I was curious about the oft-repeated maxim that the Colt SAA is the "most natural-pointing handgun ever made" and decided to try some hip-fire/point shooting at 3, 5, and 7 yards with no warm-up, no real practice before, and no training.

From 3 and 5 yards with the SAA (actually an Uberti Cattleman "hombre" 4 3/4" .45 Colt) I got all 5 shots on a 2/3rds sized IDPA torso target from the hip, lowering the gun to a resting position between each shot so I couldn't "index" on my previous hit or miss. At 7 yards my first shot was dead center but I missed 3 and hit 2 overall.

With the 1911 I missed my first shot at 3 yards low, but kept the other 4 shots centered in a vertical string. At 5 yards with the 1911 I missed one left, hit two but on the left side of the plate, and missed 2 off to the right. At 7 I couldn't hit any with the 1911. Most went low.

With the Glock 22/17 (22 with 9mm conversion barrel) I got the best overall hits at 3 yards, hitting 3 in a good center group with two shots on the left shoulder (from my perspective). It definitely points more naturally to the center from the hip for me than the 1911.

At 5 yards with the Glock I got 4 hits and missed one high right. At 7 yards with the Glock I got all 5 on the steel, though they were spread out quite a bit.

I tried the Glock at 10 yards since it had done the best at 7. I was only able to hit one shot on the steel at 10 with the Glock.

This is certainly not a scientific test and is completely subjective, and it could be argued that I did better with the Glock because I shot it last. However, I did much better with the SAA at all distances than I did with the 1911, so maybe that says something.

Anyway, it was fun. I think if I try harder to index my elbow against my torso for a more repeatable shooting position I might improve, or maybe try the FBI crouch/stance LOL.

Video for any interested: https://youtu.be/KTR7_CM7ZmQ

My old P228 was the best point-shooter I've used. Just perfect balance and feel. My current P229R is equally pointable, but only with a bit of rebalancing via lightening cuts at the front of the slide.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
My old P228 was the best point-shooter I've used. Just perfect balance and feel. My current P229R is equally pointable, but only with a bit of rebalancing via lightening cuts at the front of the slide.

I'll have to try the P226 next, and maybe a DA revolver also.

You need to draw from a holster and shoot top of the holster instead of what that was. If you do top of the holster your arm is tucked in tight and you shouldn’t be missing. Do a lot of dry fire practice first and practice putting your left hand on your chest or right shoulder to be safe.

For clearing leather and hip shooting, my SAA.
I can fan it and hit a target.

The HK P7

The 1911 is not a natural pointer. This is why the A1 version of the pistol incorporated an arched mainspring housing.

Longtime 1911 shooters may balk at this, but it's because they have become conditioned to shooting the pistol. Point a 1911 (without using the sights or referencing the position of the slide) that has a flat MSH and it's gonna point way low.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
The HK P7

The 1911 is not a natural pointer. This is why the A1 version of the pistol incorporated an arched mainspring housing.

Longtime 1911 shooters may balk at this, but it's because they have become conditioned to shooting the pistol. Point a 1911 that has a flat MSH and it's gonns point way low.

Yep, that was my experience for sure.


Just for fun today I loaded 6 into my Uberti SAA, stood at the 5 yard line, and held my elbow tighter against my body and extended the gun further in front. I didn't drop the gun to a resting position between shots. Hit all six shots center mass in about a 4" group. LOL

I can't prove it though as the camera wasn't rolling.

Hopefully someday I can be this good LOL
https://youtu.be/bO7viGczkXU

For me, the Browning Hi-power points naturally.

I would have to go with 1911, 2011 for the natural point of aim. My Sigs are pretty good too, my Hk's seem to require a little more "Glocking the slide" down to get on aim.

I guess the real challenge is to go shoot fresh with al your guns, but these are my guesses.

PB

That would be a Sig P239 with Crimson Trace grips.

I vote for the P210CA )Carry).

Rob Vogel is a really nice guy. Been shooting at his place before. Nice range set up. He is a humble guy.

I would put the Luger P08 up against anything, including the HK P7, as the most naturally pointing pistol.

Pretty happy with the CZ SP-01 the times I’ve shot it from retention. 3-5yrds it’s was pretty good.

The P228 for me. For Mrs. BRL it’s the 92F.

I have a few friends that swear by XD pistols. I’m sure they are a fine pistol but for me they have the worst point of aim in my hands. Everyone points significantly right and down a little. Proof that there’s a gun for everybody or should I say there’s a person for every gun.

I’ll agree with blume9mm. The P239 with Crimson Trace grips is as good as it gets for grips. Not so slim like the factory grips, just wide enough for a fantastic grip without being too wide and give up its concealment advantage over the P228/229.

Glock 17.

Glock 43 for me, after that maybe my 229, unfortunately 2 guns I don’t carry anymore