Posted: 7/2/2015 3:33:27 PM EDT
| I have always found my skills in shooting a handgun severely lacking. I've watched several different videos but I'm still not as good as I would like to be. I understand practice makes perfect but if you are practicing the wrong things it isn't a good thing. Is there an instructor in the Eau Claire area that would be good to learn from? The range I visit is the menomonie rifle and pistol club. Any suggestions? |
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Videos aren't really going to help you much. Don't be afraid to travel for some weekend instruction if there is nobody in your area. I have been shooting awhile and I still benefit and enjoy taking a class every year if I can. The basis of every good instruction is the fundamentals. And the fundamentals are always the same. Even the top shooters practice the simple stuff. You will learn a lot after your first instruction, but don't stop there. It takes a lot of practice to shoot well with a handgun. The first pistol class I took was over an hour away back around 2008, but it really opened the door for me. Ten years ago I was lucky if I could keep 5 rounds on paper at 25 yards. The pistol class I took last month I hit steel at 100 yards, and had .25 splits at a 7 yards target keeping my rounds in an 8 inch circle. |
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Quoted:
Videos aren't really going to help you much. Don't be afraid to travel for some weekend instruction if there is nobody in your area. I have been shooting awhile and I still benefit and enjoy taking a class every year if I can. The basis of every good instruction is the fundamentals. And the fundamentals are always the same. Even the top shooters practice the simple stuff. You will learn a lot after your first instruction, but don't stop there. It takes a lot of practice to shoot well with a handgun. The first pistol class I took was over an hour away back around 2008, but it really opened the door for me. Ten years ago I was lucky if I could keep 5 rounds on paper at 25 yards. The pistol class I took last month I hit steel at 100 yards, and had .25 splits at a 7 yards target keeping my rounds in an 8 inch circle. This. Although videos "might" help, there is a limit to how much. If you are having difficulties, get some good instruction and then be prepared to practice. (A lot) But since it summer, spending a nice day at an outdoor range is never a bad thing. |
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I actually like DVDs and find that I can apply much of the information to my shooting. I really like the Magpul Dynamic series of videos and next on my list of DVDs is one by Frank Proctor. While I find DVDs help, I will agree that many times you THINK that you are doing what they said to do on the video but you really are not. It's pretty nice to have someone there to point out things that can help you advance your skill set. I know of a great instructor in the LaCrosse area that isn't too far from you. I'll send you a PM instead of posting his name here. |
| I appreciate all the suggestions. I have the magpul dynamic DVDs. I'll be sure to rewatch the the one on handguns. I think the best way to ensure I am using proper form is to learn from an instructor in person. I appreciate the suggestions I have received and will be sure to follow-up on them. |
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I have taken Ben's class and will be shooting the match on Sunday.
Tell Ben exactly what you need help with right away so he can help you focus on that. Ben can teach really well, I learned a lot in his class. I need to retake his class again, I initially took his class after having only shot 2 matches and even though I learned a lot, I think taking the class again after having shot for a couple of years would probably help me step up to the next level. |
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Is there an instructor in the Eau Claire area that would be good to learn from? Any suggestions? In-Extremis Consulting in Black River Falls holds training a few times throughout the year. There is a July 4th or 25th class and a August 8th or 9th class. Only one day each weekend is pistol as the other is Carbine. |
| I struggled with shooting pistol for quite awhile also. I have not taken any classes yet, but I have taken tips from some videos including the Magpul videos. I'm not an expert marksman, but my skills have definitely improved after learning simple things like proper grip, stance, and trigger pull. I would love to take a class when I have time, but just like shooting rifles, practice practice and more practice is one of the best ways to get better. I've heard good things about the shoots in Augusta, a couple friends shoot in some of the matches there. I usually try to get to the EC Rod and Gun club once every two weeks or so. |
Ben knows what he's talking about, hopefully you got something out of the class. I very highly recommend getting a hold of his books and basically treating them like gospel. They get right to the point on what you need to do to be competent, and combined with intelligent practice (PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE) anyone can get their desired SS/EX/MA C/B/A/M/GM whatever card 
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We NEED an after action report from your attendance in Ben's Class. Did Ronnie and Lori attend? Hope that you had a grand time. Tell us what you thought. That wasn't a beginners class, I know that you were thrown into the deep end, but curious how things worked out for you. You can PM if you feel more comfortable doing that, but I am sure others would like to know as well. |