Why Can't I Shoot a Semi-Auto???

[Boyandhisdogs]

I don't know what I am doing wrong. I have a Glock 19 (9mm) and a 1911 (Full size, .45) and I can't shoot either one worth a darn. I'd guess about 70% of my shots end up going significantly to the left. I can't tell what I am doing differently with the ones that do land on target other than shooting "more carefully", though I still miss when I think I am being careful. With the 9mm it is directly left, with the .45 is is more down-left. Never off to the right. I shoot rifles and revolvers pretty well, I even shoot my little snubby 442 significantly better than either one of my automatics that are so popular with target shooters and the tactical crowd.

With both autos I hold them in two hands, thumbs forward grip, pressing the trigger with the pad of my finger like you would on a rifle. I shoot revolvers with the finger joint but that feels very odd on anything else. I have tried dry firing both guns with a laser and my dry fire trigger pull is fine, but something is happening out there on the range with live fire. I have seen that pistol correction chart and it makes sense for the .45 because I do notice myself squeezing the gun as it goes off but I have no idea what I am doing wrong with the Glock.

Here is the chart for those who are not familiar:

Read More

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Just WAG here....
Are you left or right eye dominant ...?
And...do shoot with your left or right hand...?
Andy

 

[Koda]

Maybe the sights are both off the same way by coincidence? Slow fire them from a pistol rest. If that works, memorize the trigger pull used.

 

[Boyandhisdogs]

Just WAG here....
Are you left or right eye dominant ...?
And...do shoot with your left or right hand...?
Andy

Fair question. Right hand and right eye, and yes I am sure.

Maybe the sights are both off the same way by coincidence? Slow fire them from a pistol rest. If that works, memorize the trigger pull used.

I checked both with a bore laser, they are correct. I'll try off a rest and see how it goes.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Right handed...and right eyed....well...damn...that ends where I was going with my theory....

Hmmm....
Try left handed..and left eyed...
Andy

 

[Joe13]

Might have to go back to the basics and get someone (even a 1 on 1 class) to help you with your grip.

Also the grip angles on a Glock and 1911 are a bit different.

I have a G17 and 1911 and do notice I shoot them slightly differently.

 

[Knobgoblin]

Ball and dummy time.

 

[Stomper]

Right handed...and right eyed....well...damn...that ends where I was going with my theory....

Hmmm....
Try left handed..and left eyed...
Andy

Or...... use both hands and both eyes at the SAME TIME!

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Or...... use both hands and both eyes at the SAME TIME!

Yes...that is how I shoot.

That said...
Some days I couldn't even hit the floor if I dropped my pistol....
Other days...I shoot just fine.

Practice...practice with what works is key.
Andy

 

[Bjtcraig]

I'm gonna say you have a slight flinch you don't notice get some snap caps and mix in at the range you'll find out if this is the case

 

[Tlock]

Yes...that is how I shoot.

That said...
Some days I couldn't even hit the floor if I dropped my pistol....
Other days...I shoot just fine.

Practice...practice with what works is key.
Andy

Say that 3 times in front of the mirror at 3:20 pm and all your guns turn into sigs!!!

"Couldn't even hit the floor if I dropped my pistol"

 

[Stomper]

Yes...that is how I shoot.

That said...
Some days I couldn't even hit the floor if I dropped my pistol....
Other days...I shoot just fine.

Practice...practice with what works is key.
Andy

Sounds like you need an Sig P320 if you wanna be dropping and hitting the floor....

 

[NeoBlackdog]

My advice would be to get yourself a nice little 22 auto, something like a Ruger 22/45 or a Buckmark and go shoot it. Focus on your technique and don't rush your shots. Don't pick up your 'big' guns until you've put about 500 slow fired and accurate shots through the 22. You have to teach yourself out of whatever weird flinch thing you've got going on and it'll be easier with the 22 than with the hi power pistolas.

 

[DirectDrive]

I don't have an answer for the 1911, but with a Glock, it's common for a right handed shooter to hit left or low-left.
Reason is the Glock striker when in battery is 70% charged. The remaining 30% is charged with the trigger press.
This can disrupt the trigger press.

I experienced this with my first striker gun (Walther).
Dry fire practice with a coin balanced on the front sight helped me see the error of my ways.
With an unloaded gun point it at a light-colored background do you can easily see muzzle movement.
Also a thumbs-forward grip with my left index finger on the frame helped.
Trigger shoe on the center of my finger tip pad is the best location for me.

Avoid moving your sights to mask poor form.

 

[1911Fanatic]

I don't know what I am doing wrong. I have a Glock 19 (9mm) and a 1911 (Full size, .45) and I can't shoot either one worth a darn. I'd guess about 70% of my shots end up going significantly to the left. I can't tell what I am doing differently with the ones that do land on target other than shooting "more carefully", though I still miss when I think I am being careful. With the 9mm it is directly left, with the .45 is is more down-left. Never off to the right. I shoot rifles and revolvers pretty well, I even shoot my little snubby 442 significantly better than either one of my automatics that are so popular with target shooters and the tactical crowd.

With both autos I hold them in two hands, thumbs forward grip, pressing the trigger with the pad of my finger like you would on a rifle. I shoot revolvers with the finger joint but that feels very odd on anything else. I have tried dry firing both guns with a laser and my dry fire trigger pull is fine, but something is happening out there on the range with live fire. I have seen that pistol correction chart and it makes sense for the .45 because I do notice myself squeezing the gun as it goes off but I have no idea what I am doing wrong with the Glock.

Here is the chart for those who are not familiar:

View attachment 2225447

I had the same problem with Glocks gen 1-3. When gen 4 came out and the 19 X I was able to get the proper placement of my finger on the trigger with the largest grip insert, and then, no more shooting to the left.
'
With the 1911, I need a long trigger, otherwise same problem with a short trigger.

 

[nammac]

Squeeze the trigger, straight back, it should be a surprise when the trigger breaks and the shot is fired. This takes practice, lots of it. Dry firing can help.

The other issue is recoil anticipation or "heeling" the recoil, subconsciously applying downward pressure on the gun in anticipation of the recoil. Couple of ways to correct this, use a low recoil firearm like a .22 lr as has already been recommended. Another is to do that deliberate squeeze on the trigger while keeping the sights perfectly aligned with your focus on the front sight.

Again, practice, practice, practice. You've got to be disciplined enough to take your time and concentrate on the mechanics of each shot. Replicating the good practice over and over again.

Good luck brother…

 

[ARFrog]

Could be your grip, grip pressure (or lack thereof), trigger pressure, the way you address/slap the trigger, grip angle of the gun, etc.

As stated before, go back to the basics. There are plenty of good training videos that can help you.

Personally, I have to work at shooting a Glock 19. However, from the very first shot, my VP9 just felt right and shot straight. YMMV...

 

[JDubDub]

Might have to go back to the basics and get someone (even a 1 on 1 class) to help you with your grip.

Also the grip angles on a Glock and 1911 are a bit different.

I have a G17 and 1911 and do notice I shoot them slightly differently.

+1 on getting some pro training. The grip angles on Glocks are different enough that it takes me a few seconds to recalibrate my sight picture, but that's not going to end up dropping rounds down and left. If anything you'd be hitting high.

 

[roseburger]

Get a 22, you're likely flinching. I had to reacquaint myself with the 45 after shooting a lot of 9mm.

Get a 22. Shoot it. Then move to 9mm. Fire a few mags slowly focusing on grip and trigger pull. Then move back to the 9mm.

I like the Ruger MK pistols, but currently run a VQ.

 

[Nosferatu]

Lay off the Venezuelan Scootie-powder for a couple days and report back.

You're going to want to be rationing that stuff anyway given recent events.