Went to range with XDm 9mm and it was terrible. What am I doing wrong? w/video

[PacketStorm]

I would also second the training with Rob Pincus. He also has some great videos if you don't have extra cash for the training. This is personal defense focus shooting, but a lot of the tips will carry over to target shooting. Consistent grip, consistent stance and becoming more familiar with your firearm will all help.

http://www.icestore.us/servlet/the-DVDs/Categories

You are cautious with your firearms, which isn't a bad thing. Just don't let it control you. Dry practice will make you more familiar with handling of the weapon which will make you more confident and proficient at the range. I also noticed that when you were initially putting the magazine into the pistol, you had all your finger wrapped around the grip. I would suggest you get a good solid firing grip (index finger off to the side of the slide) when you are loading your pistol. This is the position you want your hand to be when you are getting ready to fire. Load here also. It will also help you keep a higher grip on the backstrap. When your index finger is underneath the trigger guard it puts your whole hand position out of alignment.

 

[Freezebyte]

So, when im gripping the pistol, is it a light but firm grip or do I need to be basically attempting to crush the gun in my hands? That gets tiring really quick....

 

[halfded]

Your grip should be firm, no white knuckles though. Try this... It looks like you've got your hands in the right spot, keep your thumbs side by side, let the fingers of your support hand lay over your firing hand. Now in your video it looked like you had your elbows pointing down. Turn your elbows so they face almost straight out at your sides, arms slightly bent. Take a step back with your firing side leg. Lean forward slightly and you are in the isosceles position.

Here's the part most important here.. With your FIRING hand, push forward slightly against the naturally created rearward pull of your SUPPORT hand. It should be about a 60/40 ratio, 60 firing hand, 40 support hand. That creates isometric something or other (brain fart on the actual terminology) that will stabilize your shot as well as control the recoil for quicker follow up shots... all without the arm strain.

Hope this helps.

 

[PacketStorm]

Firm but tight is a good way to do it. Anytime you are doing something with the pistol (shooting/loading/chamber check) you should tighten up a bit on the hold. You should have a good tight grip while that magazine is going in. That will prevent the gun from slipping away when you smack the mag home.

I saw in interesting technique on "The Best Defense" last friday. This is the show on the Outdoor Channel (friday I think??). Anyway, they were out on the range and the guy loaded his pistol and did two extra taps on the magazine just before he did a chamber check. It was pretty slick.

 

[schadenfreude]

I don't have anything to add because the advice you've been given is pretty complete.

I will say this, posting a video of you shooting is the EASIEST way to show the situation and the quality of answers shows that.

Anyways, good on ya for the video and seeking advice.

 

[Just One Shot]

It's good to see you seeking advice instead of trying to make it on your own. You have already recieved alot of good advice and I agree with what has already been posted.

My suggestions (some of which has already been covered) would include:

First and foremost you need to learn how to SAFELY handle your firearm. Never ever point the muzzle anywhere but down range unless it's something you intend to shoot.

1. Start off at 7-10 yards until you get good groups on a regular basis. Most altercations will be up close and personal and you need to be able to deal with a close up threat. You can increase the distance as you become proficient at the closer range. Ad 4-5 feet each time and stay at that distance until you get it down. Be patient, it may take a few trips to the range before you are comfortable at each distance.

2. Get a grip. It's hard to tell but it seems as if you are relaxing your grip between shots. Work on getting a good grasp on your weapon and don't let up until the mag is empty. Do an online search for the proper way to hold it and practice until you grab it the same way every time you touch it.

3. Stand your ground. You really need to stop all the shuffling around while you are shooting. Try standing with your left leg slightly forward. Along with this you should lean your upper torso toward the target and roll your shoulders forward slightly, this will place your center of gravity between your two feet. You need a firm foundation to be able to have consistant group. Maintain your stance until the mag is empty. Later on you can learn how to fire on the move.

4. Get the proper sight picture. Again, do an online search and learn what is and isn't the proper way to line up your sights. You must know where your front sight is in relation to the rear on each and every shot. This is one of the most overlooked part for many new shooters. Try to focus on the front sight and not the target.

5. Squeeze the trigger. Use the pad of your index finger to draw the trigger home. Don't jerk or try to anticipate the recoil. If you have a firm grip it's not going to do anything you don't want it to.

6. Practice, practice, practice. Get to the range as often as you can. You need to get comfortable with your weapon. Go out and buy some snap caps and when you can't go to the range dry fire it at home on a regular basis. Practice getting the proper grip and sight picture each time you handle it. Remember, smooth is fast. If you can be smooth with your draw, target acquisition and trigger pull, the speed will come.


7. Finally, I recommend you search your area for an NRA certified instructor that can give you some one on one direction. After taking the basic course seek out a trainer that teaches defensive handgun technics. Learning the proper technics now will prevent you from developing bad habits that are harder to get rid of down the road.

Good luck and welcome to the board!

 

[Freezebyte]

Thanks all, this has been good incite. I feel bottom line that I'm only going to improve so much until I have a trained proffesional with me to correct my bad habits on the spot and replace them with the correct way. Sucks I'll have to wait till winter is over with before that happens....

 

[MaterDei]

Freezebyte,

I enjoy your videos. You've received good advice here but what you really need is some one on one instruction.

Good luck!

I even cringed when the barrel was pointed at me-the viewer.

You're kidding right? If not, chill. Everytime he pointed the gun at the camera the slide was locked to the rear.

 

[Lonestar.45]

You're getting tons of advice on grip stance, practice etc.

One thing I noticed from your video, you said it hurt your ears firing from the table. Here's a piece of advice you will hardly ever hear but helps a lot. Use ear plugs AND your ear muffs, if you don't already. Double up. I shoot at an indoor range alot and once I started using earplugs AND the ear muffs, I was able to settle down a little and start shooting better. Newbies especially are prone to being jittery from the noise and recoil.
I figured this out when I was constantly surrounded by .300 win mags and short barrel carbines at the range. Once I blocked out the noise from my own gun and those around me I was able to settle down and shoot a lot better. Just a thought.

 

[Just One Shot]

I have a question for you, do you keep your eyes open?

Some people actually close their eyes in anticipation of the report from their firearm. You would be surprised at how many people do this without even knowing it. If you do, you will never be accurate.

Next time you go to the range set your camera up towards the front so you can see your face when firing. Be sure to set it up at an angle, I wouldn't want you to ruin a perfectly good camera.

 

[yosarian]

Its all about your front sight.Please try using one eye closed method,it takes alot of practice to use both eyes with a pistol.Also if you are looking to see where you hit between shots DON'T you will throw off your shot.Good luck and keep us posted.Also you seemed confused on the amount of grip try pushing the pistol with your right hand and pulling it with your left.

 

[Freezebyte]

You're kidding right? If not, chill. Everytime he pointed the gun at the camera the slide was locked to the rear.

I don't recall me ever pointing the gun at the camera and even if I did, it was on a tripod on auto, no person was behind it.

 

[Jbabbler]

After looking at that video, guys like you scare me when I go to the range and you are in a lane next to me. First, research, read, and watch videos, magazines, and other shooters at the range. Shooting is easy if you practice and absorb what you see from as I said: Reading and watching.

Seriously?

 

[baryon]

Freezebyte,
I hope you don't take this personally. Someone who is a computer expert can find tons of material on how to shoot a pistol on the Net. Instead of wasting time creating and editing videos, please buy a book on markmanship on Amazon and read it.

P.S. Someone posted a video on youtube asking everyone how to field strip a Ruger 95/94. The manual is available in the very first page of a Google/Yahoo/MSN search. I always wonder why people who have the ability to upload videos on Youtube can't do a frigging search.:banghead:

 

[stolivar]

what I noticed

You looked like you were looking over your sights. my wife does the same thing. she shoots very high at 7 yards. Your shots looked high also. Make sure your sights are lined up even with your eyes. You did a lot of shuffling around and changing your grip on your gun. Like one guy said, try shutting your other eye. you could be using it instead of the right eye.

good luck




steve

 

[1SOW]

Re Pointing the gun "up Range".

I wasn't trying to be a wise @ss.
Habits are formed when you first start to shoot.

Safety should be the first and primary concern.

Never point a gun at anything you aren't willing to shoot.

The advice to get some good instruction is right on.

It's harder to "unlearn" bad habits, than to learn good habits to start with.

You will really enjoy the progress you make with your shooting.

 

[Dean Williams]

Freezebyte, you've received so much advise here, (and most of it was even polite!), I'll just add a few comments.

Work on safety and make it a religion.

For your girp, hold it like you're holding a hammer. You don't need to choke it, but you need to be the boss, if you know what I mean.

You need to see how a competent shooter stands to understand what you need to do.

If you want to practice a lot, buy/borrow/rent a .22.

Don't feel bummed about the hard time you're having getting your target. I shot bullseye competition for many years and have seen a lot of new handgun shooters who had trouble getting rounds on the target until they understood what a sight picture was supposed to look like.

I don't know where you live in MT, but you should be able to find quite a few people who are involved in shooting. You may know some.
Go to a pistol match and watch the shooters. When the range master is not conducting the match, as him/her if there are shooters there who can help you. He will probably know the people you need to talk to. Usually shooters will be glad to help you in safety and shooting basics.

I know there may not be many matches going on for those of us in the north west this time of year, and if that's your case, ask about range instruction at the local gun shops. Ask about gun club activities in your area.

 

[mstirton]

I think your problem is it's too cold there. I tried shooting a few times in temps under 30 and numb fingers open my groups up a couple inches. That and what the other guys said.
2 Lonestar shooters from Austin, what r the odds?

 

[GregGry]

I can't watch the video due to the insanely slow computer I am on now. However I will mention this:

On trick to shooting well is to aim the front sight post at the same place every time. I find that new shooters tend to aim at the front sight at the previous shot if it is close to a bullseye. They end up leading their shots away from the bullseye.

My suggestion is to bring the target in at 7 yards or less. Setup a blank 8.5x 11 sheet of paper for a target. Shoot for the center of the paper. This will force you to do numerous things. #1 you will have to focus on the front sight post hard, and then align it with what you feel is the center of the paper. #2 if you start aiming for a previous hole you will find that your shot will be off. After you do 3 to 4 sheets of blank paper, switch to a sheet of paper with a black dot in the middle, about 1 inch in diameter. Again repeat the same process. If you aim for the dot at hit high, aim at the same spot you did. This will build consistency. With alterations to your grip, trigger pull, how much trigger finger, etc and practice you will be able to align everything up.

Also, you should invest in 5 or so snap caps. If 10$ is to much for you for an invaluable tool then you should reconsider wanting to be a good shot. The snap caps can help with dry fire practice. Even better you can have someone put some of them in a mag you have when your shooting at the range. When you pull the trigger on a dummy round you will be able to see exactly what your doing right before the gun goes bang. Odds are you have a flinch.

 

[twofifty]

Just reiterating suggestions made by others:

Use a big backing behind your target. A 4'x4' piece of cardboard cut from a large appliance box would be best. Put your target in the middle of that so you can see where the misses are going instead of guessing.

Take notes of what your stance was, your grip, your trigger pull, your sight picture at the instant the shot went off (the last place you saw the sights), the distance, and the results.

Next time swing the camera around so we can see your hands and face. Set up the camera ahead and film from each side, so we can see your grip. We need to see your face, your eyes, your hands. Make sure the camera does not obscure or overexpose your face and hands.

Get a competent handgun shooter to try out that Xd for you - that should eliminate you as a variable. Have the same friend bring his own handgun, and try shooting it - that will eliminate the Xd as a variable.

 

[LoneStarWings]

2 Lonestar shooters from Austin, what r the odds?

Everything around here is named lonestar, longhorn, or capital . I took on the moniker of the now-defunct flight school where I learned my craft.

 

[Guitarslinger46]

I've never been to a public outdoor range; but can I ask one question? Is it not a faux pas to walk out in front of the firing line to get closer to a standing target and firing away? That struck me as rather unsafe when I saw Freeze do that. You NEVER go in front of the firing line at the indoor ranges I've shot at. I did enjoy some of the instructional video and links posted on this thread. I revisited my grip and a couple stances; and I think I will be deligent to practice these techniques at my next trip to the range/club. Good stuff to be learned here.