Shooting question...... - XDTalk Forums

Jazzman1 · 11-01-2009, 09:55 PM

I was not sure where to post this so thought this was a good place since I am shooting a XD-40 (4" Barrel) Still new to hand guns and finding that as I move the target farther down-range my shots are much lower on the target. My question is, just how much do I need to compensate by holding up while shooting at longer distances? I am using 165 and 180 grain cartridges. How flat does an XD shoot before it starts to fall off target realizing again that grains make a different? Thanks! Jazzman

1852legend · 11-01-2009, 10:44 PM

How far are you trying to shoot? Google ballistic table for 40 and you will find your answer. If you need to Compensate for distance you also have to keep in mind you loose allot of energy with distance. Im not really sure what you are trying to do with your pistol but I hope this helps.

Jazzman1 · 11-01-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1852legend

How far are you trying to shoot? Google ballistic table for 40 and you will find your answer. If you need to Compensate for distance you also have to keep in mind you loose allot of energy with distance. Im not really sure what you are trying to do with your pistol but I hope this helps.

Thanks and I will google that! I am just shooting at an indoor range and all my shots from lets say 5 yrs to 12 yards are good but as I move that target down range, lets say 20 yrs or so, they drop about a foot or so. Thanks again. Jazzman

Jazzman1 · 11-01-2009, 11:45 PM

I have searched and searched for the ballistic chart but can't seem to fine what I need. I will keep looking. Jazzman

theg33k · 11-02-2009, 12:21 AM

At 20 yards you should not be seeing anything CLOSE to a foot of drop. Bullets move way faster than that. It's more likely that you're pushing the gun forward in anticipation of the shot. Check out the chart here: An excellent training aid for those new to handgun shooting.. I having a buddy randomly load a snap cap into your magazine for you. When you pull the trigger, see where the sights are aimed. Lots and lots of dry fire practice helped me with these kinds of problems. I still do it all the time, practice makes perfect.

Welcome to shooting. Good luck.

Jazzman1 · 11-02-2009, 10:01 AM

I am sure you guys have lots more experience with using hand guns then I do so I will practice, practice, practice and use some snap caps in there as well. Thanks for your help! Jazzman

apexhunter · 11-05-2009, 04:35 PM

In general a poorly executed trigger pull will result in a low or low/left POI. The best advice would be to practice a SMOOTH and deliberate trigger pull...don't take up the slack, stop, take up a little more slack, stop and then pull until the sear breaks.

A good, cheap way to see what is happening is to get a cheap laser pointer (like you'd use for a cat toy) and rubber band it to the side of the slide of your UNLOADED gun (with the mag out and no ammo in the same room). Take your normal grip & stance pointing the beam at a spot on a wall and dry fire the pistol with your normal trigger pull watching the beam as you pull the trigger.

What you'll typically see with improper trigger control is the laser jumping left and/or low & left. You can then practice a smooth & consistent pull while watching the beam become more stationary as your technique improves.

On the range, start at 3 yards and shoot a controlled and deliberate 5 shot group (no need for speed shooting) and see where the POI is in relation to a quarter size dot on the target. If everything is good back up 2-3 steps and repeat the group. When everything is centered at the aiming spot and the group is pretty tight (say inside 2" to 3") continue backing up 3 yards and shooting groups. When you notice the POI drifting away from the target spot or the groups opening up in size dramatically, go back to the previous distance and shoot a few groups until you have that distance grooved.

Slowly working back from the target will train your eye and body to relax, obtain a proper sight picture and execute good trigger control. I did this with my 16yo nephew earlier this year and in under an hour he was shooting a 3" or so group at almost 20 yards with my 40sc and my Kimber target 1911.

**Pugs** · 11-05-2009, 04:40 PM

+1 on trigger control and anticipating the recoil. An anticipatory flinch will throw your shots low and that WILL be more noticeable at longer ranges.

Snap-caps randomly loaded in with live ammo by someone else at the range will show you just how much you are flinching. Dry-fire at home is generally the prescribed cure.

digitalexplr · 11-05-2009, 04:44 PM

The XD's are pretty well point-of-aim out to 25 yards. Most ammo won't start to fall off a lot until 50 yards +.

Sounds like you have too much finger on the trigger and may be anticipating the recoil.

**Dark Knight** · 11-10-2009, 11:27 PM

You need reduced Springs to help lower that trigger pull

11-01-2009, 09:55 PM	#1
Jazzman1 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 15	Shooting question...... I was not sure where to post this so thought this was a good place since I am shooting a XD-40 (4" Barrel) Still new to hand guns and finding that as I move the target farther down-range my shots are much lower on the target. My question is, just how much do I need to compensate by holding up while shooting at longer distances? I am using 165 and 180 grain cartridges. How flat does an XD shoot before it starts to fall off target realizing again that grains make a different? Thanks! Jazzman
	Share

11-01-2009, 10:44 PM	#2
1852legend XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 800	How far are you trying to shoot? Google ballistic table for 40 and you will find your answer. If you need to Compensate for distance you also have to keep in mind you loose allot of energy with distance. Im not really sure what you are trying to do with your pistol but I hope this helps.
	Share

11-01-2009, 11:45 PM	#4
Jazzman1 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 15	RE: 1852 Legend I have searched and searched for the ballistic chart but can't seem to fine what I need. I will keep looking. Jazzman
	Share

11-02-2009, 12:21 AM	#5
theg33k XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 129	At 20 yards you should not be seeing anything CLOSE to a foot of drop. Bullets move way faster than that. It's more likely that you're pushing the gun forward in anticipation of the shot. Check out the chart here: An excellent training aid for those new to handgun shooting.. I having a buddy randomly load a snap cap into your magazine for you. When you pull the trigger, see where the sights are aimed. Lots and lots of dry fire practice helped me with these kinds of problems. I still do it all the time, practice makes perfect. Welcome to shooting. Good luck.
	Share

11-02-2009, 10:01 AM	#6
Jazzman1 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 15	RE: From Jazzman I am sure you guys have lots more experience with using hand guns then I do so I will practice, practice, practice and use some snap caps in there as well. Thanks for your help! Jazzman
	Share

11-05-2009, 04:35 PM	#7
apexhunter XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 120	In general a poorly executed trigger pull will result in a low or low/left POI. The best advice would be to practice a SMOOTH and deliberate trigger pull...don't take up the slack, stop, take up a little more slack, stop and then pull until the sear breaks. A good, cheap way to see what is happening is to get a cheap laser pointer (like you'd use for a cat toy) and rubber band it to the side of the slide of your UNLOADED gun (with the mag out and no ammo in the same room). Take your normal grip & stance pointing the beam at a spot on a wall and dry fire the pistol with your normal trigger pull watching the beam as you pull the trigger. What you'll typically see with improper trigger control is the laser jumping left and/or low & left. You can then practice a smooth & consistent pull while watching the beam become more stationary as your technique improves. On the range, start at 3 yards and shoot a controlled and deliberate 5 shot group (no need for speed shooting) and see where the POI is in relation to a quarter size dot on the target. If everything is good back up 2-3 steps and repeat the group. When everything is centered at the aiming spot and the group is pretty tight (say inside 2" to 3") continue backing up 3 yards and shooting groups. When you notice the POI drifting away from the target spot or the groups opening up in size dramatically, go back to the previous distance and shoot a few groups until you have that distance grooved. Slowly working back from the target will train your eye and body to relax, obtain a proper sight picture and execute good trigger control. I did this with my 16yo nephew earlier this year and in under an hour he was shooting a 3" or so group at almost 20 yards with my 40sc and my Kimber target 1911. __________________ "Shoot low boys, they're riding shetlend ponies in search of true grit"...Lewis Grizzard
	Share

11-05-2009, 04:40 PM	#8
Pugs XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,602	+1 on trigger control and anticipating the recoil. An anticipatory flinch will throw your shots low and that WILL be more noticeable at longer ranges. Snap-caps randomly loaded in with live ammo by someone else at the range will show you just how much you are flinching. Dry-fire at home is generally the prescribed cure. __________________ -Pugs Wisconsin Gun Owners Group "Legalize The Constitution" - Bumper Sticker "Every tool is a weapon - if you hold it right" - Ani DiFranco
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11-05-2009, 04:44 PM	#9
digitalexplr XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Jefferson City, MO Posts: 919	The XD's are pretty well point-of-aim out to 25 yards. Most ammo won't start to fall off a lot until 50 yards +. Sounds like you have too much finger on the trigger and may be anticipating the recoil. __________________ XD9sc XD40 Service Mossberg 590a1 NRA Life Member
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11-10-2009, 11:27 PM	#10
Dark Knight XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: SpokaVegas WA STATE Posts: 456	You need reduced Springs to help lower that trigger pull __________________ "It's not who is right it's who is left" -Mr. Ed Parker Exclusively Supporting OEM, Aftermarket and Custom Parts for The Springfield Armory XD and XD(M)™ Pistol Series ONLY Period! www.xdguys.com New XD(M)™ Products Here http://xdguys.com/index.php?cPath=51 The First XD & XD(M)™ Extended Slide Stop EVER http://xdguys.com/product_info.php?products_id=185
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