Tightening up your shot groups

[ShadowByte]

Hello,

I was curious what everyone out there does to help tighten up their groupings? Specifically for pistol shooting. I recently purchased a Glock 26 and I feel I can do OK with it, but I wanted to work on the grouping size. I try to take a solid stance, with my right foot back and I am trying to consciously work on breath control and bringing the trigger straight back in a fluid motion, but I wasn't sure if you guys had any other suggestions or tips that you use to help with this.

Also, I guess I should find out what I should expect from the stock G26 at 15 yds? Right now I can place all 11 rounds into a normal size paper plate without too much trouble at 15 yds, but they are not a tight group by any means. Before I even think about concealed carry, I want to bring in the shot group more. Is it just a matter of practice?

Thanks!

[ProShooter]

Have you considered taking private instruction from a certified instructor? It may be beneficial to you. Its hard for folks to diagnose issues over the internet.

Remember also that self defense shooting directs that you hit center mass, not a 10x ring. Anywhere in the center mass area is good enough. Work on your other skills in conjunction with that.

[ShadowByte]

Have you considered taking private instruction from a certified instructor? It may be beneficial to you. Its hard for folks to diagnose issues over the internet.

One of these days...we live in a bit of a rural area where the nearest anything is over an hour away at least, so it makes things a little tough. I imagine a lot of it just boils down to practice, practice, practice though. I used to go shooting with a friend about 7 years ago who helped me out initially with the correct hand grip with a push/pull effect and a good solid stance, etc., but I had about a 5 year lull in range time, so it feels like I am starting over to an extent.

Also, being new to the G26, I wasn't sure what to expect accuracy wise, so I was curious about how others in here who have shot them do at ~15 yds. From what I heard and read, it is a pretty accurate pistol for its size, so I am sure the majority of the issue is in the hands of the shooter

I definitely realize that it is tough to diagnose what could be my trouble spots, I was looking more for ideas on what everyone does to help tighten up their groupings. Just looking for some tips to add to my time at the range that might aid in improving accuracy.

[newdovo]

I was curious what everyone out there does to help tighten up their groupings? Specifically for pistol shooting.

When practicing with a handgun, I sometimes use a feedback target. You still need good grip, stance, etc., but I've found these helpful. Rather than actually shooting at the target, I'll keep it on the bench and look at where the shot landed on the target that I'm shooting at, compared with where I intended for it to land. Following is an example. There's also a link to a company that sells another one. Some ranges or gun stores carry them also.
http://www.letargets.com/estylez_item.aspx?item=LS-R

target.JPG (53.54 KiB) Viewed 4572 times

Happy shooting!

Parry

[BluemontGlock]

As Pro-Shooter pointed out, everything in a pie late at 15 yards ain't bad...for defensive shooting...

Competition shooting, is something else entirely...

Practice , practice, pratice, as having confidence with your firearm will sever you better then being able to shoot the wings off a fly at 25 yards if you take 30 seconds, slow your breathing, focus, focus, wait for it ....
squeeze...slower...slower...steady steady....even pull even pull,....BANG! (Nice shot)

hopefully you are quick on the draw, and the other party has enough time to think better of testing your accuracy skills...

either way, by the line of your questioning, you are on the right track...
Good luck!

[zephyp]

The feedback chart posted above by newdovo is by far the best place to start. That will help you quickly identify and correct any bad habits.

Regarding grouping for pistol shots, everyone above who said pie size groups is spot on for defense. Remember that 99% of defensive shots are going to be within a 15 foot circle and you wont have time to think about stance, grip, sight picture, etc. Its point and shoot - instinctive shooting as Bill would say.

So, having said all that your first priority is to determine what purpose your practice is for. If its for defensive shooting then use newdovo's chart to correct any bad habit you might have. Move the target to within 15 feet and less and practice defensive instinct shooting. This includes shooting from the hip from close in with the pistol coming up higher as you move the target a little farther out.

If your priority is target shooting then thats a completely different game. IMHO target shooting and defensive shooting are two completely different things and require completely different mind sets and approaches.

For each one, think ahead about a scenario that you might find yourself in and practice accordingly. Consistently putting 10 controlled rounds in a 2" inch group at 25 yards will not be of great help when faced with a mugger on the street pointing a gun in your belly if you havent prepared for that scenario.

Good luck and good shooting.

[gunderwood]

If your priority is target shooting then thats a completely different game. IMHO target shooting and defensive shooting are two completely different things and require completely different mind sets and approaches.

Agree, but target shooting is good for self defence training too IMHO. Target shooting, if done properly, is where you learn the mechanics of shooting. Teaching your body how to point the pistol properly, absorb recoil for follow up shots, stance, trigger pull, etc. Target shooting can teach you to control the gun better and that will translate to better shots anywhere.

E.g. If you slap or jerk the trigger while target shooting, my experience is you will only do it worse when shooting quickly and/or from bad setups.

I do a mixture of both types of training.

[ShadowByte]

Newdovo, thank you for posting that target example, that is the first time I have seen that and I think that will help out with trying to pinpoint some issues/bad habits.

Thank you guys for the input as well. Zephyp and Gunderwood, you guys make some nice points. I think I will add the in close practice the next time I am out there and start to work on those skills as well, since I've only really done target shooting. Seems like both styles of practice play a strong part in becoming accurate and quick. After reading several articles on how most situations go down, it makes a lot of sense to try and practice scenarios at different distances, especially up close, in addition to proper shooting mechanics.

Thank you guys for the input, it is much appreciated.