You'd think this would be easy to figure out.

[MissMeggie]

How the heck do you see where (if) you hit a target?

I've been out a couple of times as a guest and I noticed that it's hard to see where you hit the target (paper) when you're actually shooting. I wear my glasses, the target is at the closest distance allowed and I can't tell where I hit it.

Obviously, you can see it when you reel in the target, but do you guys have any tips so I don't have do that after every shot?

[chuckbuster]

The easiest thing is to get a small spotting scope, or, if you are just shooting handguns at 25m or so, a pair of binoculars will work as well.

[kennymo]

At distance some people use a spotting scope. For short or pistol ranges you could try the 'splatter' type targets. They have a layer of white or bright orange paper under a typically black target, your bullet holes show up better against the black because they'll be ringed with the brighter colour. Gets $$$$ though if you do a lot of shooting.

[BrotherRockeye]

if you hit the same spot over and over the hole gets bigger and easier to see.

I suggest that approach

[Bittereinder]

How the heck do you see where (if) you hit a target?

I've been out a couple of times as a guest and I noticed that it's hard to see where you hit the target (paper) when you're actually shooting. I wear my glasses, the target is at the closest distance allowed and I can't tell where I hit it.

Obviously, you can see it when you reel in the target, but do you guys have any tips so I don't have do that after every shot?

Regardless of whether you get a spotting scope or binoculars, I would further suggest that you don't check after every shot. It disrupts your mental "flow" and your grip might change from shot to shot. Better to shoot in batches, such as 5 round groups or a whole magazine, depending on what kind of gun you're using. Also, individual shots matter less than groups. Just focus on good sight picture, grip, trigger pull, for each group, then check how you're doing. Especially if you have an adjustable sight and are trying to zero on the target, it's better to do, for example "1 inch down and 2 inches to the left" based on the centre of a group rather than based on an individual shot.

[shootemup604]

Good advice there ^

[blacksmithden]

Binoculars...Spotting scope...Bigger calibers - one of the reasons I shoot 44 mag and 45ACP is because I can see the damned holes with my crappy eyes.) Lol.

[Justice]

With a .22? Sort of normal not to be able to see the actual hole. You should be able to see a mark on the target though. Still best t get some kind of optic. Binoculars(likely the least expensive option. Cheap compact binos start at $21.99 at Cabela's. $70ish for better quality. Bushnell 10x 42 binoculars are currently on sale at Crappy Tire. $100 binos for $69.97.), spotting scope, etc. Even an old scope sight will do. Assuming you have such a thing.
"...your grip might change from shot to shot..." Not with a properly set up spotting scope. Said scope gets mounted on your shooting box so you just move your head. More expensive though.

[Camo tung]

Splatter target? At least the hole isn't black on a black circle. This is also the reason I use a lit reticle on my AR - can't see black cross hairs on a black target centre too easily.

[Rory McCanuck]

Shoot bigger bullets, big holes are easier to see

Holes are much easier to see on white paper rather than black.
I use a few targets that have black sections pointing to the centre, but the centre itself is white.
Makes it easier to see dark sights against a white background, too.

[Bittereinder]

With a .22? Sort of normal not to be able to see the actual hole. You should be able to see a mark on the target though. Still best t get some kind of optic. Binoculars(likely the least expensive option. Cheap compact binos start at $21.99 at Cabela's. $70ish for better quality. Bushnell 10x 42 binoculars are currently on sale at Crappy Tire. $100 binos for $69.97.), spotting scope, etc. Even an old scope sight will do. Assuming you have such a thing.
"...your grip might change from shot to shot..." Not with a properly set up spotting scope. Said scope gets mounted on your shooting box so you just move your head. More expensive though.

I'm talking about grip on the gun, not the scope. I'm just recommending against putting down the gun after each shot, which I think would make it hard for anyone, especially someone new to shooting, so understand how large their groups are and where they're hitting, to help them adjust sights and identify potential areas to improve technique. Perhaps bulls-eye shooters check after each shot, I don't know, but that's different.

[MissMeggie]

So many solutions! Some of them are so simple, I feel a little dumb not thinking of them myself. I have a little pair of Bushnell binoculars, so I'll try those first to see if that works. Cheaper solution = more $$ for the next gun, right? Good to know about grouping shots. I'll have to keep that in my brain and resist the urge to check all the time. Thanks for all the info!

[Likeaboss]

So many solutions! Some of them are so simple, I feel a little dumb not thinking of them myself. I have a little pair of Bushnell binoculars, so I'll try those first to see if that works. Cheaper solution = more $$ for the next gun, right? Good to know about grouping shots. I'll have to keep that in my brain and resist the urge to check all the time. Thanks for all the info!

Google pictures for "pistol group analysis" for many examples of charts that will analyze and suggest remediation for your groupings.

[wolver]

Shoot bigger bullets, big holes are easier to see

Another reason for the 45ACP superiority over the 9mm.

[triq]

Another reason for the 45ACP superiority over the 9mm.

It was bound to go this route. Well played.

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