New XD9 Tactical

[azguns0331]

Congrats on your purchase, a have a XD9 in V10 flavor. Cali, esp. Bay area sucks for guns though. although you should be able to buy ammo from walmart ( i do)

boresnakes are badass too +1

[tracker366]

That XD9 is Tacticoool

and +1 on the MidwayUSA Competition Shooting Range Bag

[jkw_XD]

Originally Posted by aDingoAteMyBaby

It was kinda comical. The firearms dealer put a sticker over the left eye of my sunglasses so I could only see out of my right eye. It worked like a charm. He did say that I need to learn how to shoot with both eye's open, but shutting my left was a start.

Is it normal/correct to shoot with both eyes open? My son does that (he is left handed), but his aim is not so good. I shoot with my left eye closed (I am right handed) and do ok. If I try shooting with both eyes open, it is like the effect you get when shooting a shotgun where you have to put the target between the V.

I have never shot any other way than with just my right eye open.

[Sheffield]

aDingoAteMyBaby - Congrats. I believe you will be very happy with the Tac 9. I am with mine.

All of the items which people have mentioned are good. I understand the excitement of waiting for delivery of a new "toy". Still, don't be too eager to flesh out your kit. You've got the basics to maintain your gun, and that's a good start. If questions come up, search and lurk this forum. It is a wealth of information; I have found answers to most of my questions here, while seldom needing to create new posts (note my post count). Since you are a "complete newbie", the "Armorer's Course" DVD should be a consideration, if you plan on really understanding your XD. While not a polished presentation, it is better than the "Complete Springfield XD" DVD. Spend time at the range. If you find there is something you need, research and consider alternatives before buying - preserve your funds for more ammo and practice time.

Again, since you said "compete newbie" - The Most Important Thing you need is to develop safe handling practices with your gun!!! Your XD manual will include a list of them. A quick search of any gun forum will uncover them too. If you cannot find them, post a question, or PM me. Put them into practice every single time you touch a firearm. Burn them into your brain. Sorry to rant, but it is so important!

To you and JKW: I strongly advise keeping both eyes open when shooting. Closing one eye partially blinds you. The eye behind the sights only sees what is above the gun. The other eye, being offset, gives you a better view of what is being hidden by the sights, gun, your hands, etc. While less important for static paper targets, it can be crucial in a real Black Hat situation. Even for non-life-threatening events ie IDPA/ISPC shoots, getting as much visual information as possible is important. It just takes practice. You will need to learn to interpret what you are seeing and to recognize and trust the "correct" of the two images. When aiming, wink your other eye often at first, just to help that. Slow deliberate practice will train your brain. Practice aiming at home. Dry firing is not necessary for this. Just pick a "target", bring the gun up and align the sights to it. Do this hundreds, no, thousands of times. It is free and easy. You will see improvement at the range. Being "cross-dominant" is no real obstacle. In fact, you will find it easier when you start practicing shooting with your off-hand, since your dominant eye will line up more naturally on that side.

enjoy - Sheff

[aDingoAteMyBaby]

Originally Posted by weekend_plinker

Sounds like you live in alameda county. Try the local wallmart in milpitas. I know they stock it. I just picked up 300 rounds there on tuesday.

That's exactly it. I'll need to get over to the store in Contra Costa County and give it a look.

Thanks for the tip!

[aDingoAteMyBaby]

Originally Posted by Sheffield

aDingoAteMyBaby - Congrats. I believe you will be very happy with the Tac 9. I am with mine.

All of the items which people have mentioned are good. I understand the excitement of waiting for delivery of a new "toy". Still, don't be too eager to flesh out your kit. You've got the basics to maintain your gun, and that's a good start. If questions come up, search and lurk this forum. It is a wealth of information; I have found answers to most of my questions here, while seldom needing to create new posts (note my post count). Since you are a "complete newbie", the "Armorer's Course" DVD should be a consideration, if you plan on really understanding your XD. While not a polished presentation, it is better than the "Complete Springfield XD" DVD. Spend time at the range. If you find there is something you need, research and consider alternatives before buying - preserve your funds for more ammo and practice time.

Again, since you said "compete newbie" - The Most Important Thing you need is to develop safe handling practices with your gun!!! Your XD manual will include a list of them. A quick search of any gun forum will uncover them too. If you cannot find them, post a question, or PM me. Put them into practice every single time you touch a firearm. Burn them into your brain. Sorry to rant, but it is so important!

To you and JKW: I strongly advise keeping both eyes open when shooting. Closing one eye partially blinds you. The eye behind the sights only sees what is above the gun. The other eye, being offset, gives you a better view of what is being hidden by the sights, gun, your hands, etc. While less important for static paper targets, it can be crucial in a real Black Hat situation. Even for non-life-threatening events ie IDPA/ISPC shoots, getting as much visual information as possible is important. It just takes practice. You will need to learn to interpret what you are seeing and to recognize and trust the "correct" of the two images. When aiming, wink your other eye often at first, just to help that. Slow deliberate practice will train your brain. Practice aiming at home. Dry firing is not necessary for this. Just pick a "target", bring the gun up and align the sights to it. Do this hundreds, no, thousands of times. It is free and easy. You will see improvement at the range. Being "cross-dominant" is no real obstacle. In fact, you will find it easier when you start practicing shooting with your off-hand, since your dominant eye will line up more naturally on that side.

enjoy - Sheff

Thanks for all the feedback. 4 days until I pick up the XD. I'm looking forward to practicing that aim-wink technique. Heck, I'm working on it now just pointing my finger at a picture on the wall.

[dmsims21]

Welcome frome East Tennessee.

[rimfire,22]

This issue has beentalked about in magazine articles before. All you have to do is either learn to shoot lefty or hold your toy in the right and crank it over to the left. It's a little hard to get use to but it can be done.

For myself I'm right eye dominant but like to hold my pistol in the left. I learned to shoot/hold my pistol in my right hand instead. Now that I'm use to it I can't hold my guns in my left anymore as I NOW prefer to shoot right.

rimfire,22