2nd time with the XD

[Ruben705]

Okay guys it was my second time out with the XD. For some reason my right hand got really shaky today. If I took my finger off the trigger it steadied up a bit, but as soon as I put it back on back to Shakyville. I tried loosing my grip with my strong hand and tightening it, neither worked. I don't know why it's never really done that before. Any ideas?

This was from 3 yards out, middle circle right hand strong left hand weak, top circle left hand strong right hand weak, bottom left circle only left hand, bottom right only right hand. As you can see by me missing a shot with right hand alone how shaky it was.

This was 15 yards out, this is also where I started at then realized my hand was way to shaky and went to 3 yards to build up some confidence again in my shooting. The outer circles were 10rds a peice and the bullseye was 11rds. I'm really embarrassed with these ive never had groupings so horrible.

This was 25 yards out, 5rds a circle. Top left circle was Lefthand strong with my left eye. Bottom left circle Lefthand strong right eye. Both right circles were righthand strong right eye.

I just talked to my uncle a bit too and realized that ive never shot with the tip of my finger i've usually shot with the first joint area, do you think this could cause my shakyness? The shakyness only occured when pulling the trigger when my finger was off the trigger no shake.

[mhillsing23]

If you were using the tip of your finger, I do think that it could have caused some of the shakiness. I use the first "pad" between the tip of my finger and the first joint. I think that you will find you have more strength using the pad of your finger, rather than the tip.

[The Knight Of Light]

Hand fatigue can set it when trying to shoot groups. Also if you are getting bad groups at distance then you might want to try shooting at closer distances to get used to the gun first. Seem like you aren't quite used o the trigger yet.

[Fish609]

It is not easy to group one handed. I wouldn't push yourself too hard, unless you lost an arm in the war or something. Get used to shooting with a standard grip at around 7 yards or closer. Don't try to be a sniper =D

I don't know how your grip is, but do a google for the "thumbs forward" grip. I used to rest the bottom of the mag in my left hand palm and since I have switched to a real grip I shoot much better and much less shaky.

Also, lookup the shooters guide on here. I think it is stickied in one of the forums. It talks about the big 4; Sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, and follow through.

I can do pretty good if I shoot slow using this four key technique points. I am still trying to improve my followup shots and double taps, not very good at that yet.

[Ruben705]

I was using the first "pad" sorry if I described that wrong. I think I have been used to using the first joint and focusing on changing that was messing with me. I'm just trying to get a good comfortable grip and pull so I've been trying new things out. Im also not happy unless the first shot is dead center and the follow up shots go through the same hole (wouldnt that be nice?). Maybe im just trying to be too perfect too soon, I mean ive barely put 200rds through my xd.

[mhillsing23]

You are definitely trying to be "too perfect too soon." In fact, you are trying to be too perfect period. If you want to get into bullseye shooting, then I suggest you look into that sport. The XD is a combat style pistol that lends itself to defense. I am not at all saying that it isn't accurate, but the gun is not designed exclusively for bullseye shooting. What are you training for anyway? If you spend all of your time trying to put 10 shots through one hole and neglect common combat/defense training then you may find yourself in a world of hurt if (God forbid) you ever find yourself needing to defend in a high stress real life situation.

[Ruben705]

Honestly right now im just trying to get used to the gun, first handgun ever. Secondly I was kidding about the shots through same hole. Realistically i'd like to be able to draw line sights and hit centermass accurately and quick from 25yds. I don't know if this is the truth but the way I think of it is, if you cant do something when youre taking time/patience you wont be able to do it (skillfully) when youre doing it under pressure/time.

[jon45xdtac]

One thing that has helped me a lot is dry firing. If I notice my groupings are starting to get a bit sloppy (especially after a lot of rounds), I'll dry fire for a while. This helps retrain my brain to follow through better. Dry firing while not at the range greatly helps muscle memory. I've found it helpful also to practice with the trigger reset. Essentially, while dry firing I'll pull the trigger and hold it, recock the gun just like if the slide had automatically come back, and then slowly ease my finger back until the trigger resets. Greatly helps shooting speed because I'm not overtravelling to far past the reset.

First things first. Start dry firing. Its a free way to practice trigger control.

[Outsider]

Nice clusters on 3 yards and 15 yards. Most shoot outs don't happen any further away then that but of course when you can shoot 25-50 years and cluster then you're always safe, right? Nice.