Mr_Whiffles: Banned because I started playing PC fps games after a lifetime of console gaming and I can’t get into my first playthrough Far Cry 2 on 360 because the aim feels like I have the game experience of a video game journalist. I can’t seem to play fps games on console anymore. The aim assist is either absolutely required to hit anything or so overpowering that game feels like it plays itself. I’ve never felt so impotent, except every time I’ve [redacted]
Banned because regardless whether you are using controller or M/KB, you want your crosshairs to fixate on a point and move your character side to side. Don't try for head shots or anything that needs to be super accurate. Just aim at your opponent and keep shooting. It's best to start with center of mass (which is usually the torso). Accuracy will develop over time.
Pistols are also great for long ranges. That's not how they work in real life, but it's the typical norm for FPS games.
I suggest you get Kontrol Freaks or something that will increase the length of your aiming joystick. It will drastically help with accuracy. The Halo games are great training wheels for someone using a controller for FPS games.
It's also good to keep aiming sens as low as you can tolerate. Gradually increase as needed. The general rule is more speed = less control. Although increasing speed will also let you react faster. You need to constantly tweak sensitivity to find a balance that is right for you.