Precision Pistol and 100 Yard Shots (with a Glock??)

 

I’m going to share a quick video with you today where I demonstrate shooting a steel torso target at 100 yards with a Glock 26 5 out of 5 times using Freedom Munitions SuperMatch ammo, and then go into detail on how YOU can shoot like this too…


If you like it, please click the “thumbs-up” button above.
I decided to make this video after the initial reports came out about the ISIS attack at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, TX a couple years back.  Initially, it was stated that the 2 ISIS attackers were wearing body armor and were armed with carbines and were taken out by a single officer with a Glock pistol.

So, the question kept coming up about whether the pistol vs. carbine story was even possible.

It IS possible, but I wouldn’t want to be the guy with a pistol if the attacker(s) with the carbine(s) knew what they were doing.

Every time I hear this conversation, it is obvious that there is a LOT of misinformation floating around about shooting long distance with a concealed carry pistol…especially a subcompact semi-auto or snubby revolver.

First off, people tend to hold WAY too high.  Depending on muzzle velocity and bullet weight, a 9mm will drop around 3-5″ at 75 yards and 7-12″ at 100 yards.  Put the top of the sights on the top of the shoulders and you can press the trigger without any more thinking.  If you start over-thinking the process, it gets frustrating.

And wind?  Wind just isn’t an issue at 100 yards with a pistol.

Second, ammo makes a HUGE difference and that’s why I demonstrated this using Freedom Munitions SuperMatch. They sent me some out to try and I didn’t think it would make that big of a difference, but it does.

Practice ammo isn’t really loaded for precision shooting.  It’s loaded for practicing and having fun.  Muzzle velocities might bounce around 200+ feet per second from one round to the next.  Depending on the manufacturing process, bullet weight can vary 5-10% from round to round and can even be a different weight than what the label on the box says.  Again, as a result of the manufacturing process, the diameter and the “roundness” can vary from bullet to bullet as well.

When you’re trying to shoot 8″ groups at 10-20 feet, it doesn’t really matter.  But if you’re trying to shoot precisely up close or hit targets further out, it does matter.

All of these factors put together mean that the BEST groups you could possibly shoot at 100 yards with low quality ammo with your gun in a vice are as loose as 3′-12″ groups.  And if you try to correct your aim after every shot, you’re going to be chasing misses for a long time.

Throw enough lead downrange and you’ll hit your target sooner or later, but it’s not going to inspire confidence.

But, if you are able to practice with high quality ammo, you can quickly develop the confidence in your shooting and your gun so that you can take longer shots without any self-doubt or thought about the process.  You simply draw, present, press, and hit what you’re aiming at.

Why does this matter?  Because when you go to shoot a target in front of friends, in competition, or in self defense, you’re going to have one of 2 sets of emotions playing in your brain…a feeling of calm, earned confidence or nervousness, questioning, and self-doubt.

And the brain chemicals that come along with questioning and self-doubt will interfere with performance as effectively as a few shots of whiskey.

You might wonder why long range shooting with a pistol is important.

For most civilians, 100 yard shots with a pistol or sub-compact are primarily a self-test to see if you have your fundamentals dialed in–in that sense, they’re like trying to shoot 1 hole groups.  The only practical use I’ve had for the skill is taking out coyote that were threatening livestock when I didn’t have a carbine handy…but that’s not a normal need/concern for most people.

For military, they should be required for anyone who carries a pistol.  You don’t want to “figure out your gun” when you’ve got inbound rounds.

For law enforcement…think about how confident you’d be taking a shot at an active shooter from end-to-end of your local mall, Wal-Mart, or other big retail location.  Ideally, you want a team of guys with carbines, but it’d be nice to know you have the ability to put effective rounds on target until they show up.

For most shooters, the biggest challenge with consistency at 10 feet, 10 yards, or 100 yards isn’t ammo or the gun they’re shooting…it’s trigger control.  And one of the best tools that you can have to RAPIDLY improve trigger finger isolation and trigger control is >THIS<

You see, you can have a perfect stance, grip, sight alignment and sight picture, but STILL miss a man-sized target 10 feet away if you don’t have trigger control.  But >THIS< is one of the keys to being able to run the trigger FAST and shoot tight groups close-in as well as stretching out your gun to 25, 50, and 100 yards.

Check it out…you’ll be glad you did 🙂

Comments? Questions? Share by commenting below.

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33 Comments

  • Harry Anderson

    Reply Reply June 18, 2019

    Jerry Miculak made a 1000 yard shot with a 9mm S&W 929 and Hornady ammo. 100 yards is just a warm up. Unreal!

  • Richard Sitz

    Reply Reply December 4, 2015

    My friends and I practice shooting pistols at bowling pins at 100 yards Lots of fun in addition to getting to know our firearms better. There isn’t that much of a “hold over”. We aim at the top to the pin and hit the fat part. Sometimes we shoot at sporting clay’s at 100 yards also. Now that is difficult!

  • Firewagon

    Reply Reply June 6, 2015

    You can ‘win’ a lot of money/free drinks proving to those somewhat unfamiliar as to what is actually possible with the “short” gun. I once commented to my son about fogging off shots out to 300 yds with my Browning HiPower and, his response was that he would stand out there and let me shoot at him all day at that distance. I told him that with close to 140 fpe remaining at that range, from my reloaded Sierra 115 JHP, he would be in some hurt if hit. The drop is problematic, at that range for “reliable” hits – 120″; but “standing there” I would hit you more than once in 8 shots – with 6 remaining, major caveat being you have to “stand” where the ‘misses’ are seen in the impact area, non grass dirt! 250 yd shots are more ‘reliable,’ as your “hold over” is only the height of a 6 ft(72″) individual.

    After becoming “a believer,” we use orange clay birds for our 100 yd targets, 0’d there/pt of aim requires +2″ @ 25 yds. The ‘boy’ got interested in improving his handgun shooting and has ‘gotten better:’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qX9xzKTY9M 8″ plates from 33 ft w/target reloads.

  • Thomas Atwood

    Reply Reply June 5, 2015

    Thats great for you young fellows who have 20/20 eye sight. I have had to install gun fighter style sights just to be able too get a good sight picture on my sub compact carry guns. To try and focus on a small pinpoint above my front sight would require that I have my bi or tri focal glasses specially designed with the bi focal portion of the lens on top when in a shooting stance.. Hope you can determine what i am trying to convey here.

    Tom

    • Ox

      Reply Reply June 5, 2015

      I’m not young, and I don’t always have 20/20 vision 🙂

      I get what you’re trying to convey, but you’re creating a mountain out of a molehill. Fortunately, you’re not the only person who has aged and had problems with vision who still wanted to shoot well.

      1. You can get stick on magnification for your glasses that will give you crystal clear focus on your front sight.
      2. More importantly, you MIGHT want to check out http://shootersVisionGym.com The vision problems that you’re mentioning could simply be the result of having eye muscles that need to be stretched and exercised more.

  • Geoffrey

    Reply Reply June 4, 2015

    The one time I tried shooting my 4″ pistol “long distance” at a target across a ravine, I couldn’t hit the target … I couldn’t measure the distance, I’m guessing it was about 100 yards. Worst thing about it, I couldn’t see where the shots were landing. I do know that starting at 25 yards I can’t hit within 8 inches. Oh well, … maybe some more training will help!

  • Tim

    Reply Reply June 4, 2015

    You’re talking about making this shot with a sub-compact handgun. Is it possible with a compact? In the competition video, they were wondering if he had a Shield. My conceal carry is a .40 Shield. Just curious if it’s even possible before I try.

    • Ox

      Reply Reply June 4, 2015

      The Shield is an incredible gun. I haven’t tried making a 100 yard shot with it, but if someone handed me one, I would be very confident that the Shield would perform.

  • NEWELL ANDERSON

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    For several years I have been shooting 5 Gal. buckets at 100 Yds. with an early 1911.
    It has very small sights, much maligned by the Pistolero Press. These small sight allow for a very good sight picture at 100 Yds.! Maybe that’s why they were put on there in the First Place.
    Good article!

  • Doug Cox

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    Ed McGivern – grand old man of pistol shooting, author of “Fast and Fancy Pistol Shooting”, and early proponent of the .357 Magnum cartridge – documented consistent hits on human silhouette targets using S&W revolvers in that caliber out to 600 yards. In my youth, after reading his 1939 book, I took my 1873-style single-action 45 LC out to the sandpit and, copying his techniques, was able to consistently put holes into a washtub at 100 yards. Let me assure you, I was NOT a great pistolero then – nor now. Whoever has the opportunity to read McGivern’s classic, please do yourself a favor by doing so. You will learn more about double-action wheelguns than you thought possible. I know the guns he used for distance shooting are generations away from sub-compact Glocks, but the principles still pertain.

    • Ox

      Reply Reply June 3, 2015

      Hey Doug,

      I’m not much of a revolver shooter, but from what I’m told, revolvers are MUCH better for long range shooting than semi-autos because the grip angle is much more natural for most people, so don’t discount them 🙂

  • Darryl Lima

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    PS- No such luck with my Glock model 27. I will blame it on the 40 cal. ammo…:-)

  • Darryl Lima

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    While shooting an old (pre-1975) Browning Hi-Power with tangent sights the other day, someone mentioned how ridiculous the tangent sights were, so of course, we gave it a try. We were all surprised at how many shots (75%) we were able to get in a 24″ target at 100 yards. This is with practice ammo and little to no practice at that range. We do shoot fairly often, but I have to say, it wasn’t that hard.

  • Darryl LIma

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    While shooting an old (pre 1975) Browning Hi-Power with tangent sights the other day, someone mentioned how ridiculous the tangent sights were, so of course, we gave it a try. We were all surprised at how many shots (75%) we were able to get in a 24″ target at 100 yards. This is with practice ammo and little to no practice at that range. We do shoot fairly often, but I have to say, it wasn’t that hard.

  • AGXIIK

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    Aim Small, Shot Small has been a tradition with rifle shooters for centuries. If a person develops the skill to point in an a small distant target, getting hits on steel, that is an excellent drill to make on a better shooter at close distances. Shooting clay birds at 50 to 75 yards is another way to get precision shots, coordinating eye, hand, stance and breathing to get those rounds on target. A 50 round box shot at distance is enough to get that skill set embedded in the mind set of shooting accurately. I carry a Glock 26 and with this essay showing how well a subcompact 9mm, it confirms my decision to keep this pistol close at hand.

  • Jason

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    One question Ox…is there a way to simulate a 100 yard shot if your range is only 50 or 25 yards long? Smaller targets? Higher hit point to simulate the drop out to 100 yards?

    • Ox

      Reply Reply June 3, 2015

      I’m going to take a stab at this. I would venture to say that reduced size targets will give you a 95% solution at 50 and 25 yards. Here’s some of what went into my answer…

      1. Reduced size targets are a problem for carbines with a sight offset. If you shoot a 1/10th target at 10 yards it’s NOT the same as shooting a full size target at 100 yards. The pistol sight offset is small enough that I don’t think it’s a problem.

      2. If you’re shooting at a target that’s smaller than the drop of the bullet at 100 yards, I can see there being a problem. If your torso target is 24″-30″ and your drop is 5-12″, you can hold your sights on the top of the shoulders and get good hits at 25, 50, or 100 yards with the exact same hold. If your goal is to simulate a 100 yard shot, I would hold exactly the same on the closer, reduced size targets. If your goal is to get precision DOPE on your gun/ammo at various distances, then I’d hold based on the distance.

      3. You’re not going to have any measurable wind effects at 100 yards…technically you are, but not compared to wobble and ammo variability. If you’re doing precision benchrest shooting, then it’s a different ballgame.

      4. If you’re using moving targets, it makes a difference, but there aren’t that many places where you can shoot on lateral movers.

      5. I’m guessing that there are some high-speed visual factors that are beyond what I know that may come into play. I’ll try shooting on a reduced size silhouette at scale distance today and see if I can identify anything. For the most part, the lens of the eye goes to infinity at 20 feet, so I don’t think it’ll be an issue.

      Long story short, I’d do it if I were you 🙂

      4.

      3.

  • larry

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    i would like to see you do this with a high point sir. now that is an inexpensive gun. i am serous about this use the same ammo. . now my reason is a glock is not that inexpensive . in my book but a high point is very inexpensive about 160.00 for a 45. and 130.00 for 9 mm 110.00 for 380 i really would like to see that

    • Ox

      Reply Reply June 3, 2015

      Hi Larry,

      Thanks for your comment, but I won’t be doing that, and I wouldn’t recommend that anyone, anywhere shoot a Hi-Point. The Hi-Point is not an inexpensive gun, it is a cheap gun…or more accurately, an expensive paperweight. I would buy a revolver from the 60s and shoot .38 special instead of ever buying a Hi-Point. (I own and shoot a .38 revolver from the 60s…I’m not scared of it like I am a Hi-Point.) They’re about the same price and the 50 year old well worn revolver shoots better.

      In the world of combat, self-defense worthy, and competition guns, the Glock is not an expensive gun.

  • Jason

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    I definitely practice at the range anywhere from 5-50 yards. I live near and frequently go to an upscale mall in Metro Detroit with my wife. Metro Detroit also has one of the largest middle eastern populations outside the Middle East. However extremely unlikely, it would not shock me if a lone wolf type scenario involving a young ISIS sympathizer decided on this soft target to make a statement. In which case, a 50 yard shot with my 3.8 XDM would be a possibility. Hope for the best, train for the worst!

    • Ox

      Reply Reply June 3, 2015

      Thanks, Jason. It’s one of those things where you never want to find yourself in that situation, but if you ever do, it’s nice to know that you’ve been there and done that as far as shooting at those distances. I know guys who can pop off 2 or more shots per second at 100 yards…I’m not there yet, but I’m striving to do it.

  • kenneth caver

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    I find this a very interesting article on the use of a pistol for long range use. I am 79, and a retired navy man. I was in a lot of places, but no hot active fighting. I was raised a country boy and did my share of gun handling. Never seemed it was necessary to carry a weapon ,pistol or shot gun. Now a days it seems the thing to do. As I said I am getting along in years, and have been said by VA doctors to be 100% disabled. I also have daughter who is mentally retarded and is 58 yrs old, and a wife who is handicapped. So I am glad I read this, it cleared my resolve to make us as safe and secure as I can
    ken caver usn retired

  • Mark Torrence

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    Yeah my Dad and I used to go out and shoot out to 300 yards on a regular basis with hand guns although not with a sub compact. I shot my Ruger Super Blackhawk and was able to hit 1 foot square steel consistently at that distance. My Dad always shot his 2 inch barreled Dan Wesson 357 which was amazingly accurate out to about 150 yards. Might seem silly and wasteful to some but I gotta say it really makes you work to be accurate at those distances. It’s all about concentration.

    • Ox

      Reply Reply June 3, 2015

      That’s some awesome shooting, Mark!

  • Richard Clark

    Reply Reply June 3, 2015

    The best part of the 3 gun portion, aside from your excellent performance, is the guy that said ” how is he going to make this shot?” – Just like that! Haha

    Thanks for sharing.

  • Elsworth

    Reply Reply June 2, 2015

    Awesome shooting. 100 yards is way to far but would like to try. Thanks for the explanation.

  • Peter

    Reply Reply June 2, 2015

    That was fantastic, Ox. Thanks for sharing!

    • Ox

      Reply Reply June 2, 2015

      Thanks, Peter, but it’s important to realize that just like the Glock isn’t THAT great of a gun, I don’t really have any special physical traits. What I demonstrated here has very little to do with me as a shooter and a LOT to do with what almost anyone can do with the right gear (including a relatively inexpensive gun), training, and practice.

      I’m going to go into this more on Friday because I think people are getting confused…the videos I post aren’t about me. I’m incredibly average, as far as ability goes. The only reason I’m able to shoot the way I do is because of the mental, physical, and visual training that I’ve done (that almost anyone can do) and, in this case, match grade ammo.

  • Mark Reynolds

    Reply Reply June 2, 2015

    Great idea…I’m being sarcastic. Shooting at someone at 100 yards means they will have to stand still for you. And that there will be no one else around to hit by “accident’. I figure that if I have to shoot at anyone at 100 yards I want a rifle not a Glock 26.

    • Ox

      Reply Reply June 2, 2015

      Hey Mark,

      There’s a few things to think about…

      First off, engaging targets at 100 yards is a great litmus test, regardless of their shape. You’re entitled to your opinion, but it goes in the face of what law enforcement agencies across the country who have a positive gun culture (see below) believe, train, and have proven to be effective. I was just shooting with an agency instructor who many would consider to be among the most elite agencies in the country. We were shooting a reduced size silhouette at 200 yards and he trains all of his guys out to 120 yards.

      Second, I understand your rifle comment, but I’m not sure if you realize that a carbine is a short rifle and I mentioned that you want a carbine instead of a pistol in the article a few times.

      Third, I don’t know many people who would willingly get into a fight with a pistol…let alone against a rifle or carbine. But bad guys don’t do their thing at the time and place of the good guys’ choosing. I’m not sure about you, but I don’t always have a carbine or rifle on me…sometimes carbines run dry, and many times officers don’t have their carbine in their hands. Of course I want a carbine, but if I don’t have one, it’s nice to know that I can make the shot with a pistol…even a sub-compact.

      Fourth, (again, accepting that it’s not an ideal situation) If I can put fire on an active shooter, disrupt their OODA loop, interrupt their plan, and make them move, they’re probably not putting effective fire on me. If I can get cover and a prone or supported shooting position, they might not even be able to find me before I hit them.

      Fifth, on hitting an innocent bystander…that’s incredibly obvious and I don’t understand why you even brought that up. Just because you’re shooting at 100 yards doesn’t mean that you suddenly ignore the fundamental rules of firearms safety. You’re responsible for where your rounds go, regardless of whether you’re 1 inch or 100 yards from your intended target.

      (from above) as to the comment about law enforcement agencies with a positive gun culture…the nationwide average hit rate for law enforcement is 15%. Among departments and agencies with a positive gun culture and effective training, their hit rate is 80-90%.

  • Bill schiffmann

    Reply Reply June 2, 2015

    Interesting video.. Nice shooting .. I assume the rounds are not JHP. Seeing you can make the shot at that distance is cool, but I carry hollowpoints in my PM9 on the theory that they will be more effective at the distance I’m likely to be shooting from. Could I expect to make a 100-yd shot with ammo designed to stop a fight at 10-20?

    • Ox

      Reply Reply June 2, 2015

      GREAT question. The Freedom Munitions SuperMatch ammo actually is a JHP. It is unique in that it flys through the air like a hollow point, but doesn’t expand on impact with soft tissue like defensive ammo. The hollow point design is just the most cost efficient way that they’ve found to get match performance.

      And, yes. You could expect to make a 100 yard shot with ammo designed to stop a fight at 10-20 yards. If the bullet weight is the same, the muzzle velocity is the same and the ballistic coefficient is roughly the same, it’s going to perform very similarly.

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