Shooting at a charging target

[DenverGP]

My last few times at the range, I used the moving target holders to let me practice shooting at a target charging at me. Basically put the target out to 10 yards, then hit the keys to make it come back to zero. Drawing from the holster, get on target, and firing at least 2 shots. Many of my shots seem to be missing low, guessing I'm just not getting a good enough sight picture because the target is moving pretty quick. Possibly yanking the trigger a little too much as well due to trying to rush.

I did a bunch of shots from the holster with the target stationary, and I was pretty close once I reminded myself to actually pay attention to the sights on the target.

But once the target is moving, I'm hitting very low (usually right at the bottom edge of the 12" target). The first shot tends to be the lowest, second shot is usually better, but by the 2nd shot, the target is only 3-4 yards away.

I think I just need to slow things down, and of course practice more. But any suggestions appreciated.

[ZERO THEORY]

If I had to guess, I'd say that you're beginning your strings before the weapon is "flat" in front of you. Since you're in a hurry, you start to engage as soon as you reach an adequate angle of trajectory to the target, rather than pushing the pistol out to a dead perpendicular angle like you would without a time constraint.

[stenz]

Concentrate on really pushing your left thumb forward on your grip (if your right handed), pulling the trigger straight back, and not choking the gun to much.

[Gman]

Is the target continuing to hang vertically, or is it blowing back behind the hanger?

[ray1970]

Any way you could try a bigger target? Maybe an IDPA target or something? 12" is not much bigger than a dinner plate. I'd probably have trouble getting good shots on a charging dinner plate.

Also, with the target at ten yards and closing in, I wouldn't worry about the sights. If your handgun points naturally for you I would just point and shoot.

[DenverGP]

Some good tips, ty.

It's definitely possible that I'm not pressing the gun all the way out, i'll try to concentrate on that more, and maybe have the wife record me on her cellphone to see I can tell what i'm doing.

As for the off-hand thumb, I've really been working on rotating that support hand further forward, and it's really helped with my recoil control. But not positive it's quite right in the rush to get on target quick.

I do have some other targets that are a little taller, maybe 15", I've used those in the past, and still end up near the bottom of them. I'll get some of the full-sized targets next range visit.

The target is on a light cardboard carrier, and the bottom does blow back as the target is moving forward... I didn't put 2 and 2 together, but I did notice that the hits at the bottom of the target were a little oblong, indicating it was at an angle when the shots went thru.

It's a fun drill, definitely feels more useful than just seeing how many magazines I can empty.

[Duman]

A couple of ideas:
1. Staple a dowel rod or other small piece of wood at bottom of target to help reduce target blow back
2. Try the quick-draw-fire on a stationary target first, find initial point of impact
3. If possible, adjust the speed of target slow-to-fast, working up to top-speed

YMMV

[CHA-LEE]

Ask yourself this..... Are you trying to rush or hurry the shooting? Verses being patient and waiting to see the sights on the target then press off a clean shot?

usually when we "try" to shoot fast the fundamentals go out the window and you revert to mashing the crap out of the trigger as you double tap at the target.

having your wife video your drills is a very good idea. You can review the performance and easily identify issues when looking at a third person vantage point of your shooting. If you focus on eliminating wasted movement during the draw it will allow you to get the gun on target sooner. The sooner the sights are on target ther sooner you can start shooting without feeling like you have to rush to achieve the goal.

[275RLTW]

Keep using the sights but slow it down. Don't rush.

[UncleDave]

As Wyatt Earp once said, take your time in a hurry.