Range distance Question

[mgtd]

Having nearly completed rebuilding my backyard range, and not real familiar with this "defensive" type shooting, I have a question about the ranges I see posted by other shooters and how the distances are set. Such as 7 yds, 25 ft, 10 yards, 25 yds et cetera. Are these standards used in different competions or distances commonly available at local ranges? I have capabilities to shoot out to 25 yards (and beyond, if I really wanted to). I typically shoot at 10 yards (30 feet). I'm just trying to correlate someones report of a group at 7 yards to my group at 10 yards and question the variable distances. Thanks for any input. Curt
(also posted on range report forum)

[XD_Dan]

Target distances in IDPA and IPSC matches are generally from almost point-blank out to 10yds. From what I understand, the typical real-world shoot out is, on average, at a distance of around 7 yds.
If you wish to practice "real-world" tactics in your backyard, it would benefit you to engage several targets at various distances from about 3 yrds to 10 yds.
For precision target shooting, you will likely want to practice (on a single target) at 15-25 yds.

Does this help?


I envy you for being able to target practice in your own backyard.

[pistol fixer]

Hello MGTD;
most police pistol ranges are set up as 7yds. 15yds, 25yds, and 50yds.
back in the 1980's there was a study which showed that most police shootings were at 7yds or less. after this police developed combat courses to fit this study. The LAPD set up a Hogens alley with targets that simulated what they thought to be real world combat shootings.
the police combats matches still use 7,15,25,and 50yds.
most policeman now have never qualified past 25 yds. The Sheriff's dept. and the Memphis police only shoot between 6 and 18 shots at 25yds.
Most POLICE Can't Shoot!!!!!!!!!
Just Look at the Shooting in Compton Ca. several days ago. the police fired 121 shots at short range and only hit the guy 4 times. Yes i Know that he was in an suv. but a large percentive of shots went into the homes around the suv. A deputy was also shot by friendly fire. the police had the suv surrounded and opened fire at each other(cross fire)
I am a police firearms instructor and from the tape i can't find any reason to shoot this guy. after the shooting they did not find any weapons in the suv.
the best way to learn to shoot better is to shoot at close range untill you can group them all in a very small group. then move the out untill you don't group well. stay at this distance untill you learn to group well at this range. Keep this going untill you reach your goal. auto's don't group as well as revolvers at long distance. it it very possable with a revolver to group 4" at 100yds if you do your part. I know most people will have no need or desire to shoot a pistol at 100 yds. but it can be learned.
just my .02
rick

[FatMatt1981]

This thread will help me out as well....as I am fixin to make a "range" out in my woods. Too cool dudes.

[A-Dub]

I was thinking of building a backyard range too. You may want to take a look at this.

http://www.hs2000talk.com/viewtopic....928&highlight=

[therooster]

Originally Posted by XD_Dan

Target distances in IDPA and IPSC matches are generally from almost point-blank out to 10yds. From what I understand, the typical real-world shoot out is, on average, at a distance of around 7 yds.
If you wish to practice "real-world" tactics in your backyard, it would benefit you to engage several targets at various distances from about 3 yrds to 10 yds.
For precision target shooting, you will likely want to practice (on a single target) at 15-25 yds.

Does this help?


I envy you for being able to target practice in your own backyard.

Dan... IDPA shoots as far as 35yrds

typical distances
7yrds
10yrds
15yrds
25yrds
35yrds


if you want to practice for self defense then take some classes and learn what to do before you start practicing what you dont know.

[XD_Dan]

Originally Posted by therooster

Dan... IDPA shoots as far as 35yrds

typical distances
7yrds
10yrds
15yrds
25yrds
35yrds


if you want to practice for self defense then take some classes and learn what to do before you start practicing what you dont know.

I guess every IDPA club is different. The club I shot with never set a target farther than about 8 or 10 yds.

I got this quote from the IDPA website...

What types of matches does Defensive Pistol hold?

The Defensive Pistol headquarters has developed a comprehensive course of fire book which is supplied to all affiliated clubs and is also available for a nominal fee to individual members. These courses fall into two categories: Self-defense scenarios or Standard exercises. The self-defense scenarios are simulations of actual or possible "real world" confrontations. These scenarios typically require shots from 3 - 20 yards and often require the shooter to change firing points and shoot from awkward positions. Standard exercises do not attempt to simulate a potential threat situation but are designed to test specific shooting and gun handling skills. Defensive Pistol matches offer diversity and truly test both accuracy and speed. Physical condition has very little to do with your performance in a Defensive Pistol match.

Perhaps where you shoot is different, but, through my research and experience, I haven't found 25-35 yds to be the norm.

[mgtd]

I will post some pictures within a day or two of my recently constructed range. I've utilized stacked 14" thick creosoated bridge timber (removed all residual iron) for the face of the backstop, and a dirt burm that is 5 to 7 feet thick behind it. The whole thing is in front of a gently uphill sloping cornfield. The nieghbor who set the timbers for me with his backhoe, placed the fill dirt and owns the cornfield is very confident of my design. My restriction will be to not shoot during planting, harvest or any other activity in the field. I've probably overkilled the plan, but when safety is concerned, it is far better to overkill. It is definetley not movable. The entire project cost me about $350.00 including purchase of the RR bridge timbers, harware, dirt hauled in, and gravel. (sweat equity not included)

[RicochetJim]

The indoor range I frequent has markers for 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, with the maximum being 25 yards. I don't see a need to go over 25 yards for combat handguns.

[Old School]

If you go out to 35 yards, that will give you as much distance as you need to setup most courses of fire. The berm should be no less than 10 feet tall, as most target at set at a height of 5 feet.

This article may help you too.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...13947#continue