I can't shoot DA's! (XD40)

agilent_one

agilent_one

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Well fellow Nutz, I have an embarrassing confession:

I can't shoot DA's (or "safe-actions") to save my life. I'm consistently shooting 2-3" left (good groups, though.) I have no problems shooting my 1911's, but am consistently shooting to a 9:00 POI with my DA's (XD40, SiG.) I'm guessing that it's the trigger pull. Maybe.

I shoot using a modified Weaver, but would consider changing to an isosceles if required.

I am calling upon the collective knowledge to "fix" me.

Also, I dry-fire a fair bit already.
 
Might be grip position but my guess would be trigger finger too far on trigger. This usually causes a slight push left that no amount of grip pressure will remedy... I just fixed the exact opposite on a coworker, he was shooting right and now is dead on.

troutseeker
 
ipscgraz said:
+1...do you have the ball of the trigger finger centered on the trigger.

Far better this way than the first knuckle on the trigger.
Click to expand...

I use the fleshy part of my fingertip, not the first joint.
 
Nope my buddy is a righty too... I just assume everyone is too:)

Dry firing in front of a mirror works well. Aim at the barrel and check for movement during the trigger pull. Once you see which way it goes play with trigger finger till you see an improvement. (same for grip if that is your issue).
 
its the grip on the gun.
I can shoot my Walther dead on, My Beretta "so so" my Glock is left, and my wife Beretta is dead on every time.
its hand position.
you want to leave only your fingerprint on the trigger.. nothing else. More finger than that is too much and it causes "push".
Or you could be anticipating the shot and flinching just a tad and not realize it.
Practice, practice, practice.
it will come.
 
"...guessing that it's the..." Not if you're getting consistent groups. Adjust the sights, move your finger or change the grips.
 
If you are using the tip of your trigger finger then that eliminates "pushing" the trigger.
The next thing I'd check is side pressure on the grip.
You are shooting right handed so it sounds like you are tightening your strong hand when squeezing the trigger and your remaining 3 fingertips are pushing on the left grip. This will move the muzzle to the left!
Make a concious effort to relax your strong hand enough to prevent side pressure.
 
if your groups are to the left and you shoot right handed weaver, I'd definately suggest changing to isosolese..
the extra support from your left hand might do the trick, seeing as how right now your left arm doesnt provide much support, with the weaver stance.
 
Go to this link for an analysis of your symptom (s). Good for any recurring POI problem. Also when you shoot next if you can have someone who's a good shooter observe your technique it would be helpful. If you can have someone else load a couple of mags for you and put in a snap cap somewhere you will soon find out if you are jerking, flinching etc. I find isoceles gives me the most stability and when I'm in the groove I will then go for other stances. I also shot to the left around 9 o'clock and found this chart helpful.
Mike

http://www.targetshooting.ca/docs/Pistol_Shot_Analysis.pdf
 
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If you're a 1911 shooter you're used to having the pistol aligned with the long bone of your forearm, this is a " correct" grip where the pistol tucks into the V made by your thumb and index finger and points basically from the elbow. I've seen very few people that can shoot double action pistols ( with double stack grips ) this way, the size of the grip means you're struggling to bring the muzzle to the right if you're trying to get a "correct" grip. Try positioning the pistol in the "H grip", move your hand so that less of the web of your hand is behind the backstrap. This is also known as Monkey Gripping. The problem you're having is that you're used to shooting the best ergonomic design available, and you're trying to use an inferior design. It can be done, but it takes a lot of practise. This is one of the reasons the 1911 is so highly regarded, and before I get flamed for this, if you haven't spent serious time with a 1911, you simply can't understand how big a part of the 1911's success it's grip is. None of this applies to double stack 1911's, they're inferior ergonomic designs too.
 
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