Signed up for CHL Class but may Cancel

[fadlan12]

I signed up for the class in a couple weeks, and so I looked up the shooting test. 175 points: shooting 20 at 9', 20 at 21', and 10 at 45'. I bought some Aguila 180 grain (purchased online) and went to shoot to test myself.



I shot like crap. I have at H&K USPC .40, its a great gun except It seems to shoot low and to the left. It seemed like I dialed it in by aiming 4" right and 4" up until I tried the 21' range and it was worse. I tried a range bag and winchester ammo and it seemed to work at 9" but back out to 21' and it was not much better. I shot 100rds of the online ammo and I think i t messed me up. I'm afraid that I would fail the shooting part. I know the guns is good there is nothing mechanically wrong.

I don't shoot the .40 often enough, maybe once a month, usually 50 rounds and then several huindred 22lr rounds.

I have a ruger mark II and I can shoot pretty good with it (little to no recoil!!)

I may go shoot again on monday with good ammo. Can anyone recomend the best ammo for hitting the target.

[kw5kw]

You're over anticipating the shot...

squeeze the trigger and you'll find the bulls eye.

[Kalrog]

Howdy and welcome!

Can you go shooting with someone else? Have them load the magazine and don't tell you what they loaded - have them stick a snap cap or two in there and you will probably lear a LOT about how you shoot and what you need to work on.

Also, getting a .22 is GREAT for cheap practice and I think they are more fun than centerfires in a lot of cases. Little to no recoil so you can practice on the shot fundamentals as well. Even save you money in the long run.

[txinvestigator]

I signed up for the class in a couple weeks, and so I looked up the shooting test. 175 points: shooting 20 at 9', 20 at 21', and 10 at 45'. I bought some Aguila 180 grain (purchased online) and went to shoot to test myself.



I shot like crap. I have at H&K USPC .40, its a great gun except It seems to shoot low and to the left. It seemed like I dialed it in by aiming 4" right and 4" up until I tried the 21' range and it was worse. I tried a range bag and winchester ammo and it seemed to work at 9" but back out to 21' and it was not much better. I shot 100rds of the online ammo and I think i t messed me up. I'm afraid that I would fail the shooting part. I know the guns is good there is nothing mechanically wrong.

I don't shoot the .40 often enough, maybe once a month, usually 50 rounds and then several huindred 22lr rounds.

I have a ruger mark II and I can shoot pretty good with it (little to no recoil!!)

I may go shoot again on monday with good ammo. Can anyone recomend the best ammo for hitting the target.

If you are right handed, low and left is caused, in part, by anticipating the shot and pushing against the recoil. You are probably also trying to make the gun fire by pressing the trigger quickly when you think you are on target.

The bullet will have punched a hole in the target by the time the gun recoils. Recoil, if you have proper grip, will not affect your shot; however, anticipating the recoil will.

If you live in Dallas let me know. You can come by the range and I'll try to offer some pointers.

Also be sure you are putting the middle of the last pad of you finger on the trigger only. Then press it directly to the rear. Do not squeeze your hands as you press.

[fadlan12]

Thanks, I have been a lurker and finally registered.

I tried the relaxed arm and fingertip trigger pull but with the bad ammo there were too many variables.


I think the anticipating comment is right, I try to get to the point of being suprised by the shot. Maybe the anxiety of the test looimg is killing my nervs.

[fadlan12]

No I'm in Austin, thanks for the offer. So the Aguilar ammo may not be the culprit? I've heard a lot about bad brands making bad target pratice.

[txinvestigator]

Thanks, I have been a lurker and finally registered.

I tried the relaxed arm and fingertip trigger pull but with the bad ammo there were too many variables.


I think the anticipating comment is right, I try to get to the point of being suprised by the shot. Maybe the anxiety of the test looimg is killing my nervs.

Its not the ammo. Keep at it, you'll get it.

[propellerhead]

I found dry firing helps a lot. Get your sight picture, hold it, slowly roll the trigger until it clicks, then make sure the sight is still on the target. This will tell you if your trigger motion is affecting your grip. The effect is more visible if you have a laser dot.

[Crossfire]

I think you are getting yourself all worked up about this, and just need to relax. No one has ever failed to qualify in my class. You have 3 chances to pass the shooting proficiency test.

My policy is, if you don't pass the first time with the group, then we talk about it and see what we need to do to correct the problem. If it is equipment, we will rent you a firearm. If it is technique, we will see what we can do to get you over it. And, if you are ready, we will let you shoot again.

If you fail to qualify the second time, then we schedule a one on one training session with you. I will not let you shoot the 3rd time until you are confident that you will pass. I am pretty sure that most instructors will accomodate you in much the same way.

But, as others mentioned, if you can get someone else to watch you shoot, then you might get a better clue on what is going on.

Good luck to you!

[j1132s]

You may want to try a different caliber, 9mm or 380acp? Especially the 380 acp, it'll have very little recoil and you might shoot it as well as your 22lr.

I'm in Austin. If you feel you still want to take the class and want to go to Red's in Pflugerville to practice, I may be able to give you some pointers and let you try out a 9mm and 380acp.

[fadlan12]

Reds north is where I was shooting and where I'm taking the class. I'm planning on going on monday around 10am.

[fadlan12]

My friend has a Glock 19 ( or 17, its a 9mm) and I shot his and was worse with his gun. I did shoot his peacemaker 45 longcolt and shot pretty decent with it. At this point I would be willing to shoot a 9mm for the class.

[oilman]

You may find this helpful...I did.

http://www.glockfaq.com/trigger.htm

[j1132s]

I normally go there at 7:30PM and about 2 times per week. If you want to meet there, that's fine with me.

Red's has a good instructor, who's usually around the rental counter, I can't remember him name at the moment.

I'm almost positive the previous poster's suggestion of the dummy round technique will help in your case.

The Glock trigger is kind of unique. I can bring an HK in 9mm if you want to try, or you can rent one. There is definitely a difference between the 40s&w and 9mm. I know people who shoots the 9mm really well but develop a flinch w/ the 40.

I've also got 380acp, which would be the power floor for your chl test.

You should be aware that the chl test isn't really very difficult. If you have trouble hitting the guy at 7yards during a test, you may not be able to hit him at all in a real life situation. So we may play these caliber games to get you passing the test, you may want to reconsider your carry choice of 40s&w until you can hit things w/ it.

[Kalrog]

Reds north is where I was shooting and where I'm taking the class. I'm planning on going on monday around 10am.

That is where I took the course and I can certainly endorse it (assuming Calvin is still teaching it), but he will assume that you can shoot and are there for the CHL class and not for a pistol shooting class.

However, don't let that discourage you at all. I can't make it at 10am on a weekday usually, but I can make it at other times if you want to get together and see if I can help out. They also offer private lessons if you want to go that route, and that is something that can help. Oh, and since you are there, you don't even need to buy that .22. Just rent one for an hour - leave your .40 at home! Holler if I can help.