Shooting low

You're flinching. Have a buddy load a few snap caps into a few magazines and you'll see it.

As above, you're flinching and every shot you take ingrains it further into your muscle memory. Buy a .22 (or a conversion unit) and shoot about 5000 rounds, then think about picking up your carry gun again.

I too am new to shooting and have the same problem. I picked up a new .22 Ruger MKIII yesterday and it has made a significant difference after two days of shooting. Shooting the .22 my shots are spot on.

Moreover, when I went back to a larger caliber, I am more aware of when I flinch. I haven't completely corrected it, but it is definitely helping.

Anticipation likely a factor also - causes you to push down on the pistol just before firing - practice will help - if your gun is DA or has a long trigger pull that can contribute to the issue - try using the pad of your finger or the first knuckle - see which helps/hurts the problem

Like others said, you're anticipating recoil and flinching...in this case, you're pushing forward right before the gun recoils. Also as others said, buy a quality .22LR (Buck Mark or a Ruger) and shoot that thing A LOT. Learn trigger discipline. Only your trigger finger should move before the gun fires...your hands should remain still

Proper trigger mechanics will transfer over to everything. Shooting a single action .22LR will help you shoot everything else better, even double action or striker fired guns

If I am having a problem I will print some of these and use them as targets.

Shawn

In addition to shooting a .22, load a couple (or more) snap caps in two mags (or more) and shuffle them behind your back until you don't know where the snap caps are. When you hit the snap cap, you'll clearly SEE the barrel dip.

Dry fire a lot, concentrating on keeping the barrel as motionless as possible while smoothly pressing the trigger. Also do this at the range before you shoot, and again if you find yourself anticipating the recoil with live rounds.

You have to keep doing all these to "unlearn" the bad habit you've gotten into.

AtBackPackin, I've used the charts, but never as as an actual target. That's a cool idea!

Get yourself some snap caps (my favs a-zoom) and practice your trigger pull and follow through. That's likely the culprit.

Yeah, it is flinching.

I'll admit that it takes all my mental effort not to flinch when I shoot 45. With 22 I'm OK. 9 mm, I'm OK. Even with 44 Magnum, I seem to be OK.

The snap cap idea is a good one. Load the magazine with a few snap caps so you see when you flinch.

Another thing to keep in mind when you practice (at least for targets) the goal is for the gun firing to SURPRISE YOU. You should be gradually squeezing the trigger straight back until it breaks, goes boom, and surprises you.

LOTS of DRY PRACTICE, DRY PRACTICE, DRY PRACTICE...!!!

The problem with this is if you are practicing correctly, you are just ingraining bad habits. You need to learn the correct method, before practice helps you improve

Click to expand...

You mean incorrectly....

Get some training or at least get a more experienced shooter to go with you to the range watch you shoot and help correct what you are doing. Correct is now so you do not develop more bad habits.