Shot the 1911 for the first time...

[Texas Size 11]

I finally was able to take my new 1911 out to the Garland range today (Beiruty's favorite RO was in a mood today and yelling at everybody). I see why the 1911 has a following - very fun to shoot. I put 100-150 rounds through it (my wife and I took four pistols out) and it ran flawless aside of one FTF in the first five rounds. Ran like clockwork after that. My first shot with it hit the middle circle, then for whatever reason, I was consistently hitting left of where I was aiming. It was consistently there. I tinkered with my grip a little in the last 30 or so rounds and it seemed to straighten out. Any of you who usually shoot something polymer have this when shooting a 1911 for the first time? Anybody ever have this going from one gun to another? I've never had it from one polymer to another, just seemed to pop up with the 1911.

I am ready to take it out for another spin already...

[Beiruty]

I finally was able to take my new 1911 out to the Garland range today (Beiruty's favorite RO was in a mood today and yelling at everybody). I see why the 1911 has a following - very fun to shoot. I put 100-150 rounds through it (my wife and I took four pistols out) and it ran flawless aside of one FTF in the first five rounds. Ran like clockwork after that. My first shot with it hit the middle circle, then for whatever reason, I was consistently hitting left of where I was aiming. It was consistently there. I tinkered with my grip a little in the last 30 or so rounds and it seemed to straighten out. Any of you who usually shoot something polymer have this when shooting a 1911 for the first time? Anybody ever have this going from one gun to another? I've never had it from one polymer to another, just seemed to pop up with the 1911.

I am ready to take it out for another spin already...

'
Said RO is recklessly provoking armed shooters, that is like skating on thin ice

[Oldgringo]

I finally was able to take my new 1911 out to the Garland range today (Beiruty's favorite RO was in a mood today and yelling at everybody). I see why the 1911 has a following - very fun to shoot. I put 100-150 rounds through it (my wife and I took four pistols out) and it ran flawless aside of one FTF in the first five rounds. Ran like clockwork after that. My first shot with it hit the middle circle, then for whatever reason, I was consistently hitting left of where I was aiming. It was consistently there. I tinkered with my grip a little in the last 30 or so rounds and it seemed to straighten out. Any of you who usually shoot something polymer have this when shooting a 1911 for the first time? Anybody ever have this going from one gun to another? I've never had it from one polymer to another, just seemed to pop up with the 1911.

I am ready to take it out for another spin already...

If you're right handed and pulling the trigger with the middle joint, you may be pushing the POI to the left? Try using the tip of your trigger finger for a straighter pull.

I 'dunno. Somebody somewhere told me that.

[Pawpaw]

I first started shooting 1911's last summer. At first, I couldn't hit squat. My rounds were consistently going left & low. I'd never had that problem with my Sig P239.

After much internet reading plus trial & error, I finally found my problem. I was gripping the pistol too loosely. My wrist was good & stiff, but I was just cradling the gun instead of gripping it.

At first, I tightened my grip to the point where my hand would tremble & then backed off a bit. After a couple of shooting sessions the problem was cured and has not returned.

This might help also: http://www.reloadbench.com/pdf/files/Ta ... Handed.pdf

The site has lots of targets you can download & print: http://www.reloadbench.com/pdf.html

[sugar land dave]

I haven't had a 1911 for long, but it has a way of growing on you.

[hirundo82]

If you're right handed and pulling the trigger with the middle joint, you may be pushing the POI to the left? Try using the tip of your trigger finger for a straighter pull.

If you're pulling the trigger with the joint of your finger, you're more likely to pull your shots right. I find I tend to push my shots left if I use the tip of my trigger finger; I have to concentrate on putting the pad of my trigger finger on the trigger (it's an issue I've been working on with a .22 for a while).

ETA: chart that shows common shooting errors

[Iunnrais]

If you're pulling the trigger with the joint of your finger, you're more likely to pull your shots right. I find I tend to push my shots left if I use the tip of my trigger finger; I have to concentrate on putting the pad of my trigger finger on the trigger (it's an issue I've been working on with a .22 for a while).

I find that I have the same issue with my 1911. There's a definite sweet spot for it's trigger and my finger. Anything outboard of the center of the pad and I'll push the shots left. If I keep it in the 1st 1/3 of the pad from the joint, I'm usually in good shape. Just a matter of finding the spot and using it every time.

[Texas Size 11]

Thanks for the replies...I thought I was going nuts. I'm going to try the advice here. I did tighten up my grip and I found that helped some. I'm going to pay particular attention to what part of my finger is on the trigger next time I am out and see if that helps.

Beiruity's RO was yelling at everbody at a cease fire that he had kicked four people out that day like there was some kind of quota right before he began his tirade - treating everybody there like they were five years old. I understand we are talking safety, but no need to be a jerk.

I wonder how easy it would be to sneak off to the range for an hour or two today...