improving hand gun shooting

Question
I've been having trouble staying consistent on my hand gun shooting. First of all, I am aware I need to shoot more often.  With the summer coming to an end that will change.
I've been thinking of working out the specifics using a Ruger Mark III target so I can focus on technique.  My carry gun is a Springfield XD compact, 9mm but my favorite is a Browning Hi-power also in 9mm.  Do you have any suggested reading that will show me how to identify my faults?  
With all this said, I also am wondering about distance limits for the ideal practice on different cal. ie, 380, 9mm, .45, etc.

Thank you for you consideration,

Tom B.

Answer
Hello Tom,

youtube would be more helpful than any site. One of the biggest problems I see in most shooter's is the lack of practise. Shooting relies on muscle memory, which you lose if not used on a regular basis. Trigger control is the second biggest problem. Try dry firing with a penny on top of the barrel. If the penny falls off, you are pulling to either side. There are honestly hundreds of drills that you can use, the biggest thing is just shooting more.

As for the distance limitations, your guns will shoot further than you would ever be able to see. Nearly all shootings occur within 3 feet of you, and in low light conditions. I shoot from 3 ft. (fast,no aim close quarter shooting) to 25 yards, well placed shooting, working on overall marksmanship. In my opinion, anything over 25 yards is ineffective for pistols, they just dont have the knock down power unless you are totin a .44 magnum or larger.

PS - My off duty gun is a Springfield XD .40 cal, I love the XD, I call it the super glock,lol.