When is a good time for training, before or after conquering the flinch?

[Kharn]

As I've mentioned in a few previous posts, I'm an utterly horrible pistol shot and have been shopping around for the best place to get training in the area.

My best best results with a pistol so far were two targets where I put ~30 rounds per target into a solid 1" group, about 1" low and 1" left at 3 yards (new Ruger MkII on my first time out with it this past weekend, the sights could be off)(when I ran the target out to 6 yards, the group went to 2" diameter, 1.5" low, 1.5" right). My normal performance with my .45 1911 is a BIG pattern 3+" left and 5+" low at 3-7yds (I normally shoot at an outdoor range where the first target position is 7 yards), with a horrible flinch (after shooting the MkII for ~150 rounds, I was able to put 4 rounds of .45acp very close to the bullseye at 3yds, but the flinch started coming back on the 5th shot, and got progressively worse until the 11th round was 5" low and 3" right, when I called it quits for the day).

Now to my question, should I get my flinch under control with the MkII, and work on my groups and distance with the MkII before seeking out training (NRA Basic Handgun is the main one I'm looking at), or should I let the class handle that?

Kharn

 

[GigaBuist]

Practice, practice, practice.

Nevermind, my original post didn't even adress his question. I'll PM it over to them.

Depends on the kind of training I guess. Safety training? Your accuracy isn't the big deal, it's being semi-competent at landing rounds, and learning how to handle your arms safely.

Scenario training? Better have the basics down before you plunk down the cash.

Just my two cents.

 

[El Tejon]

Does not matter. Do not make excuses. Seek knowledge now!

 

[Kharn]

Forgot to add, the main reason I want the class is so I can qualify for a Florida CCW license, Boy Scouts already jackhammered the four rules and such into my brain years ago. I just dont want to waste the instructor's (and my fellow classmates') time with pitiful shooting due to a horrible flinch if I can avoid it.

Kharn

 

[Jeff White]

Kharn,
A good instructor can help you cure the flinch. Sign up and take a class.

Jeff

 

[pax]

If you wait to take a class until you don't really need to take a class, it'll really be a waste of money.

pax

 

[Sven]

A good instructor can save you years and lots of money.

 

[El Tejon]

3 days with the Master equal 3 years training alone.

 

[Kharn]

Looks like I'd better open up the ol' bank account and start checking which schools in the area are available.

Kharn

 

[Gocart]

Same advice. Take a class with a quality instructor. It's the best money you'll ever spend on shooting.

 

[Kharn]

I found another reason to take the NRA course ASAP: Delaware and Florida now have CCW reciprocity (I'm in Delaware a lot for school) and I need a training class to get a Florida permit.

Kharn

 

[Waitone]

Practice does not make perfect

Perfect practice makes perfect.

Learn to do it right, then practice it.

Get to an NRA instructor and spend a few hours. Best money you'll ever spend.

 

[Gocart]

waitone, your quote caused me to post this link to an article recently posted to our website. It uses the same quote...

Don't Drag Your Drycleaning

 

[Moparmike]

Shoot outside with hearing protection.

I shot a total of 9 rounds with my 10mm with ear muffs. 9 rounds, and they were all over a 2' * 2' paper in an indoor range. Given that I had never shot a pistol before, it was to be expected that my results would be bad. But not at 3 yards!


Then I went to my mom's house, and shot outside with ear plugs. It made a world of difference. Take a look at the results.

It gets better with practice. I still need to get an instructor though.

 

[TarpleyG]

I learned more in three hours last Tuesday night about shooting a handgun that I have learned in the 10+ years I have spent carrying one. I HIGHLY recommend any type of training you can get, even if it is informal like what I did and even if you are a crap shot. You can learn stuff to go practice on your own.

My goal this year is to shoot at least a dozen IDPA matches and attend either Thunder Ranch or a Randy Cain class in Lakeland, FL. I am finally to the point where I might be able to afford a formal class.

GT

 

[Kharn]

I'm signed up for Basic Pistol this Saturday (and next Saturday, 6hrs per day) at an indoor range up in Rockville, MD. Its a long drive, but I decided not to wait until the end of the month for something closer. $145+ammo (county rules say you have to buy the range's ammo), best part is my parents are paying the $145 (they're paying because they put out lots of money each year for my brother's tennis lessons).

Kharn