I’ll stick to the “updated” two-handed grip!
 
I would love to find a good instructor and I don't mean a certified NRA instructor. I mean someone that can diagnose what I am doing wrong and what to do to correct it. I don't need someone to tell me what a magazine is or how a slide works or what the difference is between fixed and adjustable sights. Some of the NRA instructors I've seen are no better shooters than the rest of us, they just spent the money on the video and work book so they can be labeled "certified".

I wanted to think about this before responding. I guess the first question I have for you is this: Does the NRA basic pistol course or the instructors themselves promise to teach advanced or even intermediate marksmanship skills? Of course the answer is no, the course is intended to teach beginners the absolute basics and safety.

I have the certification in question, I took the time to get it for basically personal enrichment, much like my most recent college degree, a AS in Biology that I earned at age 60, well past the optimal age to make a career change. I had to take the NRA Basic Pistol Class, the one that I'm now certified to teach. The first words out of the instructors mouth was "we are here to learn basic pistol skills, not how to become a Master Class competitor. If that is your expectation then see me later and I will point you in the right direction".

Second of all there isn't any way to become certified that I know of by watching a video.

Since you admit that your skills are in need of improvement and you would "love" to find a qualified instructor to help you improve, may I ask what geographical location is it in the USA where there is literally no one qualified to help you reach your goals? It is very likely that an instructor that meets the qualifications; required to diagnose and remediate will charge considerably more than the basic pistol class charges and will probably take more than (1) 8 hour group session.

I personally don't "teach" the basic class but will assist another instructor if asked. On occasion a student will inquire about further instruction. I think the answer to that inquiry depends on what exactly the student wants to achieve. Last year, as a "B" shooter in SCSA, which is an intermediate skills classification, I took a 5 hour class with 4 other competitors designed to put everyone at a baseline of skills and attitude and break down each component of the cof. Then in detail re-start from the ground and build a plan for advancement. When I got home I had notes and ideas but my actual skills were unchanged.

Over the winter I used my notes to set up a practice routine and used the skills the instructor went over to set out to move up in classification. This I did but it took time and effort, a lot of time and a lot of effort. 3 other students in the class have not improved at all this year and in some cases shoot worse. Is this the fault of the instructor or the student? You cannot pay someone to give you skills but you can be presented the tools that will make you better but you need to do your part.

A basic pistol instructor doesn't need to be an expert marksmen. True they should be experienced enough to diagnose beginner issues like proper grip and sight picture. When I was taking the instructor class there was a portion dedicated to teaching a "mock" class of beginners and while the instructor candidates are required to demonstrate some kind of marksmanship skills it really isn't that difficult.

I live in a area where I can with ease employ several Grand Master classified and highly distinguished competitors that will for a fee (lets say $600.00/day) teach me the fine points of my favorite game. I know people that have done this with positive results. I know others that have done it with little to show for it. I have also seen competitors who shoot well, breaking one or more of the basic technique rules but still achieve a good score.

So what to make of all of this? My opinion of course but if you have already acquired the basic information and know what a slide is but want to get better then prolly the best thing you can do for yourself is define you goals and then set up a detailed plan to meet those goals. There are many books and videos that you can use to refine your plan but the main things is to realize that the best way to improve gun handling skills is to spend time, a lot of time, actually handling the gun. I don't know you personally but I think that if you want to improve yours skills and are willing to make a viable plan and diligently work at it then you should see positive results. Good luck and have a great day!
 
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I just keep seeing this thread pop. We all have different preferences and that's cool, but boy I just love them all too much to give up any of them.

Yeah they all go bang, but they bang different. ;)

Different hair color comes to mind.
 
I feel the same way as OP. I shoot revolvers just fine, but with semi autos I'm never on target.

For one, I just hate 3 dot sights like 99% of centerfire pistols have the days, and then for some reason, I tend to always shoot semi autos low. I always thought it was just me jerking as I pulled long striker pistol triggers, but I tend to do the same thing with a 1911 (where even the cheapest import junk has a trigger pull like nothing).

It's definitely a technique issue, but when I'm going out to shoot, my thoughts are "how many bullets do I waste today getting better with a Glock vs hitting what I want with a GP 100". So I'll usually take more revolvers than semis.
 
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I feel the same way as OP. I shoot revolvers just fine, but with semi autos I'm never on target.

For one, I just hate 3 dot sights like 99% of centerfire pistols have the days, and then for some reason, I tend to always shoot semi autos low. I always thought it was just me jerking as I pulled long striker pistol triggers, but I tend to do the same thing with a 1911 (not as bad where even the cheapest import junk has a trigger pull like nothing).

It's definitely a technique issue, but when I'm going out to shoot, my thoughts are "how many bullets do I waste today getting better with a Glock vs hitting what I want with a GP 100". So I'll usually take more revolvers than semis.

Exactly!
 
Yes, former LE here and cut my teeth on a Ruger single action Super, and also the .357s that
the Deputies allowed me to handle when a young Cadet@14 years old.

Nobody could own a handgun in Oregon until 21, or carry as a police officer.

My first duty gun was Model 66, but I also had a .44 Redhawk and later went to SIGs and
other autos, which ended up with a CZ75 and then Czforum.com, so many years ago,

However, I've always had Ruger revolvers around.

One thing that amazes me is that after I come back from a rnage sseion with a revlover,
I shake my head an wonder why I have to work to get good hits on paper with auto,
but just center punch with a revover? Eps.a LCr or SP-101, and now my GP in .44 Special.
Anyone else feel the same way?

Now that the idiocy in Seatle and Bloomberg backing is going headstrong with the
Lock em up innitive, we will probably see the Demorats get that proposition through
like the last one that bans private sales, did.

I live in WA state, but Eastern WA, is like Idaho..

The Democrats in Salem and Seatle are gun banner wet dreams that impose their
will on us common folks.

We will have to Register our semi auto rifles, even .22s this year.

Probably our semi-auto handguns next year, so REVOLVER only
looks good, but They Will Take those Eventually.

Love revolvers here, and all guns.
 

I keep thinking those red dots are the way to go. But I'm also hesitant to sink $150-$200 or so (just judging by what I've seen on Brownell's sales) on a Glock slide cut out for a dot sight, then like another $200 on the red dot itself, without ever having shot a dot on a pistol before. Just seems like a recipe for disappointment.

Maybe if I find a pistol I like with a pre-cut slide, it'll lower the cost enough to where I'll take a chance on it.
 
If you're not doing serious work, and just want to see how it works for you, you can get mounting plates that fit in the rear slide dovetail.
 
If it's a matter of preference, keep what you like. Sounds like you'll be well armed either way.

If it's a matter of not believing you have the potential to shoot the auto loader as well you do the revolver, get training from someone who can help you improve... You can do it! (Rob Snider voice)
 
If it's a matter of preference, keep what you like. Sounds like you'll be well armed either way.

If it's a matter of not believing you have the potential to shoot the auto loader as well you do the revolver, get training from someone who can help you improve... You can do it! (Rob Snider voice)
Holy thread revival batman! You're right though, practice is all I probably needed.

Yea the autos have been gone a few months now. And honestly not regretting a thing! I have a feeling I'll pick up the latest and greatest wonder nine or two in the future though.:thumbup: . In the end I enjoy revolvers alot more.

For now these guys get the job done.

KIMG1012~2.JPG KIMG0993~2.JPG

I have a gp100 and Redhawk aswell, but I think they're going to get sold off . Need cash stashed away for a gun fund when my little one gets here in october and the budget becomes super tight. Hate missing out on a deal for lack of funds. And well the little one is top priority. The four pictured do everything I need from handguns at this point in time. Not that there's anything wrong with extra guns!:D
 
Holy thread revival batman! You're right though, practice is all I probably needed.

Yea the autos have been gone a few months now. And honestly not regretting a thing! I have a feeling I'll pick up the latest and greatest wonder nine or two in the future though.:thumbup: . In the end I enjoy revolvers alot more.

For now these guys get the job done.

View attachment 838185 View attachment 838186

I have a gp100 and Redhawk aswell, but I think they're going to get sold off . Need cash stashed away for a gun fund when my little one gets here in october and the budget becomes super tight. Hate missing out on a deal for lack of funds. And well the little one is top priority. The four pictured do everything I need from handguns at this point in time. Not that there's anything wrong with extra guns!:D

Yeah I’m new around here so I’ve been reading through a lot of the posts... guess I’ve probably been posting on threads lonnnnnng gone.

Great looking guns you’ve got there, I’m a wheel gun lover myself. I still like autoloaders but revolvers just feel like they have more soul :cool:

Congrats on the little one on the way, don’t blink, time goes by too fast with them.
 
Well was able to get out and do quite a bit of shooting this weekend. Was great. Just informal plinking paper targets at 10 yards. With the occasional can or so tossed in the mix. Great weather,great company,great time! However was not thrilled with my some of my shooting. I have come to think I'm ready to offload my last 2 autos for a few more revolvers.

I started buying handguns May 2016. I have 2 1911's left and 3 revolvers. Both 1911 aquired this year. One RIA 22 and the other an sr1911 5" in 45 acp. No matter what I do I can't group very well with an auto. Yes I do get the occasional good group( everyone has different standards I suppose). Had the same issue with my p01 and g17 which went down the road within the last few months.All the guns we're great guns, just not in my hands. I SUCK! Like 6" groups at 10 yards kinda suck. I shot my brothers sp2022 and buddy's commander 1911 this weekend aswell. I did get the occasional 2-3" group with a flyer or two,but nothing impressive. It's my fault and has to be the way I handle them. Some I shot better than others,but none to amazing.

Now in the same range session I would put down the auto and pickup my gp100,or my blackhawk produce beautiful tight little groups consistently . Like 2" or less .My best group from the last two days where from my brothers SBH 44 mag. I put one cylinder into an inch, not terribly impressive at such close range to many, but for me I was happier than hell. But I was still surprised that I could group so much more consistently with that Boomer than i could with my little 22 cal 1911. I also noticed that I am more recoil shy from the .45 acp than I am with the .44mag. I definitely tend to dip the nose on the 1911 in 45 alot nore. Even when alternating back and forth between the .22 and 45 to break the habit o would still occasional dip the 45. But than would Pickup the .357 with a cylinder full of 180gr buffalo bore and no dip. Put the bullets right on point:confused:.

So I think I'm going to sell the two 1911's and get another revolver or two. I shoot them better, and enjoy them more. Kind of a random post, but was wondering if anyone else has gone through the same thing?


To thine own self be true.

Over the years I have been blessed to be able to purchase many, fine firearms.

And I have had a modicum of success with different platforms, but I tend to gravitate back to wheelies.

I like .357, I like the da/sa capability of revolvers, I like the way I can grip them.

And, yes, I like some of the nostalgia associated with them and remembering the first time my uncle let me fire his Python.

I remember a talk I had with a good friend about wanting to go with a 9 “hi cap” because the left hated them so bad. (Perhaps flawed on my part I realize). His reasoned response was, “I understand, but you need to understand in reality those anti 2nd amendment people hate EVERY gun we have”.

I believe he is correct.

Buy and shoot what you love and have the best success with.

God Bless the 2nd.
 
So I think I'm going to sell the two 1911's and get another revolver or two. I shoot them better, and enjoy them more. Kind of a random post, but was wondering if anyone else has gone through the same thing?

If you enjoy them more, there is no more to be said. I’m not a big wheel gun fan but I do get a kick out of shooting my 44mag. It takes recoil therapy as far as I can handle.
 
I keep thinking those red dots are the way to go. But I'm also hesitant to sink $150-$200 or so (just judging by what I've seen on Brownell's sales) on a Glock slide cut out for a dot sight, then like another $200 on the red dot itself, without ever having shot a dot on a pistol before. Just seems like a recipe for disappointment.

Maybe if I find a pistol I like with a pre-cut slide, it'll lower the cost enough to where I'll take a chance on it.

IMI mount for a dot, $27. Bushnell First Strike red dot, $123.79. Cheap way to see if a red dot is for you.
XDM with Ultra Dot LT Red Dot on IMI Mount @ 50%.JPG
 
well bones741, now that the thread has been revived, have you fixed your "auto" problem?

murf
 
Hope you enjoy what you shoot. Some guns have a learning curve, while others seem made for you-- in my opinion. I would second the suggestion to get a good shooter friend or an instructor to watch you shoot and to make suggestions. I find it hard to believe that you can't shoot a 1911 accurately--unless your hand is too small to fit the grip size. Otherwise, the SA trigger is so forgiving for most shooters it allows them to shoot better than they do with most other guns. One caveat: I shoot reloads exclusively now when I go to the range and I'm sure they recoil less than most commercial ammo. That could make a real difference.
 
Well was able to get out and do quite a bit of shooting this weekend. Was great. Just informal plinking paper targets at 10 yards. With the occasional can or so tossed in the mix. Great weather,great company,great time! However was not thrilled with my some of my shooting. I have come to think I'm ready to offload my last 2 autos for a few more revolvers.

I started buying handguns May 2016. I have 2 1911's left and 3 revolvers. Both 1911 aquired this year. One RIA 22 and the other an sr1911 5" in 45 acp. No matter what I do I can't group very well with an auto. Yes I do get the occasional good group( everyone has different standards I suppose). Had the same issue with my p01 and g17 which went down the road within the last few months.All the guns we're great guns, just not in my hands. I SUCK! Like 6" groups at 10 yards kinda suck. I shot my brothers sp2022 and buddy's commander 1911 this weekend aswell. I did get the occasional 2-3" group with a flyer or two,but nothing impressive. It's my fault and has to be the way I handle them. Some I shot better than others,but none to amazing.

Now in the same range session I would put down the auto and pickup my gp100,or my blackhawk produce beautiful tight little groups consistently . Like 2" or less .My best group from the last two days where from my brothers SBH 44 mag. I put one cylinder into an inch, not terribly impressive at such close range to many, but for me I was happier than hell. But I was still surprised that I could group so much more consistently with that Boomer than i could with my little 22 cal 1911. I also noticed that I am more recoil shy from the .45 acp than I am with the .44mag. I definitely tend to dip the nose on the 1911 in 45 alot nore. Even when alternating back and forth between the .22 and 45 to break the habit o would still occasional dip the 45. But than would Pickup the .357 with a cylinder full of 180gr buffalo bore and no dip. Put the bullets right on point:confused:.

So I think I'm going to sell the two 1911's and get another revolver or two. I shoot them better, and enjoy them more. Kind of a random post, but was wondering if anyone else has gone through the same thing?
Not the same. Exactly opposite.
 
Hope you enjoy what you shoot. Some guns have a learning curve, while others seem made for you-- in my opinion. I would second the suggestion to get a good shooter friend or an instructor to watch you shoot and to make suggestions. I find it hard to believe that you can't shoot a 1911 accurately--unless your hand is too small to fit the grip size. Otherwise, the SA trigger is so forgiving for most shooters it allows them to shoot better than they do with most other guns. One caveat: I shoot reloads exclusively now when I go to the range and I'm sure they recoil less than most commercial ammo. That could make a real difference.
I agree. How can one not shoot a 1911 well? I know, different strokes and all that, but seriously there is no better trigger made. I don’t get it.
 
Ok, this isn't exactly what would be considered proper modern training techniques, but it's pretty interesting. US Army training film on the use of the 1911. Has mention of the difference between revolver and auto grip.

Really liked the video. I have been shooting a 1911 for 50 years & I'm still learning, thanks. Especially liked the "little Tokyo: & "little Berlin" setups. PS: Is tracer 45 ACP ammo still available or can it be reloaded?
 
I agree. How can one not shoot a 1911 well? I know, different strokes and all that, but seriously there is no better trigger made. I don’t get it.

Actually Freedom Arms Premier Grade has better trigger, but reloading the gun takes more time. Well, I suppose that is an effective way to save on ammo.
 
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