Point of impact change, day to day, with standard pistol

[PaulB]

What is the usual, or maximum, point of impact change (number of target rings) that one might expect with standard pistol on a day to day basis, with all things being the same except whatever the shooter himself might be changing with stance, grip, or aiming? I am finding that some of my average college shooters (~500 out of 600 scores) are having day to day changes of as much as two to three target rings. Can this much change be accounted for with just changes in what the shooter is doing?

[JamesH]

Just the way you stand or grip can do that easily.
Its a sign of not being consistent, and not doing enough volume shooting.

[Alexander]

In my - very modest - standard pistol experience, the prime culprits for changing centre-of-group location in the this discipline are:
- differing stance which is not coinciding with your natural point of aim (in the 150 seconds series, you can consciously compensate, just like in the precision part of sport pistol / centrefire pistol - but in the two faster series, the improper stance comes through);
- differing position of head; do not correct your pistol hold, but correct your head position;
- differing lighting on different hours of the day, if you are shooting on an open range.

Regards, Alexander

[JamesH]

Also what you've been doing before the shoot.
eg sitting at a desk all day or exercising, pushing a wheelbarrow or carrying a backpack.

This is why a full warm-up and stretching session is important before every shoot.

[David M]

Over the years I have learnt that if my sights change more than 3-5 clicks between shoots, even on different ranges then something is wrong.
- very poor or extreme light
- wrong grip pressure or poor trigger
- strong wind
- something loose or broken

[Greg Derr]

OP what point of aim are you using? Sub Six, Center or Six O'clock hold. At your current score level there are a lot of areas to look at. Let's just focus on slow fire. How are you grouping (shape) for the twenty shots?

[john bickar]

What is the usual, or maximum, point of impact change (number of target rings) that one might expect with standard pistol on a day to day basis, with all things being the same except whatever the shooter himself might be changing with stance, grip, or aiming? I am finding that some of my average college shooters (~500 out of 600 scores) are having day to day changes of as much as two to three target rings. Can this much change be accounted for with just changes in what the shooter is doing?

Hey Paul (Wahoowa!),

To answer your questions:

No, there is no "usual" or even "maximum" point of impact change. It varies by shooter.

Yes, whatever the shooter is doing from day to day with stance, grip, and/or aiming is most likely what's responsible for these group shifts, and yes, it's quite possible to have the shifts be several scoring rings.

(However, "no", all other things are most likely not the same :) )

I'll echo what others have posted. I also struggle with group shifts, especially in standard pistol. I've narrowed it down to a few culprits:

• Stance
• Grip
• Head position

I have found that a good set of shooting glasses (with a limited field of view) helps with head position; consistency in training helps with the first two.
If your shooters are shooting in the 500 range, they should probably first work on

1. Trigger control
2. Sight Alignment
3. Shooting consistent groups

And then work on group placement.

Feel free for you or your shooters to PM or email me for additional tips.

HTH,

JB

[lastman]

Hi Paul,

Mine can change significantly from day to day.

There are so many factors that can influence it. Stance, muscle tension and stress, hold and your eyes are just a few.

It shouldn't matter too much. If you hold steady and keep your focus on the sights you will be able to adjust your sights to suit within a few shots.

Good luck