Shooting accuracy - Charter Arms 38spl using SA vs DA.

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gonoles_1980

gonoles_1980

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When I shoot my 38spl in SA, my accuracy is within an inch at 15 ft. When I shoot it DA I'm off to the left and off by a few inches (I can cheat and aim to the left of the bullseye by 2-3 inches and be accurate). I know it has to be the trigger pull. But I'm not sure how to correct it. I pull the trigger with the very end of my trigger finger.

Thoughts what what changes I should make?
 
What would really help would be a video of how you're pulling the trigger. Then we could offer more than general suggestions based on common guesses...however, assuming you're right handed:

1. You're jerking the trigger...trying to make the shot go off.
2. You don't have enough of your finger on the trigger..you're pushing the gun over.

Try this:
1. You need to ignore the wobble of the sights during your DA trigger pull and just keep pulling the trigger straight to the rear until the hammer is released.
2. Once you start the trigger press, keep moving at a constant speed...don't speed up and don't slow down.
3. Whatever you do, don't stop your trigger press and try to "stage" the trigger
 
A few other thoughts:

1. I know if I tried to shoot a revolver with the very tip of my finger, it wouldn't be comfortable at all. Maybe try another part of your finger.
2. Having a pistol smith smooth out the action and lighten the trigger might help.
3. I think the first shot with whatever you're shooting counts the most so I rarely shoot a revolver double action. If you need to shoot one double action in a self defense situation, you'll probably be pretty close to the assailant and a couple of inches off won't matter. That said, I know that those who shoot revolvers double action a lot can get VERY good with them.
 
First off the problem isn't the trigger, the problem is your hand. Your natural instinct is to grasp with all your fingers, so when you're pulling the trigger your natural instinct is to turn the gun a bit as your other fingers grip tighter.
You need to teach your trigger finger to move independently and to pull the trigger straight back.
To do this requires lot of repetition, dry firing pulling the trigger without moving the gun, Crimson trace grips or even a cheap laser pointer rubber banded to the barrel will give great visual feedback.
 
It is definitely me, I am off the same way with my LCR 357, which is double action only. I fire the revolvers single handed. I can try to get my wife make a video of me dry firing DA. Though I've done the dime on the barrel thing with the LCR 357 and I can dry fire without it falling off. Good thought on the laser pointer, I could try that dry firing with snap caps.
 
Which grips are on the gun? If the grips are too small, good double action shooting is difficult. Some guns are in need of larger grips if you have large hands. Also, some double actions respond well to staging the trigger, but some do not.
If you can do well in single action, then it is also that one or two cylinders don't rotate and lock up like the others. However, my bet is on the grip not fitting your hand properly.
 
You'll be amazed at what the laser pointer practice will do. I used to just try to hold the laser on the light switch plate across the room during commercials. When you get to the point that it doesn't move off the switch start picking up the pace.
I'm no Jerry Miculek but I've gotten to the point that staying in the 9 ring of a B27 @ 25 yards (yes yards) or ripping off a palm size group @ 5 yards with my 442 or LCR is no problem.
 
Before you change anything else, try pulling the trigger with the first distal joint of your trigger finger. This will give a greater power stroke against the heavier DA pull. Then find a safe spot in your home and work slowly on dry-firing the revolver. Focus on the trigger pull and keeping the sights aligned. Later when you go to the range use a simple blank target - a sheet of notebook paper or a paper plate at 20 feet will do. While firing focus on the trigger pull first and keeping the sights somewhere on the blank target as the hammer drops.

I think you will quickly find double action work a lot easier.
Let us know how it works out.
 
Grumulkin said:
3. I think the first shot with whatever you're shooting counts the most so I rarely shoot a revolver double action.
Click to expand...
The first shot being the most important would lead me to spend more time shooting DA. I can't remember the last time I shot my current revolver in SA...certainly not to zero it
That said, I know that those who shoot revolvers double action a lot can get VERY good with them.
Click to expand...
I don't think I'd refer to myself "very good", but I'd like to think I am competent. I do normally shoot DAO out to 50 yards in competition.
 
Work on your trigger pull. Don't put too much finger into the trigger guard. Second, get snap caps. Put a coin on the top strap and while aiming it (with blanks), squeeze the trigger in the DA mode. The coin should stay on top even after the hammer drops.
 
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