How often do you shoot?

Grapevinebill · September 30, 2011, 10:58 AM

I did a search on this topic and didn't see it so I figured I would ask. If someone knows if it's here let me know the link,.

I still consider myself new to the handgun world and I think I see the RO's more often that I see my grandkids, no let me change that... I know I see the RO's more than my grandkids and if my son is reading let that be a hint!

Anyway I have been at either one or the other of my local ranges on an average of once a week. I enjoy the fun, I need the practice with my new guns and I need to improve my skills. I usually fire 150 to 200 rounds per visit and leave feeling better than when I walked in.

I was curious how often some of the more experienced shooters are on the range and how many rounds they shoot while there? Also any advice on how to practice or train while I am at the range?

kraigwy · September 30, 2011, 11:04 AM

I shoot dern near daily unless I'm on a road trip or out of town Granddaughter Vollyball/Basketball game.

But I shoot in my back yard.

TailGator · September 30, 2011, 11:58 AM

I only have the time to go once or twice a month. I generally use 200 to 250 rounds of .22LR and 50 to 100 rounds of center fire ammo. A .22 sure helps keep ammo costs down.

KenL · September 30, 2011, 12:08 PM

I was at the range the last 2 days, but that's not the norm for me. I get out once a month at least. I'd like to get out once a week but the other demands on my time don't allow it.

aarondhgraham · September 30, 2011, 12:09 PM

But I get to the range at least once a week religiously.

Aarond

TheGoldenState · September 30, 2011, 12:11 PM

Once or twice a month 200 average rounds.

sigcurious · September 30, 2011, 02:27 PM

At least once a week, but I've been getting out 2-3 times a week recently. Helps that the new range I go to is much closer than the ones I was using before. 300-400 rounds of .22lr and 50 of 9mm is my normal session. Not particularly experienced yet though so can't offer much advice on stuff to do

One day I can only hope to not live in the city or suburbia and have a backyard I can shoot in

Doublea A · September 30, 2011, 10:23 PM

I used to go to the range twice a month, firing in total about 200-250rds of 9mm and .223. However I have been very busy the last five weeks so I haven't had a chance to go. I need to get back to the routine.

chadio · September 30, 2011, 10:39 PM

Usually twice per month.

Each trip:

60+ rnds 22lr
40 rnds .223
20 rnds 9mm
30 rnds 5.7

Give or take

oldkim · September 30, 2011, 11:30 PM

So, this begs further questions...

To be very simplistic... how much does one have to shoot to become better? Depends on your goals of either marksmanship, self defense, competition or a combination of any of the above.

Shooting is practicing the fundamentals.. getting tighter and tighter groups... faster and faster. Just like any other skill... it's best to be taught the proper skills one should achieve for... so you can practice those skills and become better rather than learning bad habits on your own and just making those bad habits better (worse)...

To that end... unless you have huge resources to spend on shooting... I would suggest you consider buying a .22 handgun (either stand alone or a conversion for your current firearm). This will allow you to practice 10-30 times more than you would with your centerfire handgun.

Get trigger time!

So just to give you an idea. In my hayday of shooting (a lot). I was shooting over 25,000 rounds of .22 and a mix of 9mm, 40/357Sig of over 9,000 rounds a year. Now I'm married and I would be lucky to shoot 5,000 of .22 and 1,000 of 40/357Sig.

Also when I went shooting I went for 3-4+ hours at a time. Not 30 min. Please do note that I took plently of time as breaks in that long stretch. The last thing you want to do is shoot for 4 hours straight. Muscle fatique sets in pretty quick.

Also as a note. My .22 is a Walther P22 with 20 magazines. Not shoot a mag and reload but shoot 20 mags (200 rounds) and then reload. Yes, I spent more on magazines then the gun but it was well worth the investment.

So, I hope this helped.

But some practice is better than none.

TheNocturnus · October 1, 2011, 12:01 AM

I try to go once a week, but money is getting tighter. Ammo is not getting any cheaper. I just ordered a Glock airsoft gun to practice with at home. I can always go and shoot my .22lr I guess.

oo0juice0oo · October 1, 2011, 12:45 AM

typically handgun once a month
rifle every other month

hopefully soon (due to new income) it'll be handgun twice a month and rifle once a month

in a perfect world, I'd shoot every day

Deaf Smith · October 1, 2011, 06:31 PM

Workout at gym 3 days a week.

Shoot once a week.

All my shooting and workout is orientated toward sports specific exercises.

And my sport is self defense.

Deaf

TheNatureBoy · October 1, 2011, 07:37 PM

From June-August not much at all. Too hot. I will go in the garage and squeeze off a few rounds/work on mechanics with a pellet gun. From the middle of September -April I go to the range a lot more. Still not as much as I'd like to, but......

Steviewonder1 · October 1, 2011, 08:52 PM

Once or twice a week, however for the last 9 weeks I have been mostly confined to quarters with a broken ankle in a hard cast. Have not been able to do stairs or walk. Graduated to an Air-Cast and made it to the range 3 days later. I also take Gun-Fighting courses 2 times a year where the range is 360 degrees and the guns are loaded all of the time. Practice is fine, but training in the world of Gun Fighting is even better.

dickttx · October 1, 2011, 10:02 PM

I am retired now and got into a good club the first of August. Have been averaging about four times a week for the last two months. Need all the shooting I can get.
Usually do 60 to 80 rounds through my Ceiner .22 conversion unit and about 20 rounds through my .45 Colt 1911. I like those two so well I haven't been shooting much else.
Lots of improvement over those two months. I am on the verge of graduating from horrible to terrible.
Have a new to me 9mm Colt Commander on the FedEx van for delivery Monday. Hope to try it out at least by Monday afternoon. I have 150 rounds loaded for it. Didn't want to overdo it before I tried them in the new gun.

dannyb · October 1, 2011, 10:07 PM

We have an informal Sunday morning get together. Usually start at the rifle range, then move to the pistol range. anybody who has energy left then moves over to the trap field.

I have only made it twice in Sept. but look to do it more often in Oct.

CLC · October 2, 2011, 01:21 AM

Dannyb
I see your in SE PA, what club or group is this? I joined two clubs this year and only had a chance to visit one so far. The one is indoor and 24/7 so I get to go prob 2 times a month. The other I joined so I could get into shooting sports but haven't had a chance to go.

TylerD45ACP · October 2, 2011, 02:12 AM

At least once a week more if possible and I can afford it. But usually just on Sundays. I shoot varying amounts of ammo no less than 100rds; usually its about 250 rounds of federal bulk ammo.

B. Lahey · October 2, 2011, 02:17 AM

Since my significant other has come to enjoy our sport, I get out a bit more. I try for once per week, but on average it usually ends up 2-3 times per month. Wish I had the time and money for more.

Sparks1957 · October 2, 2011, 07:07 AM

My year-round average is probably twice a month, way more in the summer than in winter. My range has only limited hours indoors in the winter, and it isn't always easy to get there. The outdoor ranges are there anytime.

Enough to stay sharp, with special trips for new acquisitions of course.

joe magarack · October 2, 2011, 10:59 PM

I go to the range every friday and shoot between 200 and 400 rounds of a mix of 45acp and 40sw or sometimes 9mm and 380acp. It is an expensive hobby but I cut back in other areas. I try working on proper form, stance,breathing and different distance's from the target. My grouping's are shrinking so im happy.

Morgo · October 3, 2011, 12:08 AM

1-2 visits a week with around 400-500rds total evey week.

GM2 · October 3, 2011, 12:18 AM

I shoot on my own property averaging about twice a month.

Single Six · October 3, 2011, 06:27 AM

Once a year, when my agency has us go "qualify". I would LIKE to shoot once a month, but I have nowhere to go. The PD I serve won't allow us to use the range on our own with out a supervisor present.

September 30, 2011, 10:58 AM	#1
Grapevinebill Member Join Date: September 1, 2011 Location: Grapevine, TX Posts: 53	How often do you shoot? I did a search on this topic and didn't see it so I figured I would ask. If someone knows if it's here let me know the link,. I still consider myself new to the handgun world and I think I see the RO's more often that I see my grandkids, no let me change that... I know I see the RO's more than my grandkids and if my son is reading let that be a hint! Anyway I have been at either one or the other of my local ranges on an average of once a week. I enjoy the fun, I need the practice with my new guns and I need to improve my skills. I usually fire 150 to 200 rounds per visit and leave feeling better than when I walked in. I was curious how often some of the more experienced shooters are on the range and how many rounds they shoot while there? Also any advice on how to practice or train while I am at the range? __________________ NRA Member-Beretta 96 Vertec Elite two tone-Beretta92FS-Italian-Beretta NEOS .22 - Beretta92FS-Inox-Beretta PX4 Storm .45-Beretta BU 9 Nano-Beretta96 Inox-Beretta M9 25th Anniversary edition- Ruger Vaquero .45lc Proud to hail from Texas!

September 30, 2011, 11:04 AM	#2
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I shoot dern near daily unless I'm on a road trip or out of town Granddaughter Vollyball/Basketball game. But I shoot in my back yard. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

September 30, 2011, 12:09 PM	#5
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	I try for twice a week,,, But I get to the range at least once a week religiously. Aarond __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

September 30, 2011, 12:11 PM	#6
TheGoldenState Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2010 Posts: 1,191	Once or twice a month 200 average rounds. __________________ The Day You Get Comfortable Is The Day You Get Careless...

September 30, 2011, 10:23 PM	#8
Doublea A Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2011 Location: Land of 10,000 Lakes. Posts: 132	I used to go to the range twice a month, firing in total about 200-250rds of 9mm and .223. However I have been very busy the last five weeks so I haven't had a chance to go. I need to get back to the routine. __________________ [B]Future additions: Barret MRAD .338 Lapua.[B] Acquisition 2 Gen 3 Glock 19, 1 Gen 4 Glock 19, Daniel Defense V3 LW M4, Ruger SR1911, a Mossberg 500 and Remington 700 SPS AAC-SD. A fear of weapons is a sign of sexual retardation and emotional inmaturity.” Sigmund Freud

September 30, 2011, 11:58 AM	#3
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	I only have the time to go once or twice a month. I generally use 200 to 250 rounds of .22LR and 50 to 100 rounds of center fire ammo. A .22 sure helps keep ammo costs down.

September 30, 2011, 12:08 PM	#4
KenL Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 218	I was at the range the last 2 days, but that's not the norm for me. I get out once a month at least. I'd like to get out once a week but the other demands on my time don't allow it.

September 30, 2011, 02:27 PM	#7
sigcurious Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2011 Posts: 1,755	At least once a week, but I've been getting out 2-3 times a week recently. Helps that the new range I go to is much closer than the ones I was using before. 300-400 rounds of .22lr and 50 of 9mm is my normal session. Not particularly experienced yet though so can't offer much advice on stuff to do One day I can only hope to not live in the city or suburbia and have a backyard I can shoot in

September 30, 2011, 10:39 PM	#9
chadio Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2011 Posts: 931	Usually twice per month. Each trip: 60+ rnds 22lr 40 rnds .223 20 rnds 9mm 30 rnds 5.7 Give or take

September 30, 2011, 11:30 PM	#10
oldkim Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2008 Location: Renton, WA Posts: 462	not so easy answer... So, this begs further questions... To be very simplistic... how much does one have to shoot to become better? Depends on your goals of either marksmanship, self defense, competition or a combination of any of the above. Shooting is practicing the fundamentals.. getting tighter and tighter groups... faster and faster. Just like any other skill... it's best to be taught the proper skills one should achieve for... so you can practice those skills and become better rather than learning bad habits on your own and just making those bad habits better (worse)... To that end... unless you have huge resources to spend on shooting... I would suggest you consider buying a .22 handgun (either stand alone or a conversion for your current firearm). This will allow you to practice 10-30 times more than you would with your centerfire handgun. Get trigger time! So just to give you an idea. In my hayday of shooting (a lot). I was shooting over 25,000 rounds of .22 and a mix of 9mm, 40/357Sig of over 9,000 rounds a year. Now I'm married and I would be lucky to shoot 5,000 of .22 and 1,000 of 40/357Sig. Also when I went shooting I went for 3-4+ hours at a time. Not 30 min. Please do note that I took plently of time as breaks in that long stretch. The last thing you want to do is shoot for 4 hours straight. Muscle fatique sets in pretty quick. Also as a note. My .22 is a Walther P22 with 20 magazines. Not shoot a mag and reload but shoot 20 mags (200 rounds) and then reload. Yes, I spent more on magazines then the gun but it was well worth the investment. So, I hope this helped. But some practice is better than none. __________________ "Shoot Safetly, Shoot Often and Share Your Sport." Jim Scoutten, Shooting USA Check out my new website: www.shootonthemove.org

October 1, 2011, 12:01 AM	#11
TheNocturnus Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,097	I try to go once a week, but money is getting tighter. Ammo is not getting any cheaper. I just ordered a Glock airsoft gun to practice with at home. I can always go and shoot my .22lr I guess. __________________ My EDC: Gun Wallet Brain (Use this one the most)

October 1, 2011, 12:45 AM	#12
oo0juice0oo Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 50	typically handgun once a month rifle every other month hopefully soon (due to new income) it'll be handgun twice a month and rifle once a month in a perfect world, I'd shoot every day

October 1, 2011, 06:31 PM	#13
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	Workout at gym 3 days a week. Shoot once a week. All my shooting and workout is orientated toward sports specific exercises. And my sport is self defense. Deaf __________________ “To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides

October 1, 2011, 07:37 PM	#14
TheNatureBoy Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Posts: 1,204	From June-August not much at all. Too hot. I will go in the garage and squeeze off a few rounds/work on mechanics with a pellet gun. From the middle of September -April I go to the range a lot more. Still not as much as I'd like to, but......

October 1, 2011, 08:52 PM	#15
Steviewonder1 Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2009 Location: John's Creek, Georgia Posts: 328	Once or twice a week, however for the last 9 weeks I have been mostly confined to quarters with a broken ankle in a hard cast. Have not been able to do stairs or walk. Graduated to an Air-Cast and made it to the range 3 days later. I also take Gun-Fighting courses 2 times a year where the range is 360 degrees and the guns are loaded all of the time. Practice is fine, but training in the world of Gun Fighting is even better.

October 1, 2011, 10:02 PM	#16
dickttx Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 500	I am retired now and got into a good club the first of August. Have been averaging about four times a week for the last two months. Need all the shooting I can get. Usually do 60 to 80 rounds through my Ceiner .22 conversion unit and about 20 rounds through my .45 Colt 1911. I like those two so well I haven't been shooting much else. Lots of improvement over those two months. I am on the verge of graduating from horrible to terrible. Have a new to me 9mm Colt Commander on the FedEx van for delivery Monday. Hope to try it out at least by Monday afternoon. I have 150 rounds loaded for it. Didn't want to overdo it before I tried them in the new gun. __________________ Education teaches you the rules, experience teaches you the exceptions (Plagiarized from Claude Clay)

October 1, 2011, 10:07 PM	#17
dannyb Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2008 Location: SE PA Posts: 336	We have an informal Sunday morning get together. Usually start at the rifle range, then move to the pistol range. anybody who has energy left then moves over to the trap field. I have only made it twice in Sept. but look to do it more often in Oct. __________________ Moron Lave (send a Congressman through the car wash)

October 2, 2011, 01:21 AM	#18
CLC Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2011 Posts: 603	Dannyb I see your in SE PA, what club or group is this? I joined two clubs this year and only had a chance to visit one so far. The one is indoor and 24/7 so I get to go prob 2 times a month. The other I joined so I could get into shooting sports but haven't had a chance to go. __________________ In god we trust, all others must pay cash.

October 2, 2011, 02:12 AM	#19
TylerD45ACP Senior Member Join Date: July 16, 2010 Posts: 1,654	At least once a week more if possible and I can afford it. But usually just on Sundays. I shoot varying amounts of ammo no less than 100rds; usually its about 250 rounds of federal bulk ammo.

October 2, 2011, 02:17 AM	#20
B. Lahey Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,857	Since my significant other has come to enjoy our sport, I get out a bit more. I try for once per week, but on average it usually ends up 2-3 times per month. Wish I had the time and money for more. __________________ "A human being is primarily a bag for putting food into; the other functions and faculties may be more godlike, but in point of time they come afterwards." -George Orwell

October 2, 2011, 07:07 AM	#21
Sparks1957 Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,552	My year-round average is probably twice a month, way more in the summer than in winter. My range has only limited hours indoors in the winter, and it isn't always easy to get there. The outdoor ranges are there anytime. Enough to stay sharp, with special trips for new acquisitions of course.

October 2, 2011, 10:59 PM	#22
joe magarack Member Join Date: July 3, 2011 Posts: 17	how often I go to the range every friday and shoot between 200 and 400 rounds of a mix of 45acp and 40sw or sometimes 9mm and 380acp. It is an expensive hobby but I cut back in other areas. I try working on proper form, stance,breathing and different distance's from the target. My grouping's are shrinking so im happy.

October 3, 2011, 12:08 AM	#23
Morgo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 471	1-2 visits a week with around 400-500rds total evey week.

October 3, 2011, 12:18 AM	#24
GM2 Senior Member Join Date: March 31, 2011 Location: Southeast, USA Posts: 350	I shoot on my own property averaging about twice a month. __________________ Good character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking.

October 3, 2011, 06:27 AM	#25
Single Six Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2010 Location: N.C. Posts: 1,522	Once a year, when my agency has us go "qualify". I would LIKE to shoot once a month, but I have nowhere to go. The PD I serve won't allow us to use the range on our own with out a supervisor present. __________________ Seen on a bumper sticker: "Exercise. Eat right. Take vitamins. Die anyway."