Practice with a purpose?

First topic message reminder :

I'm new to BE and not much more experienced handling guns in general.  I've been working on my shooting techniques and trying to gain enough confidence to begin shooting with our local BE group.  So far, my .22lr is getting fairly accurate and consistent but my .45ACP efforts just plain suck.  I shoot about 3 days a week for about an hour, splitting my time equally between the two above calibers.  Before heading out to the range I try to have a plan or idea on what I want to accomplish or at least work on - practice with a purpose.  So far this is what I've learned, at least recently.  Any comments would be appreciated.

I've found it relatively easy finding improvement in just about every outing with the .22lr.  Once I was able to get some consistent groups I was able to successfully dial in the rear sight to bring the groups closer to the bullseye.  Very satisfying.  I just tried a red dot for the first time this morning and was able to close the groups even tighter.  Still room for improvement but I see some positive results.  One thing I can't figure out though is if I shoot at rest from a bench (just trying to zero in the sights) the groups are different, usually higher, than when shooting standing up.  The distance is the same.  Why would the small change in elevation move the POI?  Also, I found that my shots become erratic after shooting a while.  Does fatigue come into play that much?

As for the .45ACP I have no idea what's going on.  I tried this morning to shoot with my left foot forward (I'm right handed) and it felt more comfortable than with the right foot forward.  In both cases my feet are about shoulder width apart and at a 45 degree angle.  I seem to get more shots to group together but these groups can be all over the target.  I'm shooting with both hands with the .45ACP for now.  What stance should I be using?

beeser wrote:

DavidR wrote:... shoot one handed  then you will find that stance will come into play and body turned left and  left foot in front will work for you.

Did you intend to write right foot forward?

yes

DavidR wrote:Looks like your little over 3 hour drive from some of the best bullseye matches in the country, phoenix and Pima both have clubs that host matches that some of the top shooters shoot at monthly. Im sure there are others but a trip to a match there would be a wealth of knowledge.
Arizona:
[*]Phoenix Rod and Gun Club in Phoenix, AZ
[*]Pima Pistol Club near Tucson, AZ

[*]
Thanks DavidR!  We have another home near Phoenix so I contacted a very helpful gentleman with the Pistol Division of the Phoenix Rod and Gun Club and plan to meet up with the group in the near future.

You are now on the right track to get into bullseye.  Have a seasoned shooter take you under their wing and enter a match or shoot in a league! You might be nervous to try, but it's easier than it looks with lots of people to help you.

For now, just bring the equipment you have, and do the best you can and have fun.  When you have just enough experience to know what equipment is best for you, THEN look into different equipment.

Welcome to the addiction!

Beeser;

Welcome to sunny Arizona.
I am sure we will meet at PRGC sometime in the near future.
Summer is here and we pretty much shut down for the weekend BE shoots but they do have Monday night leauges that some participate in.
BE will return full time in September and get you tuned up for the state championships in October.
Plan on shooting the largest event in February, the Desert Midwinter.
See you around.

Clarence

Dry firing will help alot.  Get one of those ankle wieghts and put it on your wrist.  Use a blinder on your non-dominate eye.  Put a black spot on the wall and work through your shot process.  Develop a shot process.  There is a wealth of knowledge at http://www.bullseyepistol.com/

If you form a habit of dry firing, say 15 minutes, each day, you will gain arm strength, stillness and mental toughness.  Try it; you'll be suprised how much practice you can get.

Dry firing with an ankle weight wrapped around the wrist.  I would've never thought of that.  Thanks!  I've been patiently reading through the material on bullseyepistol.com.  Wealth of knowledge is an understatement.

I shot one-handed exclusively yesterday and it wasn't as bad as I thought.  There was even some improvement using the .45.  I also started shooting with both eyes open and that too wasn't a difficult adjustment.  However, I found using the red dot was much easier with than with the metal sights.  I think it's because you only have to focus on one object with the red dot.  Correct?

Beeser,

   You only have to focus on one object with steel sights. You only focus on the front sight. The human eyeball can't really focus on two objects at different distances at the same time. Whatever you do while shooting steel don't try to shift your focus back and forth.

OldMaster64 wrote:Beeser,

   You only have to focus on one object with steel sights. You only focus on the front sight. The human eyeball can't really focus on two objects at different distances at the same time. Whatever you do while shooting steel don't try to shift your focus back and forth.

That probably explains why using the red dot was not a problem.  Thanks!  I'll try that during my next practice session in a few days.

Best advice I've seen in this thread is to associate yourself with a BE community an choose a mentor. You'll discover that almost everyone you meet will take the time to listen and apply his/her suggestions.

don't anguish over the bad shots remember what you  did when the shot was a ten or "X".