Carry Gun Accuracy Testing

[dcostant]

I finally made it the range the other day for the first time in about 5 weeks. Since I had the day off I had the chance to shoot at my club's short outside pistol range. I usually only make it there at night and shoot at the indoor 25 yard range. Knowing I'd be shooting outdoors at short distances, I decided to bring out all my carry handguns and run a simple test to compare my overall accuracy with each.

I know many people will say this is a pointless exercise, since the overwhelming majority of instances when one would need to draw and fire their weapon would be a point and shoot scenario. I agree 100%, but for the hell of it I decided to see what kind of results I'd get nonetheless.

The line up, listed with any upgrades:

Ruger LCR 38 Spl +p - Green HIVIZ Ruger LCR Front Sight

S&W Shield 9 - Apex Carry Kit, I.C.E. CLAW Rear Sight, Ameriglo Tritium Front Sight

Glock 19 Gen 4 - I.C.E. CLAW EMS Rear Sight, Ameriglo Tritium Front Sight

S&W M&P 40c - Apex Carry Kit w/Apex Polymer Trigger, Stock 3-Dot sights

Line up:



Parameters:

I shot all reloads, 158 gr RN 38 Spl, 124 gr RN 9mm, and 180 gr RNFP 40 S&W. 8" targets that were at a little over 7 yards out. 50 rounds out of each gun, with roughly a second between shots. It was about 40 degrees with no wind. The order I shot in was the LCR, Shield, G19, and last the M&P 40c.

Range Pic:



My assumption was I'd shoot the G19 the best and the Ruger LCR the worst.

RUGER LCR Results:



SHIELD Results:



G19 Results:



M&P 40c Results:



As all of you can see from the pics, I'm no marksmen. In terms of my accuracry, the M&P 40c is definitely the most accurate for me. Ever since I installed the Apex trigger, my accuracy has remarkably improved. Since I have the most trigger time on the G19 I thought for sure that would have been the most accurate.

I knew and proved the LCR would be the least accurate. Even when trying to pre-stage the trigger right before break I still was all over the place.

About 90% of the time I carry my Shield mostly due to comfort. I still plan to use it as my go to carry piece, but I think I'll definitely be ordering a Apex trigger for it in the near future.

 

[Gammon]

I think those who maintain that self defense will only be contested at distances slightly longer than arms reach are either short sighted or full of it. There is no way to know for sure, nor is there any way to predict the size of the target you will be engaging. I practice with my carry guns at distances out to 50 yds. And on one occasion, at a match , I shot my S&W 6906 at an IPSC target at 100 yds. Oh yeah, I also shot my 1911 in an assault rifle match with targets out to 100 yds and enjoyed every round.

My point is that you should test yourself and your weapons. You will be surprised at the results. A lot of the nay sayers are those who have tried and failed.

 

[mark056]

I think one should factor in all distances with regard to self defense pistol craft and thank you for your post and the pictures of your results.

Two comments:e

1. Reloads may not tell the full story. It would be interesting and expensive to see how one would fare with EDC loads.

2. How well would your groups open up under stress? I'm no great marksman. I can shoot 3 -4inch groups center of mass out to 15 yards in a square range setting with my EDC gun under no stress conditions using the ammo I carry which is Winchester 230 gr hp loaded a little hot but not +P. Under stress those groups are going to open up to 5-6 inches most probably maybe more. At a greater distance most likely larger.

Your experiment underscores the importance of shooting at various distances. Thank you for posting.

 

[greencobra]

1. Reloads may not tell the full story. It would be interesting and expensive to see how one would fare with EDC loads.

I don't think factory loads would matter here at 7 yards.

At Harvard, setting targets at their "learning range," I can pretty much shoot one ragged hole at their farthest target holder. Don't know how far that is, but I can achieve that with any gun I shoot and any ammo, reloads or factory. No big deal? Hell, I'm into my 60's and shake. Point is, I practice several times a month. Also, if I'm doing rapid fire at the targets and can get groups like the OP showed, I'd be more than satisfied.

 

[joshh]

Nice shooting.

i make some of these with scrap cardboard and just draw, pop a couple shots quickly and repeat, again & again & again.
I'm not concerned with much other than consistently getting both shots on target & centered every time. I have done it so much that its become a fluid motion. I also try to practice often and set up at different distances up to 25' using target rounds similar specs from same manufacturer as my sd rounds.

 

[MoAmmoPlease]

I don't like my shield much and I had a Dawson fiber but on the front end and the smithy blacked out the rear sights. Well the white dots fell out which was a problem for a lot of guys. I practice with it a lot though drawing from a IWB holster shooting two to the body and one to the head at 3, 5, and 7 yards on an IDPA target. I don't think I need to be super accurate but I do want to clear leather very quickly and get a couple rounds on target. I don't think most folks practice the draw and that's what will save you.
Now with the Seecamp I practice at 1 or 2 yards but that little fart has no sights and even Seecamp says it's an eye socket gun or you shoot your assailant under the chin. I love that gun but they only recommend gold dot.

 

[fishgutzy]

Darn good shootin' in my book.

 

[M1911]

Since I have the most trigger time on the G19 I thought for sure that would have been the most accurate.

The Glock 19 itself is likely quite accurate. The issue is that the trigger makes it hard to shoot accurately -- it takes lots of dry firing.