Can't hit S**t

M

maka

Regular
Rating - 100%
12   0   0
Location
Southern Ontario
I was shooting some American Eagle 9mm today.

At 12yards my shots were hitting 3-4" low left.

This is with my new M&P. Thought I new how to shoot but I guess not.

Will different ammo be that much different at that range?

Is it possible that the different palm swell could help?

Or am I just jerking.

Even rested on the bench it still shot low left.

Please help with any possible remedies.
 
I dont know if its the ammo or not but I cant hit anything either with American eagle 9mm.I tried it in three of my guns and same results.Other brands are fine but AE sucks.Try some differant brands and see what happens.
 
there should be some people jumping in soon with offers to help you out. it's very likely a trigger and anticipation issue. start with a target no more than 3yds from you. yes 3yds. work on that until you can keep all your shots in one hole, then start working back.
 
maka said:
I was shooting some American Eagle 9mm today.

At 12yards my shots were hitting 3-4" low left.

This is with my new M&P. Thought I new how to shoot but I guess not.

Will different ammo be that much different at that range?

Is it possible that the different palm swell could help?

Or am I just jerking.

Even rested on the bench it still shot low left.

Please help with any possible remedies.
Click to expand...

Aim at bigger ####.:)
 
Was the gun hitting point of aim with other brands of ammunition or is this the first time you've shot it? If the sights are set up correctly, it's you. The problem will be either in your trigger stroke or your grip mechanics or both. I live in Burlington, so if you want to meet me at the range sometime I can sort it out for you. It's not difficult to fix; you just have to re-program a new habit.
 
relliott said:
Was the gun hitting point of aim with other brands of ammunition or is this the first time you've shot it? If the sights are set up correctly, it's you. The problem will be either in your trigger stroke or your grip mechanics or both. I live in Burlington, so if you want to meet me at the range sometime I can sort it out for you. It's not difficult to fix; you just have to re-program a new habit.
Click to expand...

I am actually a memmber at BRRC and I am going late tonight to try and sort this out.
 
maka said:
I am actually a memmber at BRRC and I am going late tonight to try and sort this out.
Click to expand...

Ok, some things to watch for:

Make sure the axis of the gun (when held strong hand only) matches the axis of the bones in the forearm. Basically, look for the sights to align with your elbow. This will help make recoil more consistent and it will place your trigger finger consistently on the trigger. It will also tell you if the gun fits your hand properly or if you are compensating by twisting the pistol (see next point).

Check to see how your finger rests on the trigger. It should be about midway between the tip and the joint; just under the cuticle of the nail. And ideally it would rest on the trigger surface so that the digit is at ninety degrees to the axis of the trigger. This lets you pull straight back into the frame, rather than deflecting off to one side or the other. Only the last two joints of the finger should move. The big knuckle should be basically pinned during the firing cycle.

When you are firing, note whether or not you are lifting the finger clear of the trigger between shots. If you are, you are likely slapping the trigger, and this will steer your muzzle low and to the left (right handed) unless you can find a way to compensate for it. I don't recommend compensating because there are too many variables and it's better to just simply use correct technique. Prep the trigger deliberately by just holding softly against the sear, and pull through as the sight picture resolves to an acceptable level for the shot you are making, then watch the sights lift in recoil to follow through. Ideally, you don't want your finger to come off the trigger at all during a string of fire. Just fire the shot as noted above, then let the finger muscles relax until you feel/hear the trigger reset. You will then be already prepped against the sear for the next shot, so there is no chance to slap.

Good luck.
 
In addition to the great advice some have suggested, have someone else load five mags for you, and get them to place a dummy round randomly in each one. Ask them to watch you shoot, and notice what happens when you drop the hammer on the dummy...
 
maka said:
I am actually a memmber at BRRC and I am going late tonight to try and sort this out.
Click to expand...

First mistake: The "I am going to sort this out" part. Do what you can, but.... Nobody jumps into a race car and goes racing. If you want to play tennis, you take lessons. Golf lessons... That's how it is. Buying a pistol does not a shooter make. Be smarter than most, and contact an experienced competitor and get instruction. It's a lot easier, less stressful, and less expensive in the long run.
 
Last edited:
proper trigger pull and sight picture/alignment is more important than how much finger you put on a trigger.
 
Bingo! It does not matter how you pull the trigger or where your finger contacts the trigger as long as you do not disturb the sight while firing the gun.
 
PH Racing said:
Bingo! It does not matter how you pull the trigger or where your finger contacts the trigger as long as you do not disturb the sight while firing the gun.
Click to expand...
True, nothing really matters but the end result; hits on the target. However, having an understanding of "ideal" technique mechanics certainly helps when trying to diagnose problems. If you don't know what you might be doing wrong, you can't know how to correct it. Base-line technique at least provides a jumping off point for experimentation and discovery.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom