Pistol proficiency is not just aiming and shooting
Too often pistol training ends after a brief intro class covering basic safety, gun handling and shooting fundamentals. However, the path to proficiency doesn’t end there and no amount of target shooting at close distances on an indoor range is going to get you there.
On the range I see lots of shooters simply putting rounds on paper targets with no understanding of how to practice for skill development and little to no understanding about how their gun operates.
Recently on the range a .380 Sig P365X was stovepiping. The case was getting caught in the ejection port. Great opportunity for a shooter to build knowledge.
Here are some of the more common causes of stovepiping:
Was it grip? Make sure grip pressure is strong enough so that the slide is reciprocating independently from the frame. Tighten your grip to make sure the slide cycles properly and make sure you aren’t impeding the slide in any way.
Was it underpowered or cheap ammo? Swap out ammo for a quality brand to see if something else runs better and more reliably.
Was it the condition of the gun? Make sure gun is clean and all lube points are oiled properly.
Was it the recoil spring? Some recoil springs need to be replaced every 5,000 rounds. Preventive maintenance will save you in the long run. When replacing the recoil spring, make sure you’re using quality replacement parts.
Was it the extractor? Check to see if the extractor is chipped or worn down. If the extractor isn’t operating properly, the round may get stuck in the chamber or the ejection port.
Even guns known for their simplicity can feel complex and overwhelming to a new student. Becoming proficient takes time, training, practice and experience. Take an active role in your development by turning questions or problems into bite-sized chunks of learning.
This increased knowledge will be a motivating force. Know how your gun works, clean it yourself, inspect it regularly and, if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, have a reputable gunsmith replace parts as needed.
You want to be as confident as possible that your gun will operate when you need it. No one wants to be left holding a gun that fails to fire when defending their life.