Aim seems OK but I'm doing something wrong

[Band]

I finally had my first opportunity to fire a handgun and found that the more I shot the closer I got to the bullseye but still I regularly shot to the left (almost 100% of the time).  I was shooting right handed.  In doing a web search I found this chart - http://kitup.military.com/2012/08/pistol-shooting-chart-training.html but I think what I need to do is find a good website for basic instruction in handgun shooting so I can learn the basics before trying to make corrections.  Anyone have a useful site I can check out?

[pianoman9701]

I would recommend the NRA basic pistol shooting course. http://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseCatalog.aspx NRA courses are excellent for learning weapons skills and techniques.

[JLS]

You need to learn a proper grip first, and then build off of that.  Let me see if I have anything I can post up.

[deltaops]

Almost sounds like finger placement on the trigger and or improper hand placement on the grips. So many questions could be asked but it is hard to say unless one is next to you while you are firing. You can spend countless hours on the net searching and watching videos, but I would have someone that is knowledgeable go with you to the range and see if they can help pin point the issue.

http://www.shooting-performance.com/76.html

http://www.handgunsmag.com/2012/12/03/how-to-cure-common-shooting-mistakes/

http://www.bullseyepistol.com/billblnk.htm

http://www.blackopsschoolofcombat.com/Fundamentals%20Of%20Handgun%20Shooting.htm



Those are just random sites I googled.

[jackmaster]

are you putting your finger to far inside the guard? you could be pushing the pistol left  do you shoot both eyes open?

[Russ McDonald]

I have to ask.  Do you have adjustable sights.  Don't get me wrong all the following suggestions are good but it may not be even you.  It could be your sights on your gun are off and need to be adjusted.  First hand experience.  Factory S&W SD9 and it shoots 3 inches low but dead nuts center.  My sights aren't adjustable but will be getting some soon.  Try a little Kentucky windage.  If you hitting dead center but to the left move your sight picture to the right. See what you get there.  Just my 

[JLS]

http://www.handgunsmag.com/2010/09/24/tactics_training_combatg_100306/

Decent read that will get you on the right path.

[JLS]

I have to ask.  Do you have adjustable sights.  Don't get me wrong all the following suggestions are good but it may not be even you.  It could be your sights on your gun are off and need to be adjusted.  First hand experience.  Factory S&W SD9 and it shoots 3 inches low but dead nuts center.  My sights aren't adjustable but will be getting some soon.  Try a little Kentucky windage.  If you hitting dead center but to the left move your sight picture to the right. See what you get there.  Just my 

Go one better and shoot off of sandbags on a bench.  Then, have someone else do the same.  Otherwise you'll end up chasing your tail.

Also, make sure you are completely focused on the front sight, and nothing else.  The sight post will naturally center in the rear sight, and float your target on the front sight post.  Burn holes in the front sight post with your eyes and you'll be amazed and how tight your groups are.

Make sure you don't try to "time" your shots as the front sight wiggles and wobbles.

[NW-GSP]

Do yourself a favor and get some private lessons. Costs about $35 a hour and will help stop you from forming bad habits

[Biggerhammer]

As mentioned prior, check your sights and see if they are on.

[Band]

I would recommend the NRA basic pistol shooting course. http://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseCatalog.aspx NRA courses are excellent for learning weapons skills and techniques.

I'm reading the links folks posted and learning some basics but this is probably the best advice.  I would think the NRA would have knowledgeable folks teaching these courses but I'm thinking ill end up on the legendary NRA mailing/calling list which I don't want to be on.  I'll put out some feelers to find out if that's going to happen before signing up.

Thanks for the tips, guys.

[Alchase]

Remember your basics, Grip, sight picture, trigger control

You can practice all three of these at home without shooting a round. Obviously shooting live rounds is a must, all these you can practice nightly while watching tv.

A couple good tip videos

Trigger control
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcfnstRzGQc&feature=player_embedded#!

Wall Drill Dry Practice

Grip
Grip - Competitive Shooting Tip

Then look for both front sight shooting and point shooting drills. Both have their place, front sight for accuracy, point shooting is more instinctual at danger close ranges.

[Alchase]

Forgot to add, do not let yourself get to frustrated. It takes tons of practice and allot of rounds down range to become a proficient shooter.
Also, be realistic with your goals. If you want nail driving accuracy, or decent defensive shooting skills. Neither are likely to happen with only one trip to the range a month, and no dry practice. Taking a defensive shooting class is a great start.
Ask anyone who shoots well, how many rounds a week they shoot. I cut back drastically from how much I use to shoot. Now I take 10 mags of 12, once a week, on average, sometimes more, sometimes less. That is barely enough to keep the skills from deteriorating. I am sure there are some on here that shoot ten times that amount.
Dry practice every chance you get!

[Band]

Thanks Alchase, I'll take a look at those videos in the next couple of days.

I went to the range today with a buddy and we each went through a box of .40's while trying out 4 different pistols (since both of us are in the market).  I noticed I was grouping better with some than others and that my groups were in different places win different pistols.  Figures.

I'm starting to wonder if I should also buy a .22 pistol simply to get more shooting practice without breaking the bank by shooting tons of .40 ammo.  How helpful will .22 practice be for getting better with a .40?

[JLS]

How helpful will .22 practice be for getting better with a .40?

A lot.  It's all about quality trigger time.

There are probably two reasons you are shooting differently with the four pistols.  Number one, the grip on each one will fit you a little differently, and being new to pistols that will affect the way you shoot.  Number two, the triggers will be different also.  The heavier triggers are harder for a new pistol shooter (and seasoned ones too, to a lesser degree) to shoot as accurately.

[Alchase]

How helpful will .22 practice be for getting better with a .40?

A lot.  It's all about quality trigger time.

 

Or you can use snapcaps, and practice your grip, trigger, sight picture while dry shooting your TV, the cat, wall sockets, etc...

I am always dry shooting, my wife calls it "playing with my gun again"

I keep reminding her "This is my weapon, and this is my gun, one is for killing, one is for fun!

Her standard reply is : Ya, well don't confuse the two!"

 

[Band]

I am always dry shooting, my wife calls it "playing with my gun again"

I keep reminding her "This is my weapon, and this is my gun, one is for killing, one is for fun!

Her standard reply is : Ya, well don't confuse the two!"

 

Yeah, my wife tells me not to put either on display around her.

I used to hear that too much dry firing would damage the firing pin.  Is that true?

[JLS]

You're always better using snap caps for repeated dry firing.  Kinetic energy is being transferred, and needs somewhere to go.

Dry firing is very good practice, but mix it with live fire so that you can see your progress or see any other hidden issues that are arising.  You need some physical confirmation that what you are doing is correct, live fire gives you that.  We can all smoke the 10 ring every shot when we are dry firing.