[glenns]

New shooter question: the XD 45 manual (p.32, Point of Aim) says that the XDs "..are designed to use the '6 o'clock' sight picture at 25 yards. However, some pistols may shoot 'point of aim' at 25 yards depending on shooter and ammunition."

1. Does that mean you aim at 6 o'clock at 25 yards and farther? Obviously you would not aim at 6 o'clock at 25 feet.

2. I find that shooting at distances closer than 15 yards I need to shoot point of aim. At 15 yards and beyond I need to lower sight picture towards 6 o'clock. Is that normal or is it me?

2. How does ammunition affect the point of aim?

[LKB3rd]

That sounds right to me. 6 o'clock hold means that it will hit higher than point of aim. Imagine holding on a clock at 6, it will hit in the middle.
At close distances it will hit closer to point of aim, because the bullet travels upward from the bore line to the sight line -which is slightly higher.
Different ammo will travel at different velocity, and the arc will be a little different. Other factors too, but that is one.

[TG13]

http://www.bobtuley.com/sight_picture.htm

6 o'clock is the "Ball on a stick".. the front sight post top edge is directly below the center of the target..

http://www.bullseyepistol.com/f2-4c.gif