Finally got to shoot my new M&P9 but have question

......BCRider usually chimes in around this point and says that if a .22 isn't your first pistol, it should be your second.


I've been "mentioned in dispatches".... coooool.... :d

Since you mentioned that you're already planning on getting a .22 that part is done.

In the meantime try to focus on a smooth pressure build on the trigger that only stops when the trigger is firmly back against the rear stop. This and the sight picture are you ONLY two goals. Focus fully on those and ignore the fact that the gun will go BOOM! and kick in your hands at some point.

HOLD the trigger to the back until the noise and recoil is all done. That's your follow through that indicates a proper focus on the trigger pull. Once the waving around from the recoil is gone ease up on the trigger finger pressure with the same care. Feel for the little click that indicates the trigger disconnector has reset. Now reverse and begin a pressure build to the rear for the next pull fully to the rear. Along the way the gun will shoot again. Notice it in passing but focus on the smooth pressure build on the trigger and on getting the trigger fully to the rear and holding it there.

Work towards building the pressure up so a full trigger pull takes about 1/2 a second. This is a great time to try this with some dry firing. And while the trigger is to the rear after the break hold it there and cycle the slide to reset the action. Then ease up to feel the reset.

Don't focus on actually moving the trigger. Just work on a smooth steady build of pressure and allow the trigger to move when and how it wants to move. That way you're not tempted to snap it or stage it.

This sort of focus and some dry firing practice will go a long way towards aiding you in kicking the flinch that you pretty clearly have. Your first mag you didn't know what to expect so you did it right. Then the noise and recoil began to make you flinch in anticipation or in reaction to what was about to occur. So part of the whole thing is de-sensitising yourself to the noise and kick. And one way that helps is focusing on and working the trigger pull as described.
 
I've been "mentioned in dispatches".... coooool.... :d

Since you mentioned that you're already planning on getting a .22 that part is done.

In the meantime try to focus on a smooth pressure build on the trigger that only stops when the trigger is firmly back against the rear stop. This and the sight picture are you ONLY two goals. Focus fully on those and ignore the fact that the gun will go BOOM! and kick in your hands at some point.

HOLD the trigger to the back until the noise and recoil is all done. That's your follow through that indicates a proper focus on the trigger pull. Once the waving around from the recoil is gone ease up on the trigger finger pressure with the same care. Feel for the little click that indicates the trigger disconnector has reset. Now reverse and begin a pressure build to the rear for the next pull fully to the rear. Along the way the gun will shoot again. Notice it in passing but focus on the smooth pressure build on the trigger and on getting the trigger fully to the rear and holding it there.

Work towards building the pressure up so a full trigger pull takes about 1/2 a second. This is a great time to try this with some dry firing. And while the trigger is to the rear after the break hold it there and cycle the slide to reset the action. Then ease up to feel the reset.

Don't focus on actually moving the trigger. Just work on a smooth steady build of pressure and allow the trigger to move when and how it wants to move. That way you're not tempted to snap it or stage it.

This sort of focus and some dry firing practice will go a long way towards aiding you in kicking the flinch that you pretty clearly have. Your first mag you didn't know what to expect so you did it right. Then the noise and recoil began to make you flinch in anticipation or in reaction to what was about to occur. So part of the whole thing is de-sensitising yourself to the noise and kick. And one way that helps is focusing on and working the trigger pull as described.

Better description than any...I like to think of my finger attached to a hydraulic press...steadily increasing pressure...
 
That's a great analogy as well for those that know about hydraulics. If we can say it enough times and in enough ways it'll click with anyone.
 
I've been "mentioned in dispatches".... coooool.... :d

Since you mentioned that you're already planning on getting a .22 that part is done.

In the meantime try to focus on a smooth pressure build on the trigger that only stops when the trigger is firmly back against the rear stop. This and the sight picture are you ONLY two goals. Focus fully on those and ignore the fact that the gun will go BOOM! and kick in your hands at some point.

HOLD the trigger to the back until the noise and recoil is all done. That's your follow through that indicates a proper focus on the trigger pull. Once the waving around from the recoil is gone ease up on the trigger finger pressure with the same care. Feel for the little click that indicates the trigger disconnector has reset. Now reverse and begin a pressure build to the rear for the next pull fully to the rear. Along the way the gun will shoot again. Notice it in passing but focus on the smooth pressure build on the trigger and on getting the trigger fully to the rear and holding it there.

Work towards building the pressure up so a full trigger pull takes about 1/2 a second. This is a great time to try this with some dry firing. And while the trigger is to the rear after the break hold it there and cycle the slide to reset the action. Then ease up to feel the reset.

Don't focus on actually moving the trigger. Just work on a smooth steady build of pressure and allow the trigger to move when and how it wants to move. That way you're not tempted to snap it or stage it.

This sort of focus and some dry firing practice will go a long way towards aiding you in kicking the flinch that you pretty clearly have. Your first mag you didn't know what to expect so you did it right. Then the noise and recoil began to make you flinch in anticipation or in reaction to what was about to occur. So part of the whole thing is de-sensitising yourself to the noise and kick. And one way that helps is focusing on and working the trigger pull as described.

BCRider nailed it here! Well described and certainly something I will try.
 
Is it about time to throw in the suggestion that if a handgun shooter can shoot a DA revolver (shot in proper DA mode) well that they will do well with any hand gun?

OK.... let me know when it's time and I'll chime in.... :d
 
Low left for a right handed shooter is often a jerky trigger pull, often known as slapping the trigger.

Print some of these to use as your target to help correct bad technique:

correction_chart2.jpg
 
No, not completely. For one handed bullseye shooting they often work well. And for two handed shooting a few of the major points do apply. The question is identifying which are valid to two handed and which are smoke and sunshine.

For example the trigger finger options at 3 and 9 o'clock are very valid for two handed shooting. And jerking or slapping (snatching) at the trigger is often associated with the classic flinching issue.

Much of the rest is more about one handed shooting though.
 
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