Shooting low and left

[Chris54326]

This chart is an old diagnostic tool intended for use by bullseye shooters using the one-handed position. It is overly complicated and many of the items aren't applicable to someone shooting with both hands. For instance, if you shoot at the chart and your group goes to the ten o'clock, you may think you are anticipating recoil, when in actuality, you are probably making the trigger your cat lady by applying too much pressure with the entire firing hand. You can determine this in a ball and dummy drill or with the drill I posted by having a shooting partner watch your firing arm as you press the dry shot. Often times, the shooter's entire forearm muscle will contract noticeably, which causes the foreame to torque, the elbow and heel of the firing hand drop slightly, which causes the muzzle to rise and the rounds to impact high and toward the support side.

Forget this chart unless you are doing one-handed bullseye shooting.

Interesting you posted this because that's exactly why I started this thread. I kept trying to correct my problem by following the tips on the target and was getting nowhere. Thanks. I'll go back to my little 2" diamond.

 

[runawaygun762]

There's an instructor around here, Jim Shanahan, who is an amazing shooter and coach, and he has the best advice I have ever heard and I use it regularly in my classes. "Shoot fast, don't miss". Profound, isn't it?

I also tell my students the secret to effective combat shooting: Don't suck. If you do suck, suck less than the other guy and you'll win the fight.

 

[Chris54326]

Okay, I've got to go out and mow to mulch up the leaves in the front and back yard and do some things around the farm. Then I'll get my stuff out and try the original drill you suggested, David.

 

[runawaygun762]

At the risk of hijacking this thread, I have a question about range etiquette (sp). I am that guy who wants to fix the world an yesterday I was confirming my zero for the upcoming Area 3 multigun when a guy and his wife came up to the firing line. He was having her try a few different carry guns and she was sucking horribly. It was her first time shooting, she had no clue how to stand, and she was using the teacup/cup and saucer/cupping the balls/whatever you want to call it grip and was complaining about the recoil in her thumb. 5 minutes' worth of instruction from me would have at least given her the basics of how to manage recoil and not be hurt by the gun, but I said nothing.

Would it be bad form to offer a bit of advice with her husband right there, or would it be acceptable range behavior to tell them I teach novices for a living and ask if they wouldn't mind a couple pointers to make the experience a little better?

Okay, I've got to go out and mow to mulch up the leaves in the front and back yard and do some things around the farm. Then I'll get my stuff out and try the original drill you suggested, David.

Have fun with the mulching. I have to run the tine dethatcher around the place to get rid of years of compacted vegetation.

 

[foghorn918]

Would it be bad form to offer a bit of advice with her husband right there, or would it be acceptable range behavior to tell them I teach novices for a living and ask if they wouldn't mind a couple pointers to make the experience a little better?

If it was me, I would have welcomed the advice, especially as a new shooter. Good trigger control is still a problem for me. Another TDSA class is in my future!

 

[Chris54326]

At the risk of hijacking this thread, I have a question about range etiquette. I am that guy who wants to fix the world an yesterday I was confirming my zero for the upcoming Area 3 multigun when a guy and his wife came up to the firing line. He was having her try a few different carry guns and she was sucking horribly. It was her first time shooting, she had no clue how to stand, and she was using the teacup/cup and saucer/cupping the balls/whatever you want to call it grip and was complaining about the recoil in her thumb. 5 minutes' worth of instruction from me would have at least given her the basics of how to manage recoil and not be hurt by the gun, but I said nothing.

Would it be bad form to offer a bit of advice with her husband right there, or would it be acceptable range behavior to tell them I teach novices for a living and ask if they wouldn't mind a couple pointers to make the experience a little better?

I feel the same way at the gym, David....... :training: .........and I seldom offer advice there. Though the few times I have, it's seemed to both be appreciated and helpful. In your situation, I'd simply ask if they'd mind if you offer some suggestions. If the guy is a macho know-it-all and feels offended, he'll just say "no thanks". :no: Can't hurt to offer, though.

Now back to the yard!

 

[Chris54326]

Guess I won't get to practice the "drill" this afternoon, David. Little wife just stopped me from mowing and said we have to deliver and hang her pictures at 50 Penn Place Gallery. She's the guest artist for the months of Nov and Dec. Off to the showers!

 

[Matt1911]

What's a shower?

 

[Robusto]

What's a shower?

Alex- What is something a Overlord of Ballistic Hate will not take?

 

[runawaygun762]

Shower- It's the thing you do once a month whether you need it or not. Usually done on the same day as laundry day.

 

[Chris54326]

You guys are a hoot, for sure! :sarcastichand:


Here's an example of what I've been talking about. This target was shot a couple of days ago. Glock 27, 7 yds, Blazer 155gr FMJ ammunition.

 

[racnsoonr]

Use your other eye...

Seriously...Just Kidding! :hunter:

 

[Chris54326]

 

[foghorn918]

hey chris, you're on paper....good enough to shoot a match !

 

[runawaygun762]

Make sure you're watching the tip of your front sight and not the target as you break the shot. Seeing a target can give some options for diagnosis, but seeing the shooter in action and then using the target to verify the diagnosis is better. Based on the target alone, I would suggest you are either looking over your sights as you break the shot, or your front sight is not level with the rear sight (improper sight alignment). Those are in addition to what I think pretty obviously jerking the trigger. The G27 is a handful, and not the best gun to get back in the saddle with, so there is probably some anticipation or you are jerking the trigger as soon as your sights get on target because you are afraid of not being able to keep them there for a steady press.

Please understand I in no way endorse the concept of using advice from strangers on the internet as a substitute for professional, in-person instruction, so don't assume anybody here is going to offer that "ah ha" moment and make you great. The only reason I even chimed in is you said you plan to carry the gun, and if you can't afford real instruction right now, a guided self-diagnosis is better than nothing.

A whole-home Halon fire suppression system is ideal, but if you can't afford that, a handheld fire extinguisher is better than nothing. What a stupid analogy. I like it.

 

[Chris54326]

I like the way you respond, David. Thanks. Understand fully what you are saying. I hope to get a chance to try your "drill" tomorrow and I'll follow up with the results.

 

[Chris54326]

Okay, David....................I shot 30 rounds and 30 dry fires, in the order and manner you suggested. It gave me more time to concentrate on the mechanics rather than dread the recoil. Words can't express my satisfaction, so here's the target I shot afterwards. Sames stats. Improvement, huh?!

 

[mike cyrwus]

nice!
also, sometimes you have to accept the shitty hits, andby focusing on the good hits, and trusting that in time, by putting the work in, youll tighten them up.
I have a hell of a time with my accuracy when I switch gun platforms. Takes a few sessions and a positive mental attitude to get through it.

 

[Chris54326]

Lot's to learn, for sure.

 

[runawaygun762]

That's some good elephant dung right there. Everything comes down to fundamentals of marksmanship. The great shooters are just more efficient at applying them than us average joes.