Trying to gauge my skills - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

seigi009 · 03-12-2006, 05:05 PM

I just got a xd9 and put 200 rounds through it. At 7 yards I got 8 in the bullseye in a standard silhouette target. about 20 right close to it. and the rest were scattered around. All were within the silhouete though. This is my first gun and the only other time I shot a gun was in the back yard at a friends house years ago. Is this alright shooting for a beginner? Obviously I'm no master and will probably take some classes soon. How well did you more experience people shoot when you first started out?

I also seemed to hit down and to the left a lot while aiming at the bullseye.

Snake-eater 1 · 03-12-2006, 05:28 PM

Your low and left is due to anticipation of the recoil, also known as a flinch. I'm also going to guess, based on years as an instructor, that you are shooting too fast. Your best bet is to get some training as soon as possible, to avoid ingraining some bad habits.

I'd say that you are shooting ok for a rank beginner with no instruction.

I've been shooting for over 50 years. I'm afraid I don't remember how well I did at first, but I do know that my Dad was a good teacher. I started with shotguns on Dove and Pheasant, and I remember that I got my share.

RTMCAS · 03-12-2006, 06:12 PM

Good job, You did just fine. Here are some tips that i learned from other shooters better than I.
1)... Aim at 6 0 clock( most pistols are set this way so you can see your intended target)
2) sqweeze your trigger slowly( It should be a surprise!! when it goes off)
3) Grip -keep it consistant-firm but don't milk it.(don't move while squeezing)
4) trigger finger (you have to keep it seperate from your grip when you squeeze)
5) take your time with a new gun and don't make bad habits
6) you can outshoot your Ammo
7) practice safe habbits so they come natural

**Old School** · 03-12-2006, 06:24 PM

Keep it up! Nothing beats advise from an expert in person. If you can't afford it (money, time, etc.), get yourself some books. Brian Enos' book, "Practical Shooting, Beyond Fundamentals", is very good and full of tips on the basics (grip, sight picture, etc).

Good luck!

OS

03-12-2006, 05:05 PM	#1
seigi009 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 26	Trying to gauge my skills I just got a xd9 and put 200 rounds through it. At 7 yards I got 8 in the bullseye in a standard silhouette target. about 20 right close to it. and the rest were scattered around. All were within the silhouete though. This is my first gun and the only other time I shot a gun was in the back yard at a friends house years ago. Is this alright shooting for a beginner? Obviously I'm no master and will probably take some classes soon. How well did you more experience people shoot when you first started out? I also seemed to hit down and to the left a lot while aiming at the bullseye.

03-12-2006, 05:28 PM	#2
Snake-eater 1 XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Quinque, VA Posts: 2,653	Your low and left is due to anticipation of the recoil, also known as a flinch. I'm also going to guess, based on years as an instructor, that you are shooting too fast. Your best bet is to get some training as soon as possible, to avoid ingraining some bad habits. I'd say that you are shooting ok for a rank beginner with no instruction. I've been shooting for over 50 years. I'm afraid I don't remember how well I did at first, but I do know that my Dad was a good teacher. I started with shotguns on Dove and Pheasant, and I remember that I got my share. __________________ ----------------------------------------------- "Too soon, old. Too late, smart" anon

03-12-2006, 06:24 PM	#4
Old School XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 7,619	Keep it up! Nothing beats advise from an expert in person. If you can't afford it (money, time, etc.), get yourself some books. Brian Enos' book, "Practical Shooting, Beyond Fundamentals", is very good and full of tips on the basics (grip, sight picture, etc). Good luck! OS __________________ Visit www.pistolgear.com for all of your XD needs!

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03-12-2006, 06:12 PM	#3
RTMCAS XDTalk Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 49	Good job, You did just fine. Here are some tips that i learned from other shooters better than I. 1)... Aim at 6 0 clock( most pistols are set this way so you can see your intended target) 2) sqweeze your trigger slowly( It should be a surprise!! when it goes off) 3) Grip -keep it consistant-firm but don't milk it.(don't move while squeezing) 4) trigger finger (you have to keep it seperate from your grip when you squeeze) 5) take your time with a new gun and don't make bad habits 6) you can outshoot your Ammo 7) practice safe habbits so they come natural