XD45 4" in USPSA = embarrassment

[altitude_19]

So I went to my first USPSA match of the year about a week ago. My XD45 (which I had not recently fired) was shooting WILDLY low and left. I figured out half of it was me (bad dip with my trigger squeeze), but that the pistol itself was consistently sending lead low and left as well. So what would you do (besides using a different gun)? Install adjustable sights? Can you bring POI up and right with a load adjustment?

 

[David E]

FIRST, have a known good shooter fire it.

THEN decide what the next step should be.

 

[altitude_19]

Thank you, that has been done (how do you think I figured out my part in the equation?). I AM HERE to decide what the next step should be (but thanks for that astute advice). <edit> Input from all other parties is wholeheartedly welcome.

 

[Docmedic]

Well first, do you have the normal 3 white dot sights? If so, you could paint them black and take .010th's off the front sight post till you like were your POI is at. As for the rear I'd say take it to a smith or do it yourself and just move it over a bit to get it center. Just my 2cents.

 

[Hanzo581]

So the pistol, which I assume was fine prior to this competition, all of the sudden started shooting "wildly"? Forget having someone else shoot it, you or anyone you know have a rest you could shoot off?

 

[eerw]

just for info.
what was the ammo that you shot? factory? reloads? velocity?

 

[altitude_19]

The pistol is stock, so yes it has white dot sights. The gun did not start shooting wildly at the match, it had done so before. But I had never fired this gun in competition before and this highlighted its issues. It has been fired from a rest by several parties so yes, I know the gun has its own deficiencies to be dealt with, along with the aforementioned dip I had developed and am working to remedy.
The ammo was 230 grain jacketed round nose ultramax. Cheap, but consistent. Are these guns known for better POI shooting with heavier/lighter bullets?

 

[Rancho Relaxo]

I'd try other types of ammo first. Did it have any reliability problems?

 

[altitude_19]

About 150 rounds with no malfunctions at all. I tried some of my handloads with the same results. I'm thinking of backing the charge down a little to see if I can get better performance.

 

[M1key]

Heavier bullets tend to shoot higher for me than lighter ones.

Try different loads to dial in point of impact.

Good luck.

M

 

[1SOW]

Since you reload, a slower burning powder will bring the POI up.

Docmedic's suggestion is also a cheap fast way to get back on target.

Does XD sell different height front sights. If not then Dawson Precision may or will custom make one to your specs for about $35.

Just a comment. My son used athe XD Service 45 in USPSA locally for about a year and was very competitive, especially with speed.

re David E's comment: Given your initial post, I would have said exactly what he said. "Start at step 1."

 

[dacavasi]

"Heavier bullets shoot higher"???? Really? With the same charge? I would like to know the details of that (loads, velocity, range, etc..).
Thanks,
DC

 

[M1key]

Heavy=slower=longer time in barrel

XD9

147 JHP = 3" high at 20yds

115 JHP = 1" high


XD40

180 FMJ = 3" high

155 JHP = 0" high


M

 

[dacavasi]

THanks for that info. What were the powder charges?

 

[M1key]

Mostly factory...

XD9

147 JHP = 3" high at 20yds (Winchester White Box)

115 JHP = 1" high (handload, 115 XTP, 8.5 Blue Dot)


XD40

180 FMJ = 3" high (Winchester White Box)

155 JHP = 0" high (Speer Gold Dot)

 

[DT Guy]

The 'low left' thing is an oft-discussed topic on the XD forum.

It usually resolves when someone who has learned to manage the trigger (it's rather unique) shoots the pistol from a rest.

My XD9 service model did the same thing, and I can usually shoot 1" or so at 50' with a 1911, BHP, CZ or my tricked out G35, so I was fairly certain it wasn't me.


It was.

Larry

 

[EWO]

A friend of mine bought an XD 45 last year and it shot really low right out of the box. He called Springfield and they said to send it back to them. They were willing to look at and correct the problem at no charge to him, but he opted to just have it sent to their custom shop for a "carry package" and it is one sweet shooter now. Anyway, Springfield has great customer service. I'd give them a call and see what they say.

 

[Hk Dan]

Rotate your grip around so you have about 1/8th" more finger on the trigger. The problem will go away. Very common.

Also--leabe your pinky finger loose on the gun. Chances are ya got stressed and used the pinky as extra grip, which will cause you to shoot low.

 

[altitude_19]

Bout where should the trigger finger be resting? First knuckle? I've been using the meat of the pad like I've always done with SAO.

 

[ekgandj]

I do not know about the rules but after I installed a Powder River Trigger Kit into my XD40sc my shooting improved dramatically. I just could not get used to the half a mile trigger pull on it. Now it is short and crisp.

You could go with the Ultimate easy fit or the Ultimate Match Target. Difference is how light of trigger do you want? I use mine for carry and the easy fit kit gave me about a 4lb trigger pull. The ultimate is supposed to drop the trigger pull a little lower. If you have any question just email Daniel, he has great customer service. The link is below. Good Luck!

Powder River Precision