[ghost3096]

I Just recently purchesed an auto ordinance 1911 A1 and I am having trouble getting the hang of shootin this thing. Any advise or comments are welcomed.

[KONY]

Please describe your issue in detail ... do you have any training? If not, that might be your best bet. The NRA website has links to training classes in your area. Just remember that very few people are "natural born shooters" ... even the pros ... they got to where they're at through lots of practice.

[Black Majik]

Whats the problem with it?

Shooting it or functional problem?

If it's shooting the gun, I have a few pointers. First of all, learn the trigger system. Make sure the gun is unloaded, point it in a safe direction and dry fire the gun to get used to it.

Now, one concept to learn is "flinching" right hand shooters end up shooting low and left due to flinching. This occurs when the shooter anticipates the recoil and sound of the gun, and overcompensates for the recoil. This causes the trigger to be jerked slightly.

Dry fire the gun and get used to it.

Good luck. 1911's are great platforms.

[BHPshooter]

What are you having trouble with, specifically? Are you having trouble with accuracy, having problems with the your grip (i.e.: the gun feeling comfortable while shooting), or something else, like hammer bite?

Wes

[Technosavant]

I am assuming that your 1911 is chambered in .45 ACP.

My biggest recommendation would be to obtain a .22LR pistol- Browning Buckmark, Ruger 22/45 or Mark II, Beretta Neos, S&W 22A, something like that. Out the door, one of those and a brick of ammo with a cleaning kit should come in under $250ish.

.22LR helps you work on trigger control and sight alignment without dealing with recoil issues, and because .22LR is dirt cheap, you can practice a LOT.

Other things, like focus on the front sight, gently push on the trigger (don't yank it), etc. are also important, but it is hard to diagnose a vague problem. Maybe find an experienced shooter in your area and go to the range together.

[Pietro Beretta]

Yes, Thats what I was thinking. Too much bang too soon.

Go to you local range and get some training. A .22lr is nice to practice and learn on. However I believe one can start with near anything if taught properly.

[ghost3096]

I have read all of your comments and intend to follow up on them all. I am getting closer on my groups at thrity feet as before I was lucky to hit the damn target. I will continue using the methods youve suggested. all of your comments and advise were greatlt appreciated.

[jonnyc]

Close-up your distance and get the hang of it at 15 ft. first.

[Soap]

As others have said, you should start with a .22.

[Seraph]

.22 conversion kit for the 1911 might be a good solution.

[TMM]

great idea, seraph. same platform, lighter recoil/cheaper/etc.

[bubbygator]

There are lots of people here who might be able to help you, but you have to describe what your pattern is on the target. Certain tendencies in aiming, pulling the trigger, anticipating the recoil, etc., reliably result in certain patterns on the target. Many people have gone through these various problems, and could advise you on how to overcome them.

[Tman]

A lot of good advice has been listed. Instruction and practice are essential. Small caliber pistols and graduating to larger calibers is also good advice. Error analysis:

http://www.bullseyepistol.com/training.htm