I have long been an advocate of a J frame revolver as a carry gun.
... At about 1 shot per second , unsupported , my hit rate with the pistol was about 65% , with the S&W m.60 J frame (da) 90% .
... Given my long term experience with revolvers vs semi-auto pistols I have to wonder if I will ever achieve the success rate I have with the J frame revolver. I feel as though I can point and shoot with the revolver , but I need to visually access the front sight with the pistol. I think it's the barrel vs square section slide factor as previously mentioned. I really want to reap the benefits of higher round count (8+1) and light weight of the Walther. ...
Commentary and advice is welcome.
Well, I'd opine that you're on the "best side" of the learning curve, so to speak, meaning you've already done well regarding what's usually the hardest part for many folks ... which is learning to shoot a DA/DAO revolver well.
It's often opined by experienced firearms instructors that it's easier to make a pistol shooter out of a revolver shooter, than the other way 'round. BTDT.
Question, though. Are you shooting the M60 in DA or SA when you get your accurate hits? If you're shooting DA, cool. Great, even. If you're shooting in SA? Well, if you're only using SA, with its lighter and shorter trigger press, you haven't really mastered the little J-frame to the extent possible.
I'm guessing there was a learning curve involved when you were first learning to shoot the J-frame. It's not surprising you'd encounter the same thing changing over to a subcompact plastic pistol with a completely different grip frame, trigger mechanism and visual "cue" (the sights being on a blocky slide).
The change in the grip profile and trigger press is going to take a little effort, just like when you were first learning the J-frame. If you're a RH shooter and getting Low/Left hits with the PPS, that's pretty normal. You're going to have to become "friendlier" with the grip, trigger reach and trigger press elements ... and stop anticipating the the trigger break and subsequent recoil/cycling (which is different that that of the snub revolver).
The "conclusion" of the whole process of your sustaining your grip firmness,
and completion of your trigger finger's "press" (
not "clench"), is going to
feel different than that of your J-frame. Realize it. Accept it. Deal with it. Drive on.
It's just another familiarization experience.
If you were one of the guys/gals I worked with on our range over the years, I'd start by reviewing the differences that may be required in the grip and trigger press break/conclusion ... and we'd step up to shooting at no more than 4yds, focusing on getting consistency in POA/POI, until you (and I) were satisfied and comfortable. Then, I move you back to 5-7yds (max) ... and do it all again. We'd not have you shoot at 10-15yds until your consistent accuracy at 4-7yds was boring you (and me) to tears.
Now, some folks seem to need to make a few changes to their grip and trigger techniques. Others are delighted to find they really only need a single change, or maybe 2 subtle adjustments to their technique. (It's easier for an observed/instructor to see these things while watching you shoot. Not watching your target, necessarily, but watching
you when the loud noises are happening. Hands, forearms, shoulders and hips/feet.
I also agree that just burning powder and hoping things change at some arbitrary round count can be a waste of time (and money). If you practice bad habits (even unconsciously), you're likely only to get "better" at doing those bad habits. The "1 step forward & 2 steps back" practice method isn't helpful. You need to specifically identify the things causing you to not shoot as well as you desire with your new gun, and actually work to
properly correct those things.
At some point you could realize that you're really able to shoot the PPS not only as well as your J-frame, but even better (no more long DAO 12-15lb trigger pull).
Just my thoughts. Good luck.