At the range what distance do you practice most at?

[NewToTX]

Now that I have my lic to carry I am starting to hit the range more (need to get more accurate before I put something on my hip). Do you guys/gals have a distance that you practice at the most? If so, what is that distance?

I usually do 5-7 yards.

 

[easy rider]

Now that I have my lic to carry I am starting to hit the range more (need to get more accurate before I put something on my hip). Do you guys/gals have a distance that you practice at the most? If so, what is that distance?

I usually do 5-7 yards.

5-7 yards is the distance I try to be most proficient at. Most encounters I believe would be within that range, possibly closer, but if you are proficient at those ranges, closer wouldn't matter. I do at times move a bit further, but I practice out of holster mainly at those distances.

 

[avvidclif]

An FBI report published years ago showed most shootings occurred in 21' or less. Probably still holds true. If shooting at a silhouette type target an old adage works well. "Twice in the body, once in the head. Makes sure they are dead" It gets you used to shooting 3 times rapidly and have a target change also. Don't try to be "quick draw McGraw" (older ones will remember) just be smooth. Once out it should be 3 shots in well under a second. It takes practice, build up the speed slowly, be accurate and the speed will come.

One other trick, don't try for perfect sight alignment, no time for it. LOOK where you want to hit and put the front sight there.

 

[Bozz10mm]

7 and 10 yards is the norm for me. Since my range doesn't allow draw from holster, I start at high ready and point shoot at a B27 target. Either one shot or controlled pairs. Center of Mass only, I don't go for head shots as that seems a bit unrealistic if you were in a high pressure situation.

 

[MTA]

I stick with 5-7 yards as well but it also doesnt hurt to nail the fundamentals down at longer ranges. Just makes you a better shooter imo

 

[TxStetson]

I sometimes stretch it out to 15 yards, but the majority of my practice is in the 5-7 yard area. Also, you should practice on multiple targets and re-acquisition of the first target. Just in case.

 

[NewToTX]

Makes sure they are dead" It gets you used to shooting 3 times rapidly and have a target change also. Don't try to be "quick draw McGraw" (older ones will remember) just be smooth. Once out it should be 3 shots in well under a second. It takes practice, build up the speed slowly, be accurate and the speed will come.

I am terrible at the quick 3. I have no problem to chalking that up to the fact I purchased my first handgun (G19 gen 4) in Summer of '16 (moved here from NY).

Just means I need more range time. Darn.

 

[busykngt]

Same here; typically 5 to 7 yards and practice ‘double tap’ defensive shooting. Shooting until the threat has stopped - with the muscle memory habit of beginning with two consecutive shots. (I do have one laser equipped pistol zero’d at more like 12 yards).

 

[Kar98]

I try to challenge myself by practicing at 10+ yards. At 15 yards I still get them all into a 6 inch circle, at 20 yards the group opens up to 12 inches. Consequently, my favorite distance of 7.5 yards (far out enough as not to be utterly ridiculous, but not so far that I actually have to work for it) presents no challenge at all to put them all into one ragged hole in the bullseye at any speed.

Walther PPK .380 at 8.5 yards:

OK, most of them are where they should be.

You can also have moving targets (not lateral, but increasing distance), with turns, teases and feints at the Eagle Gun Range in Farmer's Branch.

 

[easy rider]

I try to challenge myself by practicing at 10+ yards. At 15 yards I still get them all into a 6 inch circle, at 20 yards the group opens up to 12 inches. Consequently, my favorite distance of 7.5 yards (far out enough as not to be utterly ridiculous, but not so far that I actually have to work for it) presents no challenge at all to put them all into one ragged hole in the bullseye at any speed.

Walther PPK .380 at 8.5 yards:

View attachment 131549

OK, most of them are where they should be.

You can also have moving targets (not lateral, but increasing distance), with turns, teases and feints at the Eagle Gun Range in Farmer's Branch.

On a person those would all count.

 

[Kar98]

And that's what I'm thinking. If I keep practicing to continue to be able to hit the door sized target 20 yards away, I should be able to hit "where it counts" should a SD situation ever arise IRL. Quick draw and dry fire I can practice for free at home.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

10 yards.

 

[easy rider]

I have the advantage to practice shooting close range at home, for now within 25 yards. I practice most my targets within 10 yards and will often shoot the dueling tree at further distances.

 

[MTA]

I try to challenge myself by practicing at 10+ yards. At 15 yards I still get them all into a 6 inch circle, at 20 yards the group opens up to 12 inches. Consequently, my favorite distance of 7.5 yards (far out enough as not to be utterly ridiculous, but not so far that I actually have to work for it) presents no challenge at all to put them all into one ragged hole in the bullseye at any speed.

Walther PPK .380 at 8.5 yards:

View attachment 131549

OK, most of them are where they should be.

You can also have moving targets (not lateral, but increasing distance), with turns, teases and feints at the Eagle Gun Range in Farmer's Branch.

If you can shoot a ppk that well at 8.5 yards, I think you are way past the point of being sufficient. Very nice

 

[Vaquero]

15 yds or more .
Most of my pistol practice is about 4 legged critters though.

 

[topduarte]

Handgun 5-7 yards.

Rifle 25 to 100 yards

Shotgun with slugs. 7-25 yards

 

[benenglish]

"Twice in the body, once in the head. Makes sure they are dead"

the quick 3

Terminology matters.

 

[Reinz]

I like to mix it up for self defense practice. But 70-80% of the range time is 21 feet.

 

[Charlie]

30 ft. with a pistol

 

[oldag]

I shoot mostly from 15 yards. If I can hit the bullseye at 15 yards, anything shorter will be easy.

I practice almost entirely using the sights. If I build up muscle memory that puts the round on the point of aim using the sights, then I am likely to have a good chance of hitting the target in the event I have to rush my aim.

I practice drawing and shooting. Also shooting at two targets in sequence.

Just enough quick draw hip shooting from 3-5 yards to feel confident I can hit center torso in that scenario.

A little from 25 yards, but not much.