Today's P90 outing

[Donaldjr1969]

I just got back from the range today with the P90 and I am very happy with my performance. All groups are 8shot groups unless stated. Target distance was 7-8 yards, the maximum distance I would expect to engage an intruder in my home. Also, a closer distance is helping me get my shooting and grip technique improved. Later on, I can actually move the target out to the max distance of 20yds. Ammo used was Winchester White Box FMJ 230g.

3rd best group (5shot)

2nd best

Best group

In the one above, you can see how 6 shots basically went into nearly the same home. If a quarter does not cover it, a Kennedy 50¢ piece surely will.

Now I know there are some members here that can do better groups at longer distances. But to me, this is great progress. The last time I shot was on Father's Day any my best group was 4" while my worst was around 6" or so! All that dry-firing I have done really is helping. Prior to today, the P90 only had 150 rounds through it. Since I had to save up for my 2nd half property taxes, ammo had to wait. But now...I can afford more range time and ammo! :mrgreen:

Simply put, I am THRILLED with my progress. But what do others here think?

 

[ArmedinAZ]

It's very satisfying to see groups tighten up. Keep it up.

For 10 yard shooting I use a sheet of plain paper with a 1" black dot. You might give it a try @ your 7 yard distance.

I shoot nice 1" groups while dry firing, but not so much when I put ammo in the pistol.

 

[BuckJM53]

Donald ... Congrats on cutting your group sizes in half since your last time out (significant improvement ). All that dryfire practice really paid off for you. I'm curious regarding which dryfire exercise worked best you you? When I started (many moons ago), the most effective exercise for me was the nickle behind the front sight .... really helped me fine tune my trigger control. :wink:

 

[Donaldjr1969]

Buck, when I would dry-fire, I merely aimed at a small object across the room no bigger than 2 inches. This could include a doorknob, the round logo on a pepsi can, the knob that holds the glass shade on my ceiling lights, etc. I would observe how much the front sight moved when the hammer dropped. I also got some tips on breathing from a former police officer where I work. And it seemed to have paid off. Now mind you, I was doing both SA and DA trigger pulls. But at the range, I shot all but one round SA. I figured I have to walk before I can run. When I get better and more consistent (my groups did vary widely, especially when I rushed a shot or jerked the trigger) grouping, then I will move the target back to 10 yards and beyond. For what it's worth, I shoot at a 20yd range.

AZ, I know what you mean about dryfire groups. However, I sometimes think it is the "rush" from the smell of freshly burnt gunpowder as well as the thrill of being at the range to measure our progress that gets our groups wider than we like.

 

[BuckJM53]

I figured I have to walk before I can run. When I get better and more consistent (my groups did vary widely, especially when I rushed a shot or jerked the trigger) grouping, then I will move the target back to 10 yards and beyond. For what it's worth, I shoot at a 20yd range.

"Walking before you run" is indeed the correct approach Donald. I've seen many new guys get very frustrated when they start out by trying to shoot centerfire handguns at 15 - 25 yards (even small errors in technique are significantly magnified at extended distances). When I have the opportunity to work with new shooters, I always start them out at 10 - 15 feet to begin to build their confidence, and move the target out in 5' increments as they become proficient at each distance. If you really concentrate hard on .....

1. Establishing proper (and consistant) sight alignment
2. Controlling your breathing
3. Trigger control with a smooth trigger squeeze and follow through (with no flinch)

.... You will be able to reduce the size of those P90 groups down to around 1" at 10 yards (as was proven in last month's P-Series challange) :wink: I look forward to seeing your progress targets .

 

[Anthony Williams]

Donaldjr1969,

I hope Rev doesn't see your post, he'd probably faint in disbelief.:lol:

A.W.

BTW_ Nice Shootin'