First handgun, first time out!

[siguy2k]

So im going to the range today with my xd 9 subcompact. It is my first handgun and first time at the range. I have shot twice before however. I bought some winchester 115g FMJ and another 50pk of some cheap ammo. Going to see how she does. Any pointers to get good accuracy, hand position, etc would be great! I have 200rds and planned on popping them all off to get some practice in. Thanks.

[PsychOfMSE]

Don't load your mags full when you are practicing. Full mags = more wasted ammo. I load like 6 in at a time and that lets me focus more on accuracy.

Work on your grip. It should look something like:



60% of the grip should come from your weak hand freeing up tension in your strong hand to pull the trigger smoothly.

Dont' slap the trigger, really feel the trigger reset after the shot.

[n3tfury]

Originally Posted by PsychOfMSE

Don't load your mags full when you are practicing. Full mags = more wasted ammo. I load like 6 in at a time and that lets me focus more on accuracy.

Work on your grip. It should look something like:



60% of the grip should come from your weak hand freeing up tension in your strong hand to pull the trigger smoothly.

Dont' slap the trigger, really feel the trigger reset after the shot.

Almost all of this except I work on 100/100 ala Magpul.

[PsychOfMSE]

Originally Posted by n3tfury

Almost all of this except I work on 100/100 ala Magpul.

Whatever works for ya! I'd say I'm actually closer to 70/30 weak/strong grip. I find the more I can relax my strong hand the more I can get smooth trigger pulls off.

Of course I'm talking about competition, if all you're using the gun for is self defense 100/100 is fine as you aren't consciously thinking of how much grip each hand is giving.

[n3tfury]

Originally Posted by PsychOfMSE

Whatever works for ya! I'd say I'm actually closer to 70/30 weak/strong grip. I find the more I can relax my strong hand the more I can get smooth trigger pulls off.

Of course I'm talking about competition, if all you're using the gun for is self defense 100/100 is fine as you aren't consciously thinking of how much grip each hand is giving.

This is true. I've only been shooting for a couple of months now, so I'm still learning and do want to check out our next local IDPA match in June.

[PsychOfMSE]

Originally Posted by n3tfury

This is true. I've only been shooting for a couple of months now, so I'm still learning and do want to check out our next local IDPA match in June.

Not to derail the thread but definitely do it!! IDPA/USPSA is a blast!!!

Also, stance is a big deal as well.

It should look something like:



Strong foot a bit behind the weak foot, shoulder length apart. Knees slightly bent. Shoulders forward arms bent a bit for recoil management.

[siguy2k]

Thanks alot.

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[siguy2k]

Well I put 150 rds through it without a hiccup! Cheap ammo to. After some instruction from the old timer RSO I was putting them in a 8" circle at 10yds pretty good. Needless to say I love it!

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[dave09]

Congrats on the XD-9. It was my first hand gun too. Lot of great advice here. Happy and safe shooting!

[Kaboom]

In that 1911 pic you should have your right thumb a little over the left hand to keep it away from the slide stop lever.