Pistol shooting low

[WyattP]

Hey everyone just thought I would ask you guys for some help.

I recently went out to the beautiful gun range in Huntsville, Tx at Able Guns and Ammo and shot both my Smith and Wesson pistols. I have a full size model 915 and recently bought the M&P Shield for my concealed carry (still waiting for CHL to be sent back from Austin). I only shot about 20 through my 915 (I have shot it many times before) and the rest through my M&P to get more comfortable with the smaller gun. I am definitely a comfortable shooter looking to improve my accuracy. I ended up shooting about 150 rounds and noticed most of my shots were shooting low. Now I have read some solutions on that problem but I would like to hear what you guys have to say! I can tell you my trigger squeeze is solid and smooth, and I did notice one time on my last bullet i thought i had one more shot left I tried to someone anticipate the recoil (major no no) and my barrel went slightly down. Now I thought I could fix it after that, but I still continued the same results (so maybe it was an isolated event). Anyways, i was probably shooting 3-4 inches low at 10 yards but was pretty consistent! Any input helps!

-Wyatt

[Dan20703]

Try this.

The Wheel of Misfortune

Every day of the shooter's life brings a new lesson. Identifying errors are crucial in order that these lessons be learned. The following chart can help pinpoint such basic flaws in a shooter's technique by analyzing group locations. As printed, it is for a right-handed shooter. (A left-hander's chart would be mirrored horizontally.)

[WyattP]

What does it mean by breaking of the wrist?

[sjfcontrol]

What does it mean by breaking of the wrist?

It's a downward flinch, usually means you're anticipating the recoil and trying to pre-compensate.

(Or it means the recoil was so strong that you now need to see a doctor for a cast. )

[Oldgringo]

You're aiming through the rear sight instead of lining up both front and rear sights with target sitting on top of front sight.

Edit:

How do I know? I've stood to the side and watched Mrs. Oldgringo do this.

[Skiprr]

What does it mean by breaking of the wrist?

It's a downward flinch, usually means you're anticipating the recoil and trying to pre-compensate.

(Or it means the recoil was so strong that you now need to see a doctor for a cast. )

AKA "Cowboying": seeming to be "throwing" the round as it comes out of the barrel. See most 1950s westerns.

[The Annoyed Man]

Try this.

The Wheel of Misfortune

Every day of the shooter's life brings a new lesson. Identifying errors are crucial in order that these lessons be learned. The following chart can help pinpoint such basic flaws in a shooter's technique by analyzing group locations. As printed, it is for a right-handed shooter. (A left-hander's chart would be mirrored horizontally.)

[ Image ]

To the OP: please note that this image is for a right-handed shooter. Flip this chart horizontally for left-handers.

[MoJo]

If you can, shoot the pistol from a rest to take out as much of the human element as possible. If it's still shooting low then you need a shorter front sight or a lower rear sight. If it's shooting to the correct POI then you need to do some corrective practicing.

[Oldgringo]

If you can, shoot the pistol from a rest to take out as much of the human element as possible. If it's still shooting low then you need a shorter front sight or a higher rear sight. If it's shooting to the correct POI then you need to do some corrective practicing.

'Tis beggin' your pardon, but...

"FORS": sight adjustment
Front - opposite
Rear - same

[WildBill]

If you can, shoot the pistol from a rest to take out as much of the human element as possible. If it's still shooting low then you need a shorter front sight or a higher rear sight. If it's shooting to the correct POI then you need to do some corrective practicing.

'Tis beggin' your pardon, but...

"FORS": sight adjustment
Front - opposite
Rear - same

That is why I like adjustable sights.

Move the rear sight in the direction that you want bullet to go.

[MoJo]

If you can, shoot the pistol from a rest to take out as much of the human element as possible. If it's still shooting low then you need a shorter front sight or a higher rear sight. If it's shooting to the correct POI then you need to do some corrective practicing.

'Tis beggin' your pardon, but...

"FORS": sight adjustment
Front - opposite
Rear - same

FORS

[abbreviated profanity deleted]= Move front opposite direction of where bullet needs to go.
RS= Move rear same direction of where bullet needs to go.

His gun is shooting LOW so a shorter front sight will make it shoot higher. His gun is shooting LOW so a taller rear sight is needed. That's the reason SIG has so many different sight height combinations and the reason folks like Dawson Precision and Novak make so many different front sight heights.

This handy sight correction calculator from Brownell's makes the correction easy.

[DocV]

What sort of ammo were you using?

[MoJo]

Excellent advise Andy. Sometimes, it's worth the money to go to an instructor.