is this right? (new gun)

[beezy25]

i just picked up my new (first) gun. its an XD 9mm service model. i went to the range and it was great (although i noticed that all my groupings were to the left of what i was aiming for).

i got home and took it apart to clean/oil. when i put it back together i noticed the barrel was sitting on the very bottom of the opening of the slide (front, pic 1) which i didn't notice before. is this correct? also, where the barrel shows through on the top of the gun, it does not sit dead flat with the slide (top, pic 2). here are some pictures to show what i mean:

pic 1 is the barrel sitting at the bottom of the opening in the front of the gun.

and pic 2 is the top of the gun. you can see the black part angling downwards at a certain point, but i thought it was supposed to be flat as flat can be.

so, should i be worried or is this correct?

 

[Walkalong]

Normal

 

[figment]

I notice a large number of XDs come with the rear windage off noticeably.

 

[BillH]

Pictures look fine. If you're right handed, low and to the left usually means "anticipation". The more you have the further over and down you'll be. I've found if I see the muzzle flash then I'm okay so far as that part is concerned, then I usually have to work on something else.

 

[beezy25]

mine looks normal to me...agree? just want to make sure i shouldn't go complain about it to the seller

 

[average_shooter]

Don't the XD's have a tilting barrel, similar to Glocks? If so, what you're probably seeing on the end of the slide is just the relief cut in the muzzle end that allows for the barrel to tip up while cycling. I noticed it on my G26 as well.

I also agree that "misses" consistently to a certain point on the target with a new gun are more likely user error than hardware error, so you should carefully examine your trigger pull before adjusting the sights any.

 

[1SOW]

Normal.

Shoot the gun off a sandbag rest slowly and carefully to test the sights.

Shot error chart might help if it's not the sights.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=103378&d=1250308238

 

[LiveLife]

Normal, just like Glock.

You might be "torquing" the grip/trigger. To check, line up your sights and dry fire. Do you see any front sight movement? If you do, you found your answer.

Bring your target to 3-5 yards and shoot without moving your front sight. If the shots go where your point of aim is, then move your target back to see if there is any deviation. If you are not moving your front sight and the point of impact is still left of your point of aim, then you can adjust your rear sight.

 

[beezy25]

awesome. great answers. i figure its just because i am very new to shooting and need to practice to get better. i will check out that chart. thanks!

what does "tightening fingers" mean exactly? that's probably what i am doing

 

[1SOW]

what does "tightening fingers" mean exactly? that's probably what i am doing

Adding force as you get closer to sear release/firing point. A steady trigger pull using the pad of your trigger finger tip and a proper grip needs to be practiced.

Try shooting it as carefully as you can off a rest and check the results.

 

[David E]

Place the pad of your finger, midway between the first joint and very tip. If you're going further, it's too much.

Hold the gun with two hands. Grip it harder with the support hand, say, 70% support hand, 30% gun hand. This frees up the gun hand to operate the trigger easily.

 

[LiveLife]

Hold the gun with two hands. Grip it harder with the support hand, say, 70% support hand, 30% gun hand. This frees up the gun hand to operate the trigger easily.

+1. Also, in an isosceles two hand grip, you can get a firmer grip by pushing on the palm 'V' of the shooting hand against the non-shooting hand's 'hook' of four fingers. The key is keeping your shooting finger free, loose and independent. You want tighter grip, pull back harder with the non-shooting (support hand) 'hook' of four fingers.

+1 for using finger pad and not your finger joint.