So I'm mediocre with handguns, but I'm superb with rifles. (pistol, rifle)

[bentstrider]

I finally went shooting for the first time since '06 at this range in Albuquerque.
Tried out an H&K SP-30/9mm and blew through 200 rounds on a set of zombie targets.
Sticking with the Z-folklore, I was aiming for the head, but only nailed it 10-12 times.

The M4 assault rifle with the full/semi-auto was a different story.
Along with the sight-device on the weapon, the shoulder-stability through the extendable stock made headshots on the second Zombie target a cakewalk and aside from feeling like a cannon, I felt like I was on top of my game.

With that said, is there any possible room for improvement in the handgun department, or should I just stick with something I found I'm rather good with?

[Happy in Wyoming]

Before you become a legend in your own mind (if you haven't already), try some bullseye targets at 100 and 200 yards with a rifle. At the same time start on 25 yard bullseye target with a handgun. Do it on aregular basis and you will improve.

Combat targets are used to make casual shooters feel competent. Anyone can learn short range shooting at oversize targets. If you are truly superb with a rifle, you'll be delighted with real shooting.

[stan4]

I think everyone is naturally better with rifles than handguns.

[bentstrider]

Originally Posted by Happy in Wyoming

Before you become a legend in your own mind (if you haven't already), try some bullseye targets at 100 and 200 yards with a rifle. At the same time start on 25 yard bullseye target with a handgun. Do it on aregular basis and you will improve.

Combat targets are used to make casual shooters feel competent. Anyone can learn short range shooting at oversize targets. If you are truly superb with a rifle, you'll be delighted with real shooting.

Since I pass through Vegas, Albuquerque, and other gun-friendly cities quite often with this regional trucking gig, I'll be able to do so.
I get what you're saying about those over-sized targets and merely did so to get re-acclimated to the shooting environment.

I just sort of feel that starting out with firearms at such a later age is going to take a bit more time than say, the 19 year old chick firing like a pro at her target next to me.
Nothing says n00b than being "The Man With the Red Face" at the firing range.

[chucksnee]

Rifles are much easier to shoot, more of a stable platform....

Trigger pull and how you hold the pistol is much more important with a pistol....it is important in rifle also but more so in a pistol.

I would shoot for the body not the head, just a personnel opinion.....more to shoot at with less chances of a miss.

You never said how far your pistol target was? I would not put it further than 15 - 25 steps....

The most important thing with shooting is practice practice and more practice....if you get frustrated, walk away....

[SCGranny]

TIC...
Just keep telling yourself, "Younger people have weaker wrists"...

Practice practice practice. Handguns are a whole lot easier to carry for emergencies, and my .38 S&W has got me out of a few squeakers. One sheriff I knew told me that he was more terrified when he could see the bullets lined up in the chamber "like little coffins lined up pointing at me". But if you have the room to swing and store it, nothing intimidates like a shotgun. See that target quiver in terror?

[NVplumber]

Many moons ago, when me sainted pappy was teaching me the basics, he offered an adage that I commited to memory and found to be sage words. "Rifle shooters cannot shoot pistols, pistol shooters CAN shoot rifles". Pistol shooting does build skill across the board I have come to find out.Transfering to a rifle from a pistol is much easier for me than the other way around. The longer sight radius and more stable platform of the rifle is far easier to control after being used to the persnickety characteristics of a handgun. I guess, in a way, it compares to swinging a heavy bat before heading to the box with a lighter one. It's always worked for me anyhoo, and keeps my respect fer my elders and betters in perspective.

[Bulldogdad]

You need to read a few books from Massad Ayoob and maybe get out to Front Site since you go through Vegas.


Massad Ayoob Group

http://www.frontsight.com/

[Happy in Wyoming]

Originally Posted by bulldogdad

You need to read a few books from Massad Ayoob and maybe get out to Front Site since you go through Vegas.

Or you could try the real thing. This outfit is short on carnival games and cop wannabe garbage. But you will become a rifleman. You'll also meet some great people.

Project Appleseed Home


For handguns stick to bullseye shooting. If you can hit a little black bullseye at twenty-five yards using one hand, rest assured that you'll be able to hit a watermelon at seven yards using two hands.

Don't worry; you can still have fun. I regularly plink with a variety of guns and a variety of silly targets. Dirt clods, pine cones, and dried horse droppings can make the sun shine.

[Bulldogdad]

Originally Posted by Happy in Wyoming

Or you could try the real thing. This outfit is short on carnival games and cop wannabe garbage. But you will become a rifleman. You'll also meet some great people.

Project Appleseed Home


For handguns stick to bullseye shooting. If you can hit a little black bullseye at twenty-five yards using one hand, rest assured that you'll be able to hit a watermelon at seven yards using two hands.

Don't worry; you can still have fun. I regularly plink with a variety of guns and a variety of silly targets. Dirt clods, pine cones, and dried horse droppings can make the sun shine.

One of many very good groups and outfits that will expand your knowledge of the shooting arts I agree.

However bashing my suggestions to prop up your own is a little childish dont you think?