First time out with my XD-9 - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

rufusleeking · 03-11-2007, 05:54 PM

Hi all,

I bought my XD-9 about three weeks ago and today I finally made it out to the range to try it out. The gun was flawless however I had major issues.

It's been probably 10 years since I last fired a handgun. I used to have an H&K USP .40 that I foolishly sold off to buy golf clubs. Anyway, shooting today was really bad. I am a total eye closing, flinching wimp.

Is this just the way it's going to be until I get more used to what happens when the trigger is pulled? I don't remember being this much of a basket case with my H&K. Then again, I sold it because I never really used it too much.

In my defense, it is North Dakota and was still a bit chilly out there today. So, that didn't help.

I dunno, guess I'll go google "beginner handgun skills" for a while tonight and see what I can find. I'm sure that it's just something that I need to become more familiar with. I went with the 9mm as everyone's always dissing it's power so I figured it'd be the most fun to shoot.

Thanks for any advice you can offer this sorry shooter...

slugger6 · 03-11-2007, 06:17 PM

Welcome to the forum and the XD family. Don't let yourself get frustrated. We were all beginners once. I highly recommend that you start by checking out this video www.springerprecision.com/video.asp. I think you will find that it is really helpful. Once you have viewed it try to apply the techiniques on your next trip to the range. Finally, don't hesitate to ask for help on this forum. Our membership consists of some very experienced shooters and nice guys and gals who are always willing to answer your questions. Good luck!

**NC Dave** · 03-11-2007, 06:40 PM

+1 on being patient with yourself. It will come. The video slugger6 references is definitely worth a look or two.

Knowing that you are anticipating and flinching is half the battle of correcting it. Practice dry firing at home with some snap caps. Once you are back on the range, have someone load your mags for you, putting in a dummy round every so often. If you see yourself jerking the gun on those dummy rounds, you know you have to work more on your anticipating the bang.

As said before, we all starting the same way. You'll redevelop your skills. They are just a little rusty right now. I am sure you'll have them back in good form with just a little practice.

dan8480 · 03-11-2007, 06:40 PM

Everyone has to start somewhere...Just keep practicing, and I'm sure somebody will post some good resources soon. Read up on it, pick one or 2 things to focus on next time you goto the range, and perfect those few things before you start worrying about something else. Above all, Have fun!!

-DG-

nofearfactor · 03-12-2007, 04:29 AM

No matter how experienced or inexperienced a shooter a person is,a basic marksmanship course at your local range is worth the 4 hours and probably $100 or so.Some really good info taught by experienced instructors.Total hands-on.The last hour will be shooting with the class in the range.The place I shoot even offers a membership to the range as part of the deal.Proper stance,two hand placement,trigger pull,etc will all be taught.

Going to the range and practicing with my handguns is my favorite 'me' thing to do away from my wife and kids.

And repetition of movement means better handling and better shooting skills.

And,sites like this help with good info and super nice people.Glad I stumbled onto this site.

DM-SC · 03-12-2007, 09:37 AM

Welcome and good luck! You'll get it with some practice.

03-11-2007, 05:54 PM	#1
rufusleeking XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: West Fargo, ND Posts: 2	First time out with my XD-9 Hi all, I bought my XD-9 about three weeks ago and today I finally made it out to the range to try it out. The gun was flawless however I had major issues. It's been probably 10 years since I last fired a handgun. I used to have an H&K USP .40 that I foolishly sold off to buy golf clubs. Anyway, shooting today was really bad. I am a total eye closing, flinching wimp. Is this just the way it's going to be until I get more used to what happens when the trigger is pulled? I don't remember being this much of a basket case with my H&K. Then again, I sold it because I never really used it too much. In my defense, it is North Dakota and was still a bit chilly out there today. So, that didn't help. I dunno, guess I'll go google "beginner handgun skills" for a while tonight and see what I can find. I'm sure that it's just something that I need to become more familiar with. I went with the 9mm as everyone's always dissing it's power so I figured it'd be the most fun to shoot. Thanks for any advice you can offer this sorry shooter...

03-11-2007, 06:40 PM	#3
NC Dave XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 1,366	+1 on being patient with yourself. It will come. The video slugger6 references is definitely worth a look or two. Knowing that you are anticipating and flinching is half the battle of correcting it. Practice dry firing at home with some snap caps. Once you are back on the range, have someone load your mags for you, putting in a dummy round every so often. If you see yourself jerking the gun on those dummy rounds, you know you have to work more on your anticipating the bang. As said before, we all starting the same way. You'll redevelop your skills. They are just a little rusty right now. I am sure you'll have them back in good form with just a little practice. __________________ NRA Life Member NRA Certified Instructor --------------------------------------- "Alot" is a small town in India. "A lot" means to a considerable degree or extent / frequently or often

03-11-2007, 06:40 PM	#4
dan8480 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Scaggsville, MD Posts: 111	Everyone has to start somewhere...Just keep practicing, and I'm sure somebody will post some good resources soon. Read up on it, pick one or 2 things to focus on next time you goto the range, and perfect those few things before you start worrying about something else. Above all, Have fun!! -DG- __________________ Blue Collar by Choice... USN Avionics -XD 40 Service Bi-Tone, 4# Springer Precision trigger job, and TFO'S -Sig Pro 2009 -Desert Eagle .357

03-12-2007, 09:37 AM	#6
DM-SC XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: South Carolina Posts: 491	Welcome and good luck! You'll get it with some practice. __________________ Some minds are like concrete..thoroughly mixed up and permanently set! XD-45 Service, HS2000 (Paula's got a gun too!)

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03-11-2007, 06:17 PM	#2
slugger6 XDTalk 10K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 19,371	Welcome to the forum and the XD family. Don't let yourself get frustrated. We were all beginners once. I highly recommend that you start by checking out this video www.springerprecision.com/video.asp. I think you will find that it is really helpful. Once you have viewed it try to apply the techiniques on your next trip to the range. Finally, don't hesitate to ask for help on this forum. Our membership consists of some very experienced shooters and nice guys and gals who are always willing to answer your questions. Good luck!

03-12-2007, 04:29 AM	#5
nofearfactor XDTalk Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hellbillieville,Oklahoma. Posts: 75	No matter how experienced or inexperienced a shooter a person is,a basic marksmanship course at your local range is worth the 4 hours and probably $100 or so.Some really good info taught by experienced instructors.Total hands-on.The last hour will be shooting with the class in the range.The place I shoot even offers a membership to the range as part of the deal.Proper stance,two hand placement,trigger pull,etc will all be taught. Going to the range and practicing with my handguns is my favorite 'me' thing to do away from my wife and kids. And repetition of movement means better handling and better shooting skills. And,sites like this help with good info and super nice people.Glad I stumbled onto this site.