“Once you get past the basic “align sights press trigger” level of skill, actually becoming good at shooting takes practice. While the readers of this blog are generally an exception to that statement, the fact is that unless you’re trying to win pistol matches or work in a dangerous occupation, you’d be better off investing that pistol practice time in defensive driving courses. But a lot of time, dudes especially will get their man-pride caught up in their shooting ability, because as a man we all believe that we’re good at shooting, driving, and sex. Most people also don’t want to invest the necessary practice time in getting actually better at shooting, so then it’s time to go in search of a crutch.” – Caleb Giddings
+1
My suggestion: Train like a cop. Shoot a box of ammo, twice a year.
Be funny if it wasn’t what appears to be SOP, NY style.
Ralph, you hurt my feelings!
People get killed by other people with a gun in hand and zero practice, lots. I think that truth be told, typical engagements are at such close range that it’s not a sight picture or practice, but who shoots first that matters.
I’d like to know what your opinions are on that.
J.
As the recent Black Friday line-cutting incident demonstrated, simply having a gun is the controlling factor in most confrontations.
Han shot first!
Well I am really good at all three. least my wife says I am lol
I would say that once you get beyond the basics it becomes a hobby, or a sport of your choice. Being good at shooting or bowling isn’t bad, and if you have fun doing it then great!
I used to shoot with a guy that was always chasing the new widget that was going to make him a master sharpstooter. I don’t think he ever owned a gun more than 6 months. He was always getting custom grips made, special sights, a trigger job, a compensator, etc installed on his gun, until he traded it in on the next one. The funny thing is, he was a decent shot at bullseye matches, but not willing to shoot enough practice to get better, just wanted to “buy” his way to winning with equipment changes. Yeah, guys like Rob Leatham are amazing marksmen, and compete with the very bestest and latest of firearms, but I’d bet serious money that Mr. Leatham and others at his level can out shoot me with any gun I stick in their hands because they practice, and practice, and practice, and practice some more. It really does not matter if it’s race cars, a piano, or a firearm, the only way to really get good is to practice for many, many hours.