Technique Question

[StPatrick]

Looking for tips or fixes:

I am right handed, and a fairly new shooter. When practicing at 10 yds., I have no problem hitting paper (8.5x11) every time, but my misses are almost always (70-80%) a couple inches below, and to the left of, the bull. Whatever mistake I'm making, I'm making it just about every time, and I'd like to fix it.

I haven't fired from a bench to check the sights, but I'm guessing a fairly new XDm shoots straighter than I can, so I think I should try to fix me first.

Thanks!

[Guest bkelm18]

[Guest foister82]

it would be hard to pinpoint but i would venture a guess that you are trying to offset the recoil. I was doing the exact same thing and what helps me is letting someone load my mag with random numbers of ammo then passing them to me without me looking directly at the clip. I noticed right off the bat that when i pulled the trigger on an empty shot, i was pulling the barrell slightly down and to the left. Steady pressure on the trigger and squeezing instead of pulling the gun towards you really seemed to help me a lot

[StPatrick]

bkelm18, my shots are predominantly in the "tightening fingers" area. I'll try relaxing my bottom three fingers next time out.

[Guest bkelm18]

Yep, your grip should be firm, but not too tight.

[gtssilver]

I experienced the exact same thing when I started shooting.

Also make sure your trigger finger is not too far wrapped around the trigger. That plus learning to not offset the recoil made a big difference for me.

Also you can get a buddy to load snap caps randomly into a mag. When you compensate and the firearm dose not go boom you will see how much you are fighting the recoil.

Edited June 22, 2009 by gtssilver

[StPatrick]

gts - what is "too far"? When I hold the gun in the way that feels the best to me, the 1st joint of my index finger is on the trigger.

[timcalhoun]

Most of the time it is a grip issue. Here is a great video that can really help. He even comment on this typical problem you are having hitting low and left. The only thing I will add to this is to keep your elbow slightly bent and don't lock them (they are shock absorbers like the way skiers keep their knees bent). Also I can't remember if he tells you to hold the gun with more pressure with the weak hand than the strong hand. It should be something like 60-40 with your week hand doing most of the work. This really frees up your trigger finger.

[SavageSig]

it would be hard to pinpoint but i would venture a guess that you are trying to offset the recoil. I was doing the exact same thing and what helps me is letting someone load my mag with random numbers of ammo then passing them to me without me looking directly at the clip. I noticed right off the bat that when i pulled the trigger on an empty shot, i was pulling the barrell slightly down and to the left. Steady pressure on the trigger and squeezing instead of pulling the gun towards you really seemed to help me a lot

So I can see how loading a random number of rounds could help in a revolver but wouldn't the slide lock open and not allow you to unintentionally dry fire on a semiauto?

Or do the dry fires happen on mags handed to you empty?

[SavageSig]

I experienced the exact same thing when I started shooting.

Also make sure your trigger finger is not too far wrapped around the trigger. That plus learning to not offset the recoil made a big difference for me.

Also you can get a buddy to load snap caps randomly into a mag. When you compensate and the firearm dose not go boom you will see how much you are fighting the recoil.

Ohhh snap caps. That makes total sense

[StPatrick]

that video is terrific. Thanks, Tim.

[timcalhoun]

My pleasure. There are few things on this planet that I like more than fast and accurate shooting.