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Blinking Dog wrote:Let me share my thoughts, for what it's worth. One, a wise and experienced BTDT instructor told me you'll likely experience 1/2 your standard accuracy when in crisis mode. So if you train for 4 inch groupings you'll likely end up with 8 inch groups when it counts. With movement and other things going on, are you comfortable that is going to end the threat and not end up with a friendly getting shot? Two, it is certainly possible to shoot a golfball size grouping under duress, and I've seen it done by folks who train hard. I'm talking about small groups after dozens of rounds fired, on the timer and from 3 to about 20 yards (and from the draw). We can all do it if we train hard. Three, aim big miss big. Put an index card on your target and aim for it. Aim small. Start slow, start close. When you can shoot a small hole from 3 yards move back to 7 yards. And so on. Start from low ready, then work in from the draw. I don't mean to offend, but if you're all over a man sized target from 7 yards, that doesn't work. Get some instruction.

"Good enough" is your enemy.

I went back and re-read my post after reading this because you brought up some very good points and I agree with you on them all. So I would like to maybe clarify some things. And before I start, I am merely clarifying cause I see I could have been a bit more clear in what I was saying, not because I'm feeling "attacked" or anything. Like I said, I, myself, feel i probably could have worded better.

I too subscribe to the "aim big, miss big" theory. Having said that, I don't believe that in an SD type practice scenario, you should be trying to take the middle button of a shirt off. This allows for too much time sighting in. People will not take the shot cause it isn't "perfect". I think the index card works idea would work as well and I think the OP should strive to get to that point. I was assuming, maybe wrongly, that the OP was asking cause he was somewhat new. I know what assuming does but I guess I did it anyway. I suggested a paper plate because it will still cover the vital areas of a body. It will also lessen the frustration levels for beginners to SD type shooting practice; therefore, keep them trying.

I hope I have clarified my original thoughts on this subject. And again, I am simply clarifying because after reading it again, I can see where what I said may be construed as "aim big" and that is certainly not what I had intended. What I was getting at though was get away from scoring and pin-point aiming during SD practice. The "X" ring is not the only place to inflict enough damage to cancel the threat.

And lastly, having said all the above, I do believe and STRONGLY encourage marksmanship practice. That type of practice should be done just as much as SD practice. Marksmanship practice will help lock in the fundamentals so they become second nature.

Here is my opinion on targets and what your shots should look like on those targets: (some/many may disagree)

If you are shooting for target practice, all rounds should be in the "X" ring, dead center mass regardless. If you're not there, keep practicing and don't get discouraged. Take little steps to get better with every shot. Most of us are not and that's why we practice. Don't worry about time limits. Take the shots when you're ready. Concentrate on all the fundamentals with each shot.

If you are shooting for SD practice, all rounds should be on an average body size target with no misses. If you're not there, keep practicing and don't get discouraged. Take little steps to get better with every shot. Speed now becomes key as a situation doesn't allow for you to take the time you take when target practicing. If the target you are using has scoring rings, block them out. If you can get a target with no scoring rings, use that. Don't get wrapped around a score or looking for the "X" ring. You are aiming center mass. (Again, IMO), Too many people put too much emphasis on score when trying to practice SD shooting "scenarios". All must remember that the tightness of a pattern while target shooting is the best it's ever going to be. You will not have the calmness and lack of time constraints in a SD scenario. As was stated by someone earlier, use the paper plate as a guide for this. I even use this method to assist novice shooters in building confidence during target practice shooting.

You must practice both ways in order to get better. Target practice builds that "muscle memory" for the fundamentals. This is EXTREMELY important as you will have many other things going through your head in a SD situation. You will need this as instinct.

Again, this is my opinion and others may disagree. I hope this helps.