Getting more confident with my Steyr as a CCW.

[ugly old guns]

A couple of months ago I was having major trust issues with my Steyr ma1 in .40. The gun itself worked perfectly, but I couldn't hit at 12 yards with any repeatability at all. Some 10 ring, half off the paper . Most shots trending left, but a total shotgun pattern. I didn'tshoot it for a monthand a half, and was about to sell it for money for a cz or 1911, maybe a used Sig.
Today, i went to the range again, and started making minute changes to my stance, my grip, and my trigger pull. The range had other users, (Dept.of Conservation), so I had to stand 25 yards from the target.
Here's what I found. When using the outermost tip, or pad , of my trigger finger, I could not hit the target at all. When I switched to the first joint, closest to the tip of the finger, all twelve went into a twelve inch circle. So, here are my questions for you guys and gals:
1. Are my hands too big for this gun? It feels like it was made for my hand, but that may not indicate how I can shoot it.
2. What can I work at next to improve the human factor in shooting?
3. Do you have any recommendations for books which can help me learn effective pistol shooting?

I want to keep this weapon, as it was the first I bought for myself. But, the safety of my person and my family is so much more important.
By the way, the ammo used was 155 grain Winchester Ranger JHP.

 

[Patrick Henry]

I only shot this gun at a range once, but I loved it. People ridicule the weird trapezoid shaped sights but I liked them. I don't know if it was due to the sights or the grip angle or what, but I was very accurate with it. Despite being a .40 the muzzle flip was not too bad, more akin to a 9mm which is perhaps due to the very acute grip angle. Like you I also thought it fit my hand excellently.

If you can't shoot it accurately and comfortably then I guess you should get something else. The trigger is not heavy, about like a Glock, so not sure why your accuracy is affected by trigger pull. But I really don't know much about shooting technique. Personally I think it's a great pistol, I would have bought one if I could have found one somewhere for sale -- they aren't too common.