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June 27, 2013, 11:01 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: February 3, 2011
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Shooting low and right how to correct?
It seems even on my best days I pull a little to the right and low (left handed) any tips or ideas on how to fix?
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June 27, 2013, 11:59 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: November 1, 2011
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I shoot right handed. I will give you my theory on what is happening to you.
After I shoot 100+ rounds, I will start pulling my shots low and to the left. I start to subconciously anticipate the recoil, and push the gun forward (muzzle down). It is easy to discover this if I am shooting a revolver and leave a cylinder empty... when I drop the hammer on that empty cylinder, the muzzle wanders down for just an instant. The old-school name for this is "flinch". It does not take much muzzle wandering to make a big difference at 20 yards ! Since you are shooting left handed, the effect would be the opposite, you would shoot low and to the right. What to do about it? First of all, knowledge is power. If you know you are anticipating the recoil and pushing the gun down as you squeeze the trigger, you can conciously avoid doing it. Another thing that helps me is to dry fire a few times to reset my muscle memory. If I brought my 22 pistol to the range, I can shoot that gun, and quickly get rid of the flinch. But honestly I don't worry about it too much. The flinch never shows up until I have fired more than 50 to 100 rounds, which means it will not be a factor in any kind of defensive shooting I might find myself in. If I shot competitively, it would be something I would work on a lot harder. Jim |
June 27, 2013, 12:32 PM | #3 |
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That sounds sort of like it but I seem to always do it. My groups tighten up the more shots I take but they are always a little off my point of aim. Sometimes I even hold a little high-left and can hit the bull. I don't think its a sight issue because I do it with all my guns.
Do you think because I shoot cross-eyed (gun in left hand, but use right eye to aim) this could affect it? I also bring a .22 and it is not as bad but still there. I am going to a CCW class this weekend with some live fire practice so hopefully the instructor can analyze and tell me what I am doing wrong. |
June 27, 2013, 02:35 PM | #4 | |
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June 27, 2013, 03:33 PM | #5 |
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You might want to benchrest the pistol, to see if your close to zero. The final zero adjustment should be done in the position that you normally shoot from. Besides the good advice from the other poster's: You might be trying to snatch the shot with your trigger finger, as your sights wobble across the bullseye.
Learn to accept the wobble. As your training continues...the wobble area will get smaller. Relax your shoulders and breathe ---inhaling thru nose and exhaling thru mouth --- with at least three deep breaths, exhaling on the last breath, and take the shot within three seconds. If you can't take the shot within three seconds...start the breathing sequence all over again. For a faster shooting sequence...you will have to hold your breath during each trigger press.
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June 28, 2013, 02:40 AM | #6 |
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You are definitely anticipating the trigger break. Best way to correct this, and also will cost you nothing while you are doing it is to practice firing your gun while in the comfort of your home. Sit in your favorite comfortable chair and after clearing your gun insuring that it is empty, cock the trigger. Pick an object, any object and set your sights on it. Squeeze the trigger. Your sights should be on the exact same place as it was before the trigger "broke." Keep working at it until the sights are in the exact same place before and after.
The added benefit is that you are also strengthening your arm and neck muscles, adjusting to the weight of the gun. You've spent no money and your next outing to the range should produce on target results. I did this exercise for months until I perfected it. Great excuse for playing with your gun(s) without expending tons of ammo. And you will anticipate your range outings to see how you have improved. Good Luck and have fun.
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June 28, 2013, 09:19 AM | #7 | |
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You are getting a lot of great advice here.
Pay close attention to what Frank has written. But I will draw emphasis to this point: Quote:
As I said, I don't develop a flinch until after about 100 rounds. However if I am shooting something harsh, like a 9mm pocket gun or a featherweight 38 snub, or my 44 mag, the flinch can start earlier. In the case of the 44 mag it can happen after the 3rd cylinder full. Once I detect it, I can manage it... through concentration, and a few minutes of dry fireing. |
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June 28, 2013, 10:09 AM | #8 |
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Thanks I will try all this. Like I said I am going for my concealed carry permit class this weekend and should have 4 hours of target practice with instructors.
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June 30, 2013, 08:27 PM | #9 |
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Well I feel like an idiot.
The instructor started going over dominant eye and cross eye shooting and I said I shoot cross eyed, he said are you sure and had me do a high tech vision test involving an empty toilet paper tube. I have been shooting left handed and right eyed for years. It always seemed natural. Needless to say my shoots landed much closer to point of aim... I don't think my groups got any better but they where more clustered around the bullseye. |
July 23, 2013, 07:56 PM | #10 |
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