Tackling Low-Left Pistol Groups?

BillD

BillD

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
17   0   0
Location
Newfoundland
Only recently (a few months back) purchased/started shooting handguns again for the first time in years; have done the Google search thing and tried different grips, stances, timing etc and my origional low-left groups have def improved but still not where I want to be yet. This is specific to my two Sigs (curiously not so much with the 320 as with the 226). With my Chiappa Rhino, no low-left at all! My overall aim still needs work of course LOL, but it's weird grip and being a revolver negates whatever it is that is still causing my low-left pistol groups. Any suggestions on specific pistol drills much appreciated!
 
Last edited:
Based on what you said(not much on 320,rhino, but on 226), I suspect it's the fatter grip caused this issue. You have to adjust your grip so that about 1/3 from the first knuckle of your trigger finger is touching the trigger. While doing that, your support hand should fill the gap perfectly where your strong hand wraps around the grip. Don't use too much force on your support as you would on revolver.
Then try SA only and squeeze.
I got similar issue when getting a unfamiliar grip shape, but can adapt with minor things like that no issues.


BillD said:
Only recently (a few months back) purchased/started shooting handguns again for the first time in years; have done the Google search thing and tried different grips, stances, timing etc and my origional low-left groups have def improved but still not where I want to be yet. This is specific to my two Sigs (curiously not so much with the 320 as with the 226). With my Chiappa Rhino, no low-left at all! My overall aim still needs work of course LOL, but it's weird grip and being a revolver negates whatever it is that is still causing my low-left pistol groups. Any suggestions on specific pistol drills much appreciated!
Click to expand...
 
I sometimes do the same with my Glock 17, but not with my CZ SP01 which has a far better trigger. So, to me it is mainly about the trigger and trigger pull, if I focus on smoothly pulling the trigger back with the forward part of my index finger, without any jerking, the low left shots are greatly improved.
 
I think you are anticipating the shot, focus on a smooth consistent trigger press, that 'surprises' you at the trigger break.
 
luckey said:
Based on what you said(not much on 320,rhino, but on 226), I suspect it's the fatter grip caused this issue. You have to adjust your grip so that about 1/3 from the first knuckle of your trigger finger is touching the trigger. While doing that, your support hand should fill the gap perfectly where your strong hand wraps around the grip. Don't use too much force on your support as you would on revolver.
Then try SA only and squeeze.
I got similar issue when getting a unfamiliar grip shape, but can adapt with minor things like that no issues.
Click to expand...

Good point there I think, as both the 320 and Rhino grips are indeed smaller than on the 226 Combat.

Chas59 said:
I sometimes do the same with my Glock 17, but not with my CZ SP01 which has a far better trigger. So, to me it is mainly about the trigger and trigger pull, if I focus on smoothly pulling the trigger back with the forward part of my index finger, without any jerking, the low left shots are greatly improved.
Click to expand...

It's the trigger work with finger tip squeeze where I've made most of my improvement so far I'm certain, but always room for improvement no doubt.

RCloud said:
I think you are anticipating the shot, focus on a smooth consistent trigger press, that 'surprises' you at the trigger break.
Click to expand...

That's the one I'm having hardest time getting my head around, as I've really been working that angle too and can't see any difference. I 'believe' I'm not anticipating the shot, but don't 'know' it for sure, if that makes sense LOL!
 
This may help

wheel.gif


so down to the left would be jerking; applying excessive pressure to the trigger, canting it down and to the left when fired
 
Jerking the trigger is the opposite of a smooth consistent trigger press. This is going to be more pronounced on a DA/SA (P226) as well.
 
Practice dry firing against a blank wall - it is boring so many people don't do it - those that do shoot better....
 
etoast said:
This may help

wheel.gif


so down to the left would be jerking; applying excessive pressure to the trigger, canting it down and to the left when fired
Click to expand...

Those stupid charts should get burned off the internet for ever and ever and ever.


I bet you're applying uneven pressure on the trigger itself, I bet it's concentrated and putting pressure on the right edge instead of directly on the front pad and pressing inline to the rear.
 
Last edited:
Try loading a couple snap caps in your magazines randomly. Will show you just how much you move the firearm when you pull the trigger. Plus its good practise for clearing a malfunction.
 
RCloud said:
I think you are anticipating the shot, focus on a smooth consistent trigger press, that 'surprises' you at the trigger break.
Click to expand...

^^^^^^This......I have the same issue, but only when I am really overthinking and trying to be precise with a pistol.
 
Get some .357 snap caps and dry fire that heavy double action rhino while maintains a solid sight picture on a suitable target at home.
In second thought get another revolver to dry fire with... One that's easier to source parts for.

Double action revolver dry firing will strenghen and condition your hand and fingers to a nice steady long linear pull.
 
That's a very nice, concise, vid. Thanks again for all the specific input, grip and trigger work with dry firing will def be part of a daily practice now!
 
Anticipating recoil,trigger placement and trying to see where your shot went can all make you go low left. Practice feeling the trigger, experiment with pressure on different areas of the trigger and shoot 5 shot groups without looking at your target, just the front sight for now.Some barrels dont like some powders and that can make a shot go low left, but you can only ever test that against a properly benched gun.
 
Last edited:
Dietz said:
Those stupid charts should get burned off the internet for ever and ever and ever.


I bet you're applying uneven pressure on the trigger itself, I bet it's concentrated and putting pressure on the right edge instead of directly on the front pad and pressing inline to the rear.
Click to expand...

If you don't like that one, Goofle "analyze pistol groups". There are dozens of others. Some say different things.
 
....surprise you, and then follow through with your trigger pull to the rear. Don't let go of the trigger as soon as the shot breaks.

Some great shooters don't believe in the "surprise" shot but the main thing is that you are not negatively affecting your alignment on target with an anticipated shot movement.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom