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JrBiem691 · 05-12-2008, 10:40 AM

Hey all, I picked up my XD .45 tactical two days ago. There are a couple pics posted in the new member welcome center section.

I've been itchin to take it to the range since I picked it up, and finally did so today. I must say I was fairly surprised and happy with my shooting today. I put 100 rounds of WW Box 230 FMJ through it.

I've been shooting rifles since about the age of 10 (I'm 21 now), but have never owned or fired a handgun until today. If anyone could offer their opinions about this first time shooting, and maybe some tips to improve I'd be happy to hear the constructive critisizm.

Here are the results:

28 rounds @ 7 yards

28 rounds @ 15 yards

Yes I know 28 + 28= 56 and I said I put 100 rounds down range, the rest were my cousin (who is a terrible shot) and I didn't take pics of his target as he only hit it like 5 times, and also we set up some sporting clays in the dirt and shot at them.

Moon Doggie 116 · 05-13-2008, 07:50 AM

I would say move out to 35 Yds and 50 Yds and see how your Gun Prints at those distances, you NEVER know when you may need to use your Pistol at longer yardages, at least you will know where to aim if need be.
And shoot as much as you can, I reload for all of my Fire Arms, so the Cost is some what lower to shoot, but the Price of Powder,Bullets and Primers are still going up, but shoot as much as you can and don't become complacent with shooting 2 times year.
But these Targets above look good to me, the 15 Yd Target looks to have a Vertical String on the Left side of the Target, was these Shots free hand ?
Just Practice and these Groups will tighten up substantially

Bob

JrBiem691 · 05-13-2008, 09:33 AM

Thanks for the reply and the advice. I'm not quite sure what you mean by "free hand" as I am new to shooting handguns. I was shooting standing up with both hands on the gun, not resting on anything. Is that freehand?

Joeywhat · 05-13-2008, 09:36 AM

My advice is to start slow...stick at 7 yards for a while until you are comfortable with your groupings, then start moving back. During this time practice your grip, stance, trigger pull including finger placement...everything needed to be a good shot. When I shot my first handgun 25 yards was the only available distance...and of course I did pretty awful. It's discouraging getting bad groups, even at those distances.

Moon Doggie 116 · 05-13-2008, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JrBiem691

Thanks for the reply and the advice. I'm not quite sure what you mean by "free hand" as I am new to shooting handguns. I was shooting standing up with both hands on the gun, not resting on anything. Is that freehand?

Yes, that is what I mean by Free Hand, or Off Hand, I would shoot off of a Bench and check your Groups, by shooting "Free Hand" you could be waivering or moving when you pull the trigger, shoot off of a Bench and Sand bags and this should tighten your Groups up considerably
Moon Doggie

05-12-2008, 10:40 AM	#1
JrBiem691 XDTalk Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Green Bay, WI Posts: 69	First Time Out... Hey all, I picked up my XD .45 tactical two days ago. There are a couple pics posted in the new member welcome center section. I've been itchin to take it to the range since I picked it up, and finally did so today. I must say I was fairly surprised and happy with my shooting today. I put 100 rounds of WW Box 230 FMJ through it. I've been shooting rifles since about the age of 10 (I'm 21 now), but have never owned or fired a handgun until today. If anyone could offer their opinions about this first time shooting, and maybe some tips to improve I'd be happy to hear the constructive critisizm. Here are the results: 28 rounds @ 7 yards 28 rounds @ 15 yards Yes I know 28 + 28= 56 and I said I put 100 rounds down range, the rest were my cousin (who is a terrible shot) and I didn't take pics of his target as he only hit it like 5 times, and also we set up some sporting clays in the dirt and shot at them. __________________ JB- Green Bay, WI ------------------ XD .45 Tactical Mossberg 12 GA Remington 7600 30.06 ------------------ -Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful. Last edited by JrBiem691 : 05-12-2008 at 10:43 AM.

05-13-2008, 09:33 AM	#3
JrBiem691 XDTalk Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Green Bay, WI Posts: 69	Thanks for the reply and the advice. I'm not quite sure what you mean by "free hand" as I am new to shooting handguns. I was shooting standing up with both hands on the gun, not resting on anything. Is that freehand? __________________ JB- Green Bay, WI ------------------ XD .45 Tactical Mossberg 12 GA Remington 7600 30.06 ------------------ -Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.

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05-13-2008, 07:50 AM	#2
Moon Doggie 116 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Boonies of Ohio Posts: 19	I would say move out to 35 Yds and 50 Yds and see how your Gun Prints at those distances, you NEVER know when you may need to use your Pistol at longer yardages, at least you will know where to aim if need be. And shoot as much as you can, I reload for all of my Fire Arms, so the Cost is some what lower to shoot, but the Price of Powder,Bullets and Primers are still going up, but shoot as much as you can and don't become complacent with shooting 2 times year. But these Targets above look good to me, the 15 Yd Target looks to have a Vertical String on the Left side of the Target, was these Shots free hand ? Just Practice and these Groups will tighten up substantially Bob

05-13-2008, 09:36 AM	#4
Joeywhat XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Ypsi, MI Posts: 902	My advice is to start slow...stick at 7 yards for a while until you are comfortable with your groupings, then start moving back. During this time practice your grip, stance, trigger pull including finger placement...everything needed to be a good shot. When I shot my first handgun 25 yards was the only available distance...and of course I did pretty awful. It's discouraging getting bad groups, even at those distances.