S & W 686, CZ Shadow at the range

[halhunt]

Today I shot around 75 rounds through my new S & W 686 using winchester white box 38 special. My first revolver and shot all DA, took some getting used to. Lots of room for improvement.

What was great was next shooting my CZ Shadow, my best groups yet. Hitting almost all in a 2 inch square at 10m. I think the DA trigger and greater concentration with the new revolver make the CZ seem in comparison ergonomically perfect in my hand and the trigger very light. I will be shooting in the same order next time, most challenging first.

 

[Redhouse]

I have the same pair. Revolver is much nicer to shoot single action. That said, I'm WAY more accurate with my Shadow, can hit a 6" gong about 8/10 standing freehand (which, for ME, is very good shooting). Love the feel of the Shadow too, I got lucky as it was my first pistol and I still think it's a perfect fit for me, plus the accuracy bonus.

 

[easyrider604]

My first revolver and shot all DA, took some getting used to. Lots of room for improvement.

If I may add my .02 for all newbies:

Best training to shoot DA revolver, or semi-autos, or any firearm for that matter, is to dryfire. I prefer dryfiring at the range for safety reasons, following all the procedures as if firing live ammo.

But if you want to dryfire at home, nonetheless follow Jeff Cooper's Four Rules of Firearms Safety. I read about a tragedy brought about a dryfire practice session that went horribly and tragically wrong, but that is the subject for another thread.

Set-up up your usual bullseye target in a safe direction, make 100% sure your gun is unloaded, and dryfire in DA. Make sure you follow strictly everything you have been taught about breathing, grip, trigger squeeze/pull, follow through, etc. Make sure that when the hammer drops (or striker strikes) your sights remain on target. Concentrate on the front sight.

Unless you are practicing for bullseye matches, shoot/dryfire your revolver DA all the time. It will improve your shooting skills to the extent that you will be as accurate in DA as in SA. This procedure will also improve your revolvers DA trigger pull...make it lighter and smoother in time.

Buy snap caps if you wish. Most centerfire firearms do not need caps but do your own research on this topic. I do not use snap caps, but put a piece of hard rubber on the firing pin of my 1911s to prevent the hammer hitting it directly. My Smith or Ruger revolvers do not get special dryfire treatment.

Rule of thumb for me is to avoid dryfirng .22LR firearms, whether the manual says it is safe or not.

Shoot at least 100 dry every evening for a week. You will be surprised at your groupings next time. Continue this drill until you are satisfied with your range results. I have seen expert shooters continue to dryfire.

Dry fire is free and the results are dramatic.

Another area to work on is flinch, again another thread.

 

[hercster]

I agree with the value of dry fire and can add a wrinkle. I practice a little game shooting at one of my TV's. I try to acquire and shoot any form of circle as it appears. With scrolling letters I shoot the "0" and zero's. The bright TV surface really back drops the front sight and emphasizes any movement during follow through. There's another benefit of dry firing in the psychological department when it comes to flinching. If every time you pull on a live round there is a bang and recoil, the brain can start to anticipate and cause a muscular reaction. Dry fire a lot and the brain learns to expect a non threatening "click". All safety comments apply. Ammo never gets into the room where I practice.