Tested out the new gun...sad state of affairs

[done]

LOL. I am a pretty good shot with a long gun. Fired them plenty of times. So when I bought my S&W M&P 40 figured it would still be half decent just need some adjustment. Man, it was just a sad state of affairs. Looks like I will be spending a lot of time at the range this month.

I made about every mistake you could. Bad stance, held it wrong, pulled the trigger in a manner which pulled the shot right (I am a lefty). I did at least hit the target each time, so if I was being attacked by a barn, well as long as I saw the broadside it would be done. LOL.

Got a bud of mine who was a MP for a while to go out with me and give me some great tips. Now I got to make them second nature.

On the plus side (knock on wood). The gun performed flawlessly. Was very pleased with it and I got a good feel for the recoil and trigger pull on it.

Yeah...more stuff to spend money on.

[RobbyZ5001]

I'm with you man.. that was me last week. I shot recently and did 100 times better though so i'm back in the game.

[bowfish12]

Do you shoot with one eye closed or both eyes open?

I have one buddy that has to close one eye to hit anything, and another that has to kind of **** his head and gun slightly to the side- he's a lefty.

[skunked_again]

Do you shoot with one eye closed or both eyes open?

I have one buddy that has to close one eye to hit anything, and another that has to kind of **** his head and gun slightly to the side- he's a lefty.

i keep both eyes open while at the range BUT have a pair of glasses with tape in the upper left corner blocking the view while in a shooting stance.

this has helped me a lot.

i starting doing this shooting trap. it transferred ok to pistols.

[RobbyZ5001]

I actually shoot with both eyes closed.

[done]

I actually shoot with both eyes closed.

lol...I might do better that way. I was shooting with 1 eye closed.

Couple things I changed, my right arm (I am a lefty, I was holding all wrong, it was pulling me to the rightand down. Fixed that. I found some great vids online and I found one of my issues was the way i was holding the trigger. had way too much finger on it. When I testing with the unloaded gun, I could see I was pulling to the right when I pull the trigger, less finger I did not pull it at all.

Also, I was focusing on the target to an extreme that I was not really using the sights like I should have been.

I was a little taken back by my gun. it had more recoil than I expected. I have used other S&W 40's but not this specific model and the recoil was a little tougher.

So I am heading out tomorrow morning to put all I have learned into practice with a couple hundred rounds.

[bowfish12]

I actually shoot with both eyes closed.

Haha, when I took the class for my permit that's what it looked like some people were doing.

I just got all the paperwork done today for my carry permit so now it's just a waiting game. 8-)

[Micro]

The concealed handgun permit is nice to have, even if you aren't carrying on your person.  When I travel, I like to carry a handgun in the console between the seat, or glovebox.  My permit covers that.  You have a lot more options on transporting a handgun when you have a concealed handgun permit. 

[Fishing Doug]

I actually shoot with both eyes closed.

If that doesn't work, try holding the gun sideways..works in the movies. ;D

Agreed with Micro-if your state allows concealed, not a bad idea to get it. Plus, if a certain someone gets re-elected to a certain office in a couple years, hopefully you will be grandfathered in if it goes away. :-X

[burleytog]

The concealed handgun permit is nice to have, even if you aren't carrying on your person. When I travel, I like to carry a handgun in the console between the seat, or glovebox. My permit covers that. You have a lot more options on transporting a handgun when you have a concealed handgun permit.

Or you could just open carry it without any government paper.

[Micro]

You can do that, where legal.  But the CHP gives you a lot more options.  For instance, a CHP holder can legally carry on National Forest, State Forest and Wildlife Management Areas in Virginia outside hunting seasons.  Non-CHP holders can't. 

[done]

Yeah, I am definitely getting one. The other thing here. Had this thought after a long chat with NC State Troopers who agreed with me but still have to follow the law.

Without a CCW we are required to carry any firearm in plain site. Right out in the open. Loaded or not, I got 4 kids in my car, I do not want any firearm in plain site around them. With a CCW I can put it in my glovebox, locked where it should be or in a shoulder holster on my person. Either way, not out in plain site.

I also do a alot of hiking way out in the woods by myself and it would be nice to have it back there with me. I prefer to carry concealed out in the public (woods, etc) as well cause too many folks get all freaky when they see a firearm.

[bassnleo]

Accurate shooting takes practice and developes muscle memory much like other activities.

Be sure that when you are practicing you are following the basics of accurate shooting:

Grip

Stance

Sight alignment

Trigger control (squeeze)

If you develop bad habits in the beginning you will hurt your accuracy down the road.

Also, be sure to practice like you will carry with a CCW. In other words, wear the holster and similar clothing you would when carrying concealed. Draw your weapon from it's concealed position and simulate real world encounters. Most deadly force encounters happen within 5-7 feet so concentrate on that distance, get your accuracy, speed, technique, down there, then work on longer distances.

Just my experience

[bowfish12]

Accurate shooting takes practice and developes muscle memory much like other activities.

Be sure that when you are practicing you are following the basics of accurate shooting:

Grip

Stance

Sight alignment

Trigger control (squeeze)

If you develop bad habits in the beginning you will hurt your accuracy down the road.

Also, be sure to practice like you will carry with a CCW. In other words, wear the holster and similar clothing you would when carrying concealed. Draw your weapon from it's concealed position and simulate real world encounters. Most deadly force encounters happen within 5-7 feet so concentrate on that distance, get your accuracy, speed, technique, down there, then work on longer distances.

Just my experience

That's exactly what were told in the class as well as  most gun fights last 3-5 seconds, and to practice exactly like you said.

I shoot my 9mm pretty well but I will be getting a sub compact or compact 40 S&W to carry.

In Tennessee you have to have a CC permit to have a pistol on you. You can open carry after you get the permit if you want, but not before.