Finally Bought my XD .45ACP Service Yesterday

[pcaddict]

Well, I finally got my XD off layaway yesterday. It pays to have a manager that is an avid hunter and shooter. I took an extended lunch hour with his permission.

Anyway, I took it to the range yesterday with a box of Remington UMC 230gr. The target was 50 feet away. I was using a 12"x12" target that lets you see the hits. I have a hard time seeing hits with a plain target. I lined up the sights so the bullseye was on top of the sights. I went through a few shots without ever seeing a hit on the paper. I raised my sights up so the top of the target was across the top of my sights and then I was able to hit the target but it was still a little low.

I don't have very much experience with handguns so I am kind of at a loss as to why I sucked so bad. I had someone else shoot it and he said that he had to cover up the bullseye but he did hit the paper. Most of it was a little low and to the left. We both shot sitting down and had either our hands or the gun butt on a rest.

I didn't have any of the pistol targets printed that are listed in these forums but I plan to print some and go to the range again. In the meantime, do any of you have thoughts as to what I could be doing wrong? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Just as an FYI, I am left eye dominant but I am right handed so I was basically crossing over to aim with my left eye. I also tried to aim with my right eye but it basically produced the same results. I am unhappy with my results but am pretty sure it is me and not the gun.

[Lama12]

I also was hitting low and to the left

[Fat Boy]

I was exactly the same as you, my dad shot the same way so I naturally did to, try to relax as much as possible while you are shooting remember practice is supposed to be fun! Bring the pistol up to your eyes the rear sights should become a little blurry they are just to help line up the front sight which should be crystal clear in your sight picture and try to keep both eyes open it seemed to take me forever to be able to do this, just use the pad of your first finger to pull the trigger staright back (dry fire practice helped me the most with this you can concentrate on the sight and pulling the trigger without anticipating the BANG!). There are probably a thousand different stances and ways to hold the pistol just remember solid firm grip, try to relax the shoulders and maybe try a little more weight forward stance with one foot slightly forward to help absorb the recoil. A retired shooting instructor from the Army, Col. Carl Culberson helped me out by telling me these things so its just my .02 worth.

[TheXDkid]

how far away were you shooting?? the 45 is a heavy load and big so it drops quick in the wind and gravity

[Banana]

Good morning!

I have the exact same problem with my Service model. Low and to the left. I had two other people shoot the gun the other day, and they both were also low and to the left. And this was from the standard 15-20 feet away.

I also had the exact same problem with my primary carry weapon, a SA Ultra Compact .45. I took this one to the gunsmith, had him lighten the trigger and some other stuff (polish feed ramp, etc.). After I got this one back, it shoots MUCH better.

I am thinking of sending the XD to Springfield's Custom Shop to have them work their "Carry Pro" package.

I must say, I am frustrated with this. Both SA's that I have exhibited the exact same behavior. I actually wish that I could say it was the shooter. But if other people shooting these guns (particularly my guns) have had the same problem, is it fair to say it is the gun, and not the shooter(s)?

It just sucks that more money has to be spent in order for the gun itself to be accurate. To make this statement a fair statement, both of my Ruger .45's are the most accurate guns "out of the box" that I have shot in my entire life. Keep in mind, they are also cheaper to buy than the SA's. So in my mind, I dont think I am asking too much of my SA's. By the time the SA's shoot like I think they should, I have spent enough money to buy me a Kimber.

Anyone else have opinions/comments?

P.S. I love the SA's, and wouldnt dream of giving them up. I am just frustrated.

[Neocode]

I am a newer shooter... a few months new. And I bought an XD45 Service model, and have had no problems hitting where I am aiming. I had issues of pulling to the right or not aiming properly, but the gun itself has had no problems at all.

[happygunner]

watch this great Video and do more shooting with the new XD your groups will improve.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...psc&pr=goog-sl

[Banana]

I am not the greatest shooter in the world. But if I can pick up two guns from the same manufacturer, and be extremely successful with it, then pick up another two guns, and have the same problems with both, that says something.

I dont expect every gun that I shoot to be perfect out of the box. That would be asking too much. But I know that I am not the only one having this problem.

[norton]

Low and to the left generally means you're jerking the trigger, if your right handed.

I know because its something I had to work on when I started.

[DanTheEldest]

PCaddict:

To echo XDkid's thought, you may just want to start with the target closer, maybe at 5 or 7 yards before trying out at 50 feet. At close range it might give you a better idea of how your sights actually line up in relation to the impact point.

And if you're still having problems, maybe try firing from sandbags or even a rest to minimize your influence on the shot, and see where it hits.