Two weeks ago I took the NRA Basic Pistol class at MCFG with INGO'er goColt and I learned A LOT. I was sorta on the fence about buying a handgun, but the class gave me the confidence I needed.
Earlier this week I ordered a gun from KyGunCo and it was ready to be picked up this morning. I went to Gander Mountain to get a cleaning kit, stopped by Staples to get my LTCH laminated, then went to pick up the gun from Richard's Guns.
Then it was off to ECPR with a box of Tulammo and a box of Federal Champion from Wal-Mart. I got the safety briefing, waited a few minutes for a lane, then started shooting.
I was wide right on probably 75 of 100 shots - hitting the paper, but missing the rings of the targets. I'd get one or two on target, and then go way off to the right for some reason. I'm left handed and right eye dominant, so I also spent most of the time try to get comfortable with that. I tried right eyed, left eyed, and right handed. Most of the time was spent shooting with both eyes open but aiming with my left eye. One of the range officers thought maybe I had too much grip on the support hand and was pulling the gun right.
Two things I would have liked to have been different - a less busy day and having an all day pass. So part of the pressure was in my head (people waiting), but I also just had an hour there and I wanted to get rounds down range. I would have liked to have been able to shoot 5 or 10 rounds one style and evaluate how I did. But, just getting the experience of firing the gun was good for me and I feel encouraged to go back and get more practice.
I bought the XD after only having held it at the last 1500 for a few seconds, but it feels fine in my hands - not that I have my handgun experience to go on. Just wish it weren't winter so that I'd have more good days to go practice.
Earlier this week I ordered a gun from KyGunCo and it was ready to be picked up this morning. I went to Gander Mountain to get a cleaning kit, stopped by Staples to get my LTCH laminated, then went to pick up the gun from Richard's Guns.
Then it was off to ECPR with a box of Tulammo and a box of Federal Champion from Wal-Mart. I got the safety briefing, waited a few minutes for a lane, then started shooting.
I was wide right on probably 75 of 100 shots - hitting the paper, but missing the rings of the targets. I'd get one or two on target, and then go way off to the right for some reason. I'm left handed and right eye dominant, so I also spent most of the time try to get comfortable with that. I tried right eyed, left eyed, and right handed. Most of the time was spent shooting with both eyes open but aiming with my left eye. One of the range officers thought maybe I had too much grip on the support hand and was pulling the gun right.
Two things I would have liked to have been different - a less busy day and having an all day pass. So part of the pressure was in my head (people waiting), but I also just had an hour there and I wanted to get rounds down range. I would have liked to have been able to shoot 5 or 10 rounds one style and evaluate how I did. But, just getting the experience of firing the gun was good for me and I feel encouraged to go back and get more practice.
I bought the XD after only having held it at the last 1500 for a few seconds, but it feels fine in my hands - not that I have my handgun experience to go on. Just wish it weren't winter so that I'd have more good days to go practice.