Rookie reflections: Just starting out...

Hey everyone,

A rookie signing in for the first time. After a long hiatus (used to plink tin cans as a kid), I figure I am going to get into shooting. I got my license early this year from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and just joined the local gun club for a place to shoot. My first gun was a S&W 617, since it was well reviewed, .22LR fits in my budget, and I like the old-school wheel-gun action. With a big box of Blazers, the voice of my father's safety rules pounding in my head, earmuffs & prescription glasses, and a pack of targets, I hit the range. First thing I learned - wow! I'm a terrible shot!!!

So now what, I began thinking... Well, if I want to shoot targets better, what do other people do? With Google search engine at my fingertips, I look up competitive pistol shooting. Sweet day in the morning there's a lot there, but now I'm lost in the alphabet soup that is the competitive world. USPSA - I'm all set with running around, shooting as fast as I can. I can barely hit the target standing still! IPSC - Looks like the same thing. IDPA - Again... I'm not looking to defend myself against the paper targets. Mind you - there's nothing wrong this those disciplines and I respect those that can do it. However, what I really want to do is be able to hit the bullseye with a bit more technique than "spray and pray". So, back to Google with "Bullseye shooting". Hey! Now that's more like it! They even have a league at my gun club I can join in the fall. Looks right up my alley, so I dive in.

So how do I start? Step 1 - They say I need a bullseye gun. Wait... I need 3 different guns? Let's just start small with one gun, and begin with the 22LR, since that's the one the league shoots. Hmmm.... wonder how much they are... Great Scott! $1,000 just to start? Let's look cheaper... Ruger MkII/MkIII looks good, but my dad has one that he never shoots (he's a "collector"). I might be able to get it from him, but first of all, he lives in Michigan. Not too convenient. Secondly, he's not too keen on giving up his collection, so I'll wait on that. The gun store's S&W 22A looks really nice and the owner loves his. Much better fit for my budget, and a lifetime warranty. Easy to break down & clean. 5.5" barrel seems pretty good and comes with a nice scope mounting system. The target grips feel great in my hand, and that red dot in the display case fits the budget and the gun. I think we're on to something! If I start to get decent, then I can maybe think about upgrading. If I get frustrated, I'm not out a ton of money. Sounds good - wrap it up!

So here I am. I have a new pistol to sight in, another box of ammo, a pack of slow-fire and timed fire targets, earmuffs (as always), and an Army Marksmanship Unit manual downloaded. Wish me luck!!!

Hey Leadslinger,

Welcome to the wonderful world of precision pistol shooting. Most of us that got into are "junkies" and are fairly addicted to the sport. I have a website you might want to check out www.2700-270x.com

The website has a fair amount of information about the whole sport so it might be a good place to catch some ideas.

Chris

Agreed with Chris. Everything will progress normally until you start shooting a target in the 90's once in awhile...then you will be hooked, wondering why you cant do that all the time.

It will then start messing with your head worse than smoking bath salts.

Good thing its fun, and most people wont think you are too wierd with this habit...I mean HOBBY!

Welcome to the addiction!

I agree with all of the above. I shot my first string in the 90's yesterday (92) and I can't stand that I have no idea what I did different.

As a newbie myself, I find that nothing substitutes for bullets down range at this point.

Best of luck!
dsd

Welcome to the Forum and the brotherhood of Bullseye pistol shooting. We are a good bunch of people, just ask us!

Just start out, I would simply enjoy the sport and the challenge while you still can and work on the very basics of basics. Grip, Stance, Sight (dot) alignment, and TRIGGER CONTROL!

Do the last one a lot! Chris has offered up his site which is nice and Chris is a stand up guy and a decent shot to boot!
Another couple more sites with some excellent reading is bullseyepistol.com or brianzins.com.

Do not try to fix what you are doing wrong! Figure out what you are doing right and make that consistent and repeatable.

Simple right?

And definitely partake in the league events, you will likely find a wealth of advice and tips from there. For FREE!

Thanks to all for the great encouragement! I was going to hit the range tonight, but between the 100 degree heat and the power company trucks working outside my window until 3:30AM last night, I'm not sure I'll have the energy.

Right now, my goals will be simple....
#1) Get all 10 out of 10 shots on paper
#2) Get all 10 out of 10 in the black

.... That's good enough to start, I think. I'll let you all know how I do!

Welcome LeadSlinger. I suggest you check out http://www.bullseyepistol.com/ This will address many of your initial questions. As you progress additional questions will arise. We'll do our best to answer them on this forum.
LL

If your eyes allow it, I'd suggest you stick with the iron sights - - on either the revolver or the 22 semi. You improve more quickly with the better feedback provided by iron sights. Leave the dots for us older guys that can't focus the front and rear sight at the same time.
/B

Thanks for the website recommendations, and keep 'em coming. I have a lot to learn!

As for iron sights, I agree that it would be better to learn that way. I am definitely leaving the revolver bone-stock. However, I am not really a "spring chicken". I'm 39 years old, and have been wearing glasses since the 6th grade. I recently got a new prescription (with polycarbonate safety lenses), so I know they're good. My issues with the iron sights is that I'm far sighted, and the front post (that I'm supposed to focus on) is just in that transition zone where my glasses & eyeballs kinda fight with each other. It's not terrible - I can still use them - but I don't think I can get the same results as with a red dot. With the red dot, I can use both eyes, and focus on the target. Makes things much better! Anyone else have that problem?

Most "mature" shooter have that problem to a degree. I use drug store "readers" when I use my computer. I also have a pair for iron sights. My Verilux lenses don't make it for either. This make the sights in focus with the target a blur. My solution to your problem is: Hold your pistol at shooting position and determine this distance from your eye to the readable text (front sight) in the glasses display. (Leave the pistol at home!) Find the diopter (1.50?) that is clearest and buy the next less powerful (1.25) Works for me...Keep your eye on that front sight!!