Shooting Pistols

[BigAl52]

Im wondering what yardage you shoot your pistols at when you are plinking or practicing???? Like 9mm 45 ACP type. Probably more auto type pistols than revolver. I usually tend to be at 20 to 25 yards with mine when plinking with those calibers. But I read on other forums where guys are only shooting at 7 to 10 yards which makes a difference in shooting quite a bit.

[GFK]

I have been typically shooting between 7-10 yards. Mainly, that is due to my reading of a typical self-defend encounter. As I recall, when I had to qualify with a handgun, most distances were 15 yards or less. My club typically runs IDPA drills once a month. I have not participated yet. But, this is an idea: https://www.ssusa.org/content/getting-s ... 20required.

[Mags]

Usually 20ft or so. Sometimes 100+ft.

[GFK]

As a quick check, this is what a couple states require to carry:

AI Overview
In North Carolina, the concealed carry handgun (CCH) shooting test requires firing 30 rounds at a silhouette target from distances of 3, 5, and 7 yards. To pass, a minimum of 70-75% accuracy is typically required, meaning you need to hit the target with 21-23 of the 30 rounds.

AI Overview
In Maryland, the handgun qualification for a Wear and Carry Permit (WCHP) involves a live-fire course of at least 25 rounds, with a minimum accuracy score of 70%. The course of fire includes distances of 3, 5, 7, and 15 yards, using a B-27 silhouette target. The applicant must not be required to fire beyond 15 yards.

[BigAl52]

As a quick check, this is what a couple states require to carry:

AI Overview
In North Carolina, the concealed carry handgun (CCH) shooting test requires firing 30 rounds at a silhouette target from distances of 3, 5, and 7 yards. To pass, a minimum of 70-75% accuracy is typically required, meaning you need to hit the target with 21-23 of the 30 rounds.

AI Overview
In Maryland, the handgun qualification for a Wear and Carry Permit (WCHP) involves a live-fire course of at least 25 rounds, with a minimum accuracy score of 70%. The course of fire includes distances of 3, 5, 7, and 15 yards, using a B-27 silhouette target. The applicant must not be required to fire beyond 15 yards.

What is the time allowed for 30 rounds? If one was shooting a 45 he would need a few magazines

[GFK]

Hey Al,

Below is a quick search. Yet, I have never ran out of time, when qualifying with a handgun. Most shots were in groups of 5 rounds or so. While in the Navy, I had to qualify with .45 and 9mm. While a correctional officer, I had to qualify with a .38. Most times, I just took my time and fired a shoot every couple of seconds or so.

AI Overview
Based on the search results, the time limit for shooting 30 rounds for handgun qualification in North Carolina
can vary depending on the specific qualification course and instructor.
Here's what the search results indicate:

Minimum State Requirement: The state of North Carolina requires a minimum of 30 rounds for the concealed carry handgun qualification course. This typically involves firing 10 rounds each from distances of 3, 5, and 7 yards.
Instructor Discretion: Instructors have the discretion to set more stringent requirements, including time limits.
Examples of Time Limits:
One example shows specific time limits for different stages of fire, including 30 seconds for 6 rounds from standing and kneeling positions for semi-automatic handguns (with a required magazine change). Revolvers in the same stage have a time limit of 35 seconds.
Another example mentions a 40-round timed qualification for a concealed carry course, requiring a 75% score from both low ready and draw or bench top positions. This qualification is administered to 8 students at a time, suggesting that the timing of each individual's shooting is integrated into the overall course time.
Focus on Accuracy: While time limits exist, the focus is also on accuracy. For the 30-round course, you typically need to hit the target with at least 21 of the 30 rounds. Some instructors may require a higher percentage of hits to pass.

Therefore, there's no single, set time limit for all 30 rounds. You'll need to check with the specific instructor or course provider for their exact time limits for the 30-round qualification. The provided examples illustrate that time limits can vary depending on the specific drills and stages of the course.

[Ernie]

Have not shot 9mm in ages. Shooting 45acp, 10mm and now 357 mag at 20 - 30 feet. Have shot 10 and 357 at 25 and 50 yards last outing because no one else was there and I just wanted to see where it would hit. The range where I shoot is basic. No ranger, no metal targets allowed. Dirt backstops at 30 ft, 50 ,100, and 200 yards. Covered shooting area with tables and benches. They also have 2 traps for shooting Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Members get gate combination and you can shoot 9am to dusk.

[TeddyBear]

For qualification, 12 from the 5, 12 from the 7, 6 from the 15. Thats the only distances I shoot from.

[North Country Gal]

I've never done much shooting at typical 3 to 7 yard self-defense distances because hunting and then handgun silhouette (100 yards or 200 yards) were how I started in handgun shooting and when I quit those sports, I just kept target shooting at those distances. I did try bullseye pistol (now called Precision Pistol) for a while when I was younger, but even that sport is 25 and 50 yards. And that's with revolvers and some semi-autos. With specialty pistols, I more or less have always shot them at rifle ranges. Still do. Bottom line for me and handguns is that I have always been a target shooter, not a self-defense shooter.

I certainly agree that practicing at self-defense distance is important and necessary if you are going to carry. No argument, there. It's the main focus of handgun shooting these days and I accept that. Very, very important. I rarely carry, though, and when I do it's more likely to be woods carry on the rare occasions when we have problems with a bear in our area.

Each to their own, as always.

[GtownGeorge]

When I take my pistols to the range I start at 7 yards and the go to 10, 20 and 30. The 7 yard shots are usually quick draw.