Shooting paper

Prof Young · July 29, 2011, 08:44 PM

Shooters:
Okay. Yea I know it's all about personal preference, but if one is only going to shoot paper, why would he purchase anything other than a 22 cal? (And I confess I have a 9mm that I use mostly just to shoot paper.)
Live well, be safe.
Prof Young

vladan · July 29, 2011, 09:37 PM

bigger holes works on targets too ... remember, the smaller hole, the closer to the line it have to be to get the same points

steelbird · July 29, 2011, 09:41 PM

Recoil junkie?
Love the smell of black powder?
Fond of historic weapons or their lookalikes?
Gangsta wannabe?
Fond of shooting make believe zombies on paper?
All kinds of reasons........

Vividia · July 29, 2011, 09:50 PM

Started out as practicing for self defense purposes.

Now it's my version of golf 30 guns plus and growing collection.....

Buzzcook · July 29, 2011, 10:30 PM

Because they're fun

SteelChickenShooter · July 30, 2011, 12:02 AM

There are different kinds of paper. I have a stack of papers that represent standard IDPA cardboard targets. Actual cardboard targets can be pricey, bulky, and perhaps not easy to work with if you don't have the right kind of supports. They can get shot up pretty quick too. They only hold up to so many pasters before they really are too ragged. The paper option gives you the A zones well marked and they are great for practice. IDPA shooters fire 9mm, 40cal, 45's and so on. For these kinds of papers, there's no point in shooting a 22 at all. I can set these papers up and can introduce others guys to the sport by simulating an actual qualification match. Standard drills gives a guy a good idea of what to expect and he can readily see how his skills compare in a simulated qualification match without having to attend one. Paper allows us to setup practice matches anytime we want.

Mr.Blue · July 30, 2011, 12:54 AM

Because .22LR does not get you used to the recoil of a .45acp or .357 magnum. I prefer to practice with the real loads that I will fire in self defense. A .22lr feels like a BB gun to me.

mellow_c · July 30, 2011, 01:01 AM

Because shooting paper is a measure of how accurately you are shooting your gun. And it's a nice thing to know with all different guns, not just a .22lr

It's easy to shoot a soda can and say "I hit it!" but with paper you can see if you can keep shooting into the same hole.

When it comes down to it. I have more fun shooing "stuff" than I do shooting paper. But I still shoot plenty of paper.

SteelChickenShooter · July 30, 2011, 11:53 AM

But also don't forget you can go to a number of websites and download free paper targets. Then make copies of them. Some of them are fun targets like billiard balls, dart board, bowling pins and so on. For these kinds of targets you can get into some fun competition with friends and family. But of course, for these papers, the 22 is the right choice. Henry rifles with open sights, shooting shorts, Ruger 10-22's with AO scopes and target turret knobs, auto-loading 22 pistols with red dots....granted, the 22 would rule if this is all the shooting a person did.

The Janitor · July 30, 2011, 12:04 PM

Because cats move around too much. Paper is easier to hit.

MrBorland · July 30, 2011, 12:29 PM

Because you can reload centerfire target rounds, specifically tailored for your gun.

Because you can participate in paper-shooting run-and-gun games, such as IDPA & USPSA or in formal bullseye shooting, which require a CF.

old bear · July 30, 2011, 01:45 PM

I hope all I ever have to shot again is paper. The only reason I even shoot at paper any longer is to maintain what shooting skills I have left, so I feel it's necessary to practice with the same gun I will be carrying for S/D.

l98ster · July 30, 2011, 07:19 PM

I shoot just about every discipline. Paper, although not as exciting as some others, allows you to hone your skills (trigger control comes to mind). With that being said, I will be buying the new ruger 77/357 for some fun 50 yard paper fun!!!

-George

Cheapshooter · July 30, 2011, 10:53 PM

'cause I like to shoot...ANYTHING!!! The bigger the boom, the more the fun.

drail · July 31, 2011, 09:49 PM

"cause cats move around too much"...... that's funny. I'll be thinking about that all day.

**Aguila Blanca** · July 31, 2011, 09:54 PM

Shooting paper is training for shooting assailants. .22 is cheap, but at some point you have to train with the weapon you're going to fight with. I do 1911s. I have a .22LR 1911, and it's fun for plinking. But it handles differently than a 1911 in .45 Auto, so I don't really use the .22 very often, unless I'm in a period of depleted funding and need to get in cheap trigger time.

OkieCruffler · July 31, 2011, 10:25 PM

Because I find it hard to hit the bull at 200yrds with the 22.

T. O'Heir · July 31, 2011, 10:47 PM

"...why would he purchase anything other than a 22 cal?..." Because .22's aren't allowed in centre fire matches.
"...no point in shooting a .22 at all..." Nonsense.
"....22LR does not get you used to..." Has nothing whatever to do with it. Most people have more trouble shooting a .22 well than they do a .45 or a .357.
In any case, it's not about what you shoot at. It's about how well you can hit what you shoot at. Whether it's a bullseye on a paper target in 10 seconds or a tin can doesn't matter.
l98ster, well said.

C0untZer0 · July 31, 2011, 10:57 PM

There is something to having the absolute most accurate delivery of something on target.

I've shot in Army small bore competitions and it's fun to shoot those small bore targets. The entire group may only be ¼" across but you might have a hole in the 9 ring, and it's about how many bulls you nailed and not just 10s.

But there are other challenges. In a Commander's Cup match one time - the teams had to run 2 miles and then step to the line to shoot. On the one hand you could say "why do that if you want to fire accurately?" On the other, you can view it as a challenge.

T. O'Heir · July 31, 2011, 11:13 PM

C0untZer0 that's well said too. Running then shooting is Summer Biathlon.
The Commander's Cup a unit thing? Just curious.

TheNocturnus · August 1, 2011, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Because cats move around too much. Paper is easier to hit.

I am sure you really don't shoot at cats... I hope.

Anyway, have you tried shooting the paper as it sways back and forth after moving the target down range on the line? Those can be hard to hit at times.

OT: I carry guns for SD, so I shoot them for practice and to improve my marksmanship. I also shoot a .22lr just for fun but practicing with my SD guns is a must.

Mr.Blue · August 1, 2011, 12:44 AM

Quote:

"....22LR does not get you used to..." Has nothing whatever to do with it. Most people have more trouble shooting a .22 well than they do a .45 or a .357.

Thank you, oh omniscient one. How can you answer for why I shoot paper with centerfire? I don't shoot .22lr in a pistol because it is a waste for me. I can get the benefits of the .22 by dry firing and mastering my trigger. .22lr does not prepare you for the recoil that you encounter with larger rounds. I prefer my practice to be with the calbers that I will use to defend myself.

4runnerman · August 1, 2011, 05:56 AM

Why????.A 22 won't reach out 600 to 1000 yards. If you are going to shoot 25 yards,,Why buy a rifle?. If it is just pistol shooting,then 22's are very fun and very cheap to shoot. I wouldnt stake my life on one for defense.

July 29, 2011, 08:44 PM	#1
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,403	Shooting paper Shooters: Okay. Yea I know it's all about personal preference, but if one is only going to shoot paper, why would he purchase anything other than a 22 cal? (And I confess I have a 9mm that I use mostly just to shoot paper.) Live well, be safe. Prof Young

July 30, 2011, 10:53 PM	#14
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	'cause I like to shoot...ANYTHING!!! The bigger the boom, the more the fun. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

July 31, 2011, 10:25 PM	#17
OkieCruffler Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2001 Location: Denison Texas on the banks of Texhoma Posts: 1,556	Because I find it hard to hit the bull at 200yrds with the 22. __________________ John A. Monroe, Never Forgive, Never Forget, Blood Pays Blood

July 31, 2011, 10:47 PM	#18
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...why would he purchase anything other than a 22 cal?..." Because .22's aren't allowed in centre fire matches. "...no point in shooting a .22 at all..." Nonsense. "....22LR does not get you used to..." Has nothing whatever to do with it. Most people have more trouble shooting a .22 well than they do a .45 or a .357. In any case, it's not about what you shoot at. It's about how well you can hit what you shoot at. Whether it's a bullseye on a paper target in 10 seconds or a tin can doesn't matter. l98ster, well said. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

July 31, 2011, 11:13 PM	#20
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	C0untZer0 that's well said too. Running then shooting is Summer Biathlon. The Commander's Cup a unit thing? Just curious. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

July 29, 2011, 09:37 PM	#2
vladan Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Central Florida Posts: 813	bigger holes works on targets too ... remember, the smaller hole, the closer to the line it have to be to get the same points

July 29, 2011, 09:41 PM	#3
steelbird Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2010 Posts: 180	Recoil junkie? Love the smell of black powder? Fond of historic weapons or their lookalikes? Gangsta wannabe? Fond of shooting make believe zombies on paper? All kinds of reasons........

July 29, 2011, 09:50 PM	#4
Vividia Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2010 Posts: 126	Started out as practicing for self defense purposes. Now it's my version of golf 30 guns plus and growing collection.....

July 29, 2011, 10:30 PM	#5
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	Because they're fun

July 30, 2011, 12:02 AM	#6
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 863	There are different kinds of paper. I have a stack of papers that represent standard IDPA cardboard targets. Actual cardboard targets can be pricey, bulky, and perhaps not easy to work with if you don't have the right kind of supports. They can get shot up pretty quick too. They only hold up to so many pasters before they really are too ragged. The paper option gives you the A zones well marked and they are great for practice. IDPA shooters fire 9mm, 40cal, 45's and so on. For these kinds of papers, there's no point in shooting a 22 at all. I can set these papers up and can introduce others guys to the sport by simulating an actual qualification match. Standard drills gives a guy a good idea of what to expect and he can readily see how his skills compare in a simulated qualification match without having to attend one. Paper allows us to setup practice matches anytime we want.

July 30, 2011, 12:54 AM	#7
Mr.Blue Junior member Join Date: May 30, 2011 Location: SE Wisconsin & Long Island, NY Posts: 418	Because .22LR does not get you used to the recoil of a .45acp or .357 magnum. I prefer to practice with the real loads that I will fire in self defense. A .22lr feels like a BB gun to me.

July 30, 2011, 01:01 AM	#8
mellow_c Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,862	Because shooting paper is a measure of how accurately you are shooting your gun. And it's a nice thing to know with all different guns, not just a .22lr It's easy to shoot a soda can and say "I hit it!" but with paper you can see if you can keep shooting into the same hole. When it comes down to it. I have more fun shooing "stuff" than I do shooting paper. But I still shoot plenty of paper.

July 30, 2011, 11:53 AM	#9
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 863	But also don't forget you can go to a number of websites and download free paper targets. Then make copies of them. Some of them are fun targets like billiard balls, dart board, bowling pins and so on. For these kinds of targets you can get into some fun competition with friends and family. But of course, for these papers, the 22 is the right choice. Henry rifles with open sights, shooting shorts, Ruger 10-22's with AO scopes and target turret knobs, auto-loading 22 pistols with red dots....granted, the 22 would rule if this is all the shooting a person did.

July 30, 2011, 12:04 PM	#10
The Janitor Member Join Date: July 22, 2011 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 27	Because cats move around too much. Paper is easier to hit.

July 30, 2011, 12:29 PM	#11
MrBorland Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,614	Because you can reload centerfire target rounds, specifically tailored for your gun. Because you can participate in paper-shooting run-and-gun games, such as IDPA & USPSA or in formal bullseye shooting, which require a CF.

July 30, 2011, 01:45 PM	#12
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	I hope all I ever have to shot again is paper. The only reason I even shoot at paper any longer is to maintain what shooting skills I have left, so I feel it's necessary to practice with the same gun I will be carrying for S/D.

July 30, 2011, 07:19 PM	#13
l98ster Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2010 Location: Hopewell Junction, NY Posts: 454	I shoot just about every discipline. Paper, although not as exciting as some others, allows you to hone your skills (trigger control comes to mind). With that being said, I will be buying the new ruger 77/357 for some fun 50 yard paper fun!!! -George

July 31, 2011, 09:49 PM	#15
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	"cause cats move around too much"...... that's funny. I'll be thinking about that all day.

July 31, 2011, 09:54 PM	#16
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,459	Shooting paper is training for shooting assailants. .22 is cheap, but at some point you have to train with the weapon you're going to fight with. I do 1911s. I have a .22LR 1911, and it's fun for plinking. But it handles differently than a 1911 in .45 Auto, so I don't really use the .22 very often, unless I'm in a period of depleted funding and need to get in cheap trigger time.

July 31, 2011, 10:57 PM	#19
C0untZer0 Junior member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,555	There is something to having the absolute most accurate delivery of something on target. I've shot in Army small bore competitions and it's fun to shoot those small bore targets. The entire group may only be ¼" across but you might have a hole in the 9 ring, and it's about how many bulls you nailed and not just 10s. But there are other challenges. In a Commander's Cup match one time - the teams had to run 2 miles and then step to the line to shoot. On the one hand you could say "why do that if you want to fire accurately?" On the other, you can view it as a challenge.

August 1, 2011, 05:56 AM	#23
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	Why????.A 22 won't reach out 600 to 1000 yards. If you are going to shoot 25 yards,,Why buy a rifle?. If it is just pistol shooting,then 22's are very fun and very cheap to shoot. I wouldnt stake my life on one for defense. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional