I know there are a lot of drills out there, just curious what people might've found most beneficial for long range classifier type stages?
I recently struggled with the IDPA classifier, failing to make expert by about 10 seconds in the CCP division. I was not very accurate on the 15 and 20 yard shots, and while I hit the targets, I received about 15 points down on the stage at those ranges, destroying my score (a few -3, a lot of -1)
I find that on a 25 yard 6 reload 6 drill (3 targets spaced 2 yards apart) it takes me at least 25 seconds to 100% ensure a "down zero" run. Even then there can sometimes be a flier in the C/-1. On pure weapons manipulation I can do it in 8 seconds, but will shoot half mikes. This is with an M&P 40 compact shooting .40 minor without concealment.
Since this is the kind of thing I see on classifiers, is it best just to keep practicing 6 reload 6 at 25 yards and see if improvement occurs over time? I haven't noticed significant improvement in the few weeks I've been practicing this. Occasionally I will get a good run (15 seconds with about 75% in the -0/A) but the next few will go right back to crap - 15 ish seconds with more than half the shots out of the -0/A. First shot from the draw is in the 3 second range, 1 second-ish splits, about a 4 second reload split.
Should I be considering a change to the sights on my pistol? It has factory installed S&W trijicon night sights, so short sight radius pistol with relatively fat front sight and a pretty wide rear notch. Should I consider modifying the six pound trigger? I have grown used to the trigger and don't really mind it, and don't wish to harm the reliability of the gun. Most likely I should just find more ways to address my lack of marksmanship at moderate pistol ragnes. Part of the frustration is that my -1/C's aren't consistently in the same part of the target. Sometimes high, sometimes low, sometimes left, sometimes. right.
I have purchased a steel silhouette target and am considering practicing with it at 50 yrds as it would be roughly represntative of an A/-0 zone at 25 yds. Since I just have one of them I can't practice the transitions, but at least it would be a quick way to practice long range draw and fire without needing to walk down and look at targets every time.
Any suggestions appreciated.