We know that our capability to hit a target is determined both a mechanical accuracy of our handgun and our practical accuracy as a shooter. The handgun mechanical accuracy is determined how closely the gun places each shot together on the target. The most common semi-auto service pistols with open sights can provide about 3” group at 25 yards. Some pistols are more accurate, for example SIG P-series, other do not. The practical accuracy is satisfactory if a slow fire group is less than the double size of the mechanical accuracy at 25 yards if a shooter uses 2 hands grip without support and a free stance. That is 6” group at 25 yards is a good goal for a regular shooter. A skilled pistol shooter can do better.
I collected some examples of practical handgun accuracy of some civilian handgun owners to estimate their results. I based only on their claims and indications that they used no modified sights. One guy writes that he regularly hits 5 shots on target inside 4” at 25 yards, using slow fire, standing position and two hands grip. Some shooters claim that they can hit target center inside 1” (1/2”-3/4”) at 7 yards. Others believe that the majority of civilian handgun owners cannot get grouping inside 3” at 25 yards and that 4-6” group is a good result. Also, it is common accepted that 2-3” grouping at 15 yards is a good result for many civilians who cannot regularly attend a shooting range. The top result, which I found, is 2.5” group at 35 yards; however, I think that it is so good to be truth. The majority people agree that 5-7”group is the top result at this shooting distance for the majority of civilian handgun owners. I am not a good shooter, and, in general, I practice at distances 10-15 yards. My best result is consistent shooting (5 shots) inside 2.0” ring at 15 yards, using Weaver stance.
Really great analysis, Greg. I absolutely agree with you that SRT is extremely helpful for anyone who wants to improve his/her shooting skill. We know that any SRT drastically ameliorates the brain-muscle connection/coordination in addition to strength gaining. I also feel that I've become the better shooter after several years of dynamic tension training. However, the best results I've gotten when I started training with a laser cartridge daily.
I don't know Bob. It is interesting to me what makes a good shooter. For me, it depends on the gun and what ammo I am using. Different ammo produces different results, even in the same gun, and some guns are more accurate than others. I have a general accuracy with polymer pistols, but I am much more accurate with a four inch revolver or a metal framed semi-auto. I can compare it to lobbing a softball verses throwing a baseball. Having said that, I was a good shooter when I was young, but am much better now, and more versatile. Still, there is a percentage of people through genetics and perhaps practice who are much better than I.
So why am I a better shooter now? It is interesting to me that I went through a period at the end of my heavy weightlifting days where my shooting skills were dimishing. I was in my mid forties at the time. This coincided with a general decline in overall strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. That starting changing for the positive after I finally ditched weight training and started doing bodyweight exercises ala Matt Furey at first. Then I got out of law enforcement and didn't shoot a gun for over 12 years and had no interest to do so. LOL - my how things go full circle.
I do a lot of self-resistance now with some bodyweight exercises and occasional exercise with light dumbbells. It definitely helps with my shooting. The deep breathing and breath control I practice with exercise also helps. Another thing I do and am beginning to do more of is eye training exercises which seem to help a lot in sighting a gun quickly. Too, I do a lot of practice with drawing and aiming an unloaded firearm.
Yesterday, as a reward to some of my students who spent all day helping out with a First Aid/CPR contest I was judging, I took them shooting at an outdoor range. I brought a good bit of ammuniton and allowed them to sho0t three of my semi-autos. All were experienced shooters and up on handgun safety, so I had no issue with them shooting. I went to the end and worked with my Model 64 thirty-eight caliber revolver at 20 yards both right and left handed with two hands; after working one handed at ten yards. I didn't shoot long. I was hitting my target within an eight inch grouping, and saw no reason to continue. My students wanted me to shoot some of the semi-autos - BTW they loved the STAR BM9 - but I told them that was their reward, and I sat back and enjoyed watching them shoot. All in good, clean outdoor fun. I wish more young people had the opportunity to enjoy the challenge of shooting sports.