Shooting a semi auto ridiculously low

[stonebuster]

I've only been shooting handguns for 5 years and shot revolvers well from early on. Semi autos I shot ok to start but went down hill steadily until I was shooting centered but way low. I knew I was making a fundamental mistake but was too stubborn to ask for help(which would've saved me a lot of $$ on wasted ammo, I know). I found through searches recently it could be my grip. I'd forgotten about the push /pull and my left hand wasn't making firm contact with the gun. Yesterday's range trip with the Sig P226 proved my grip was the issue. Knocked the bulls eye out of the target with only a couple flyers in 100 rounds. I couldn't believe what a difference a proper grip made. It was extremely frustrating to not be able to shoot the finest weapon I owned. Now I can take her to the range and not leave with my tail dragging.

 

[murf]

glad you found the problem and solved it. also, glad you didn't blame the gun!

murf

 

[rpenmanparker]

The Modified Isosceles stance does not make use of the push-pull technique. That is a feature of the Weaver stance. No matter, just pointing out that it isn’t required to hit what you are aiming at. It is more for the purpose of overcoming recoil to speed up the follow up shots. And in the Isosceles technique that is accomplished with the angle of the hands and rigidity of the arms up into the shoulders. Look out for dipping the muzzle right before the trigger releases. That is what often causes low shooting. Also you could see if you shoot a single action, auto-loading pistol like a 1911 better than a double action or striker pistol.

 

[JDGray]

I'm glad you found your problem yourself! When watching a new shooter with this problem, I always load the pistol up, or unload, and hand it back to them and watch them push as they jerk the trigger. I try not to complicate my shooting with a bunch of pushing and pulling, but just use a good firm hold. Good shooting!!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

What did you change, it may help other having the same problem. What grip are you now using and how does it differ from the original?

 

[Riomouse911]

It sounds like he was focusing on his grip and trigger work this time, and the last few times he was doing the anticipation flinch and dropping the muzzle more and more. (I’m guilty of that myself when I’m not focusing)

Shooting, like golf, sometimes needs an ego-cleanse followed by proper instruction to correct bad habits and put you on the path to success. If you can find a good instructor locally and obtain some help it’ll pay off later!

Stay safe.