Shooting Revolvers -- Some Advice Sought

[Thomas Traddles]

I thank everyone for their replies. Chaim, I feel your frustration! But at least now I have some sort of knowledge benchmark to start finding what works and I can be more attentive about things now as a result.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The thing you really need to focus on is trigger management...much more so than grip or sight alignment.

However you press/pull/stroke the trigger, it needs to move straight to the rear in a smooth and consistent rate.

When establishing good trigger management habits, slower is always better than faster

 

[Coyote3855]

Working with new shooters in the NRA Basic Pistol Class, one of the most consistent mistakes is lack of follow through after aiming, grip, stance, breath control have been addressed. Shooters need to be reminded to be consistent with the other basics after the shot is fired. I see students looking to see where the shot went instead of practicing follow through. This doesn't address any particular off center group, but does interfere with tight groups on target.

 

[Sean Edmunds]

You might really want to take a look at your front sight as well. I had a Super Blackhawk that I could not sight in for the life of me with the rear cranked way to one side. Upon further inspection the barrel was loosening as I shot it. I tried several times to tighten it back up, finally sent it back to Ruger and they fixed it.

I'm not saying your barrel is loose, though it doesn't hurt to check, but make sure the front sight is on top and square..

 

[gamestalker]

I have really, really small hands, and short fingers. It took a lot drilling time to figure out how to solve the problem, but solved it has been, and for about 35 years. I can consistently shoot nice single hole groups at 5, 10, & 15 yards.

Honestly, I couldn't even imagine using a compensation method to rely on for what would be a life and death SD situation. I need to know with absolute certainty, that if necessary, I can confidently make a head shot at typical self defense distances.

GS

 

[fiftybmg]

The best practice is double action shooting.

Mild recoiling .38 special will do.

Draw and fire two shots as quickly as you can at a target not less than seven yards away. With practice of the trigger control, you can get snake-eyes.

Then you'll be able to shoot any revolver more accurately.

In the time of Ed McGivern, it was possible to have grips custom made to the hand of the shooter. It was Ed's opinion that the fit of the grip in the hand also contributed to more accurate shooting.

 

[TfflHndn]

Good information in that US Army marksmanship guide. Shows that the basics don't change much. The discussion of smoking kinda dates it, doesn't it? $.40 a pack for cigs? And no discussion of chew or dip? Just keep in mind everyone's different. Figure out what works for you, and develop your mechanics routine. Then trust your mechanics. Failing to trust mine cost me a second "leg" toward distinguished when I figured out too late that I was issued a bad gun. Switched too late, and if I had shot both days what I shot the second-day-over, I would have medaled. When your mechanics are sound, the groups will reflect it. Then you can adjust your groups and watch your scores climb.

 

[stu1ritter]

The original version of the manual dates back to Bill Blankenship's days when it only covered the National Match course of fire. Now there are manuals for all the ISU disciplines also. They are a little hard to find.
Stu