Okay, what's really bothering me is that I don't shoot anywhere close to as well as a lot of you guys.
Practice is fine, but you really need instruction. See if you can find an NRA certified pistol instructor. Failing that, a Master-class USPSA, IDPA, etc shooter who's willing to help you out would be great.
Remember, you're buying the lunch and the beers!!
I strongly recommend you buy a good quality air pistol. The main reason is the fact that the gun makes almost no sound, has zero recoil and you can shoot it at home safely.
In order to become a good shot, you have to learn trigger control, follow-through and how to call your shots. These are vital skills. If you want to be able to shoot up to the potential of your gun and ammo, you have to put in the time and effort needed to aquire them.
What you need to see in order to learn those skills is usually lost in the noise and gun movement of a centerfire pistol. A .22 is much better, but an air pistol makes it enormously easier. Pellets are so cheap they might as well be free. You don’t have to go to the range to get in a little trigger time. You can make a backstop out of a cardboard box and some newspapers.
The Daisy 717 is a good example of what I’m talking about.
http://www.airgunsbbguns.com/Daisy_717_Powerline_Single_Pump_Competition_p/day717.htm
The 717 is very accurate (3/4" groups at 25 ft) and doesn’t require Co2 cartridges. I’ve had mine since the late ‘70s and have worn out several sets of seals with untold tens of thousands of shots. Daisy will rebuild one of these guns for around $20. About 15 years ago, they replaced the whole gun. I’d shot it until it wouldn’t stay cocked anymore. As I recall, they charged me $18 and paid for return shipping.
Outstanding customer support.