Reasonable micro / subcompact shooting distance

[ryanryan03]

What is a reasonable maximum shooting distance that a Nano / LCR / LCP / P290RS type of weapon could shoot accurately?

Just for a twist, how far could a Taurus Public Defender shoot accurately?

I am torn between the defender and a P290rs as my next purchase.

[jad0110]

I've heard mixed reports on the judge shooting 45 LC, but the others should be plenty accurate mechanically to hit a man size target at 100 yards (I've got a 2" S&W Model 15 that is capable of 1" groups at 25 yards. These guns are certainly capable of accuracy far beyond a distance you will ever need to shoot in SD, or what you could even justify as being SD.

That said, practical accuracy is a whole other matter. With that same 2" Model 15, my wife can barely hit a 9" pie plate a 5 yards.

[Yankee Doodle]

Depends on the guy behind the trigger.
I've seen many people that could consistantly keep their shots COM on a police target out to 75+ yards. Seen a couple that could do it at well over 100. However, I've seen others that could not hit the broadside of a barn from inside.
If you are willing to put in the practice, you will be shocked at how far you can hit with just about any firearm.

[ryanryan03]

Thanks for the replies. I am just kicking some ideas around in my head in regards to my next purchase and appreciate all the input.

[Aguila Blanca]

A decade or so ago I shot the qualifying target for a Rhode Island non-resident carry permit using a 3-1/2" Para-Ordnance P12.45. The required distance was 75 feet and I shot something like 285 out of 300 possible. I doubt if I could repeat that today.

That said, most self-defense shootings take place within 21 feet, so with a compact pistol I never worry about how it might shoot beyond 25 feet.

[g.willikers]

One of the guys in our range gang used to be able to consistently hit a one gallon water jug, at 100 yds, with his Walther PPK.
Like what's been said, it ain't the gun.

[Redneckrepairs]

head plates at 25 yards are doable without problem with our standard judge and .45lc

[TeamTurpin]

My new obession is my gun club's plinking range. There are falling plates of various sizes about 20 yards away. If I take my time with the Nano, I knock a plate just over 50% of the time. Of course, I've only expended about 100 rounds there in a couple of sessions. If I keep up the practice, I can improve that greatly. The Nano can do it; the shooter is the issue.

Then, I start working on speed. I can't think of better training for CCW weapon familiarization.

[richardcorey]

I don't remember where I heard it or who said it but I always think of the one that said "First you get accurate, then you get fast. No one ever got hurt by a fast noise." Nuff Said.

[ryanryan03]

Great discussion so far. Thanks everyone.

[kahrguy]

ole hickok45 can give a solid review of many small pistols.

Here one video showing him shooting a pm9- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKSvmMLJt_0

[ClydeFrog]

As a general rule, I go by what I call the 3x3x3 Rule; 3 rounds at approx 3 feet in about 3 sec. Now this applys to armed citizens(license holders) NOT sworn LE, military troops, armed security/PMCs, etc.
Richard "Demo Dick" Marcinko, the colorful ex-SEAL officer who set-up & ran SEAL Team VI(later called DevGru or Development Group) wrote in the great non fiction book: Rogue Warrior that he mandated that the SEALs/shooters should be able to hit a 3"x5" card at 30'. This seems decent for any carry/duty sidearm.
FWIW: Research by the LAPD in the late 1990s showed the avg distance for a officer involved shooting was 28'.

CF

[Gunbunny1]

as close as you can get. subcompact=gut gun.

[kcub]

Minute-of-face across a dark movie theatre.

In other words, a laser is required.