Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols All Variants of the Smith & Wesson M&P Auto Pistols


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-06-2016, 01:50 AM
Crabo Crabo is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times in 6 Posts
Default Cure for Shield shooting left

Before I bought my shield, I tried my nephew's shield out at 7 yards. I used an IPSC target and loaded my 4.25 FS and the shield, and ripped off sbout three fast shots from one, than the other, then back and forth until empty. It convinced me that I wanted a shield. I did notice that the gun shot left for me.

After I bought my shield and I was spending my obligatory time in front of the tv, dry firing and shooting bad guys, I noticed that when I gripped the gun in a shooting grip, that the front of the barrel pointed a little to the left.

I got a roll of masking tape and made a pad to go between my palm and the gun. The sights then aligned perfectly for me. I ordered a set of Talon grips and built a pad under the grip area with extra grip material I ordered. I put the Talon grips on and the pad is there if you know to look for it. Otherwise, you can't see it.

Now when I throw the gun up, the sights align perfectly. So if you are shooting left, check your natural sight alignment and if it is pointing a little left, you might want to try the pad. I have big hands and I have to pin the grip safety's on my 1911s for them to always go bang.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1.jpg (62.7 KB, 837 views)
File Type: jpg 2.jpg (48.1 KB, 767 views)
File Type: jpg 3.jpg (56.8 KB, 739 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 01-06-2016, 10:00 AM
Willcoe Willcoe is offline
Banned
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Gettysburg, Pa
Posts: 100
Likes: 84
Liked 130 Times in 35 Posts
Default

First take the tape off. The problem you have is simply called getting used to the firearm. Your hand is just not used to grasping it properly. By adding **** to the weapon all you are doing is making things worse...and possibly unsafe. LEARN the right grip for the weapon. An old trick I learned about 40+ years ago is this: Pick up a pistol and holster it. Slowly draw it and bring it up to sight. If the sights are not where they should be from the first try. Adjust your grip one or two times. Or it just may not the "right" weapon for you.
The fact you say you have "big hands" and your trouble with it tells me you bought the "wrong" pistol.
Also I have to say the fact that you have pinned you 1911's grip safety really bothers me. That is not safe at all. In fact it is down right dangerous.
Reply With Quote
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 01-06-2016, 10:51 AM
Old TexMex's Avatar
Old TexMex Old TexMex is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: South of the Nueces
Posts: 9,273
Likes: 23,812
Liked 20,090 Times in 5,871 Posts
Default

Gee, is it o.k. to use a Tyler T on my J frames? Should I trash my custom target stocks that were made for my grip?
__________________
Halfway and one more step
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 01-06-2016, 11:46 AM
The Preacher The Preacher is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 213
Likes: 95
Liked 484 Times in 130 Posts
Default

This is indeed a tough crowd. lol

The Preacher
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 01-06-2016, 12:19 PM
DJDave DJDave is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: May 2015
Location: West Branch MI
Posts: 29
Likes: 18
Liked 105 Times in 19 Posts
Default

Left and low left is common for right handed shooters.

I had used revolvers for years and was very good with them using a modified weaver grip and stance.

Semi Auto's, Not so much. Low left was very common for me unless I really slowed down and worked hard to shoot straight.

My solution was taught to me by a MSP Pistol Trainer.

And that was learning the "Thumbs Forward" Grip and Stance.

Now I shoot Pistol Very close to the level I shoot my Revolvers.

It took some practice, But I did not have to move my sights or mod the gun to make up for my lack of technique.

Old dogs can learn new tricks...

I Hope this Helps.
Reply With Quote
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 01-06-2016, 12:27 PM
cleans up cleans up is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 210
Likes: 31
Liked 113 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Interesting observation and solution. I don't see anything wrong with customizing the grip as you did on the shield. I am surprised you pinned the saftey on a 1911. Sure it's got other mechanisms for saftey but that just seems wrong to me, and potentially dangerous. If it's a range toy who cares about the occasional misfire, if a carry gun downright foolish.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-06-2016, 01:20 PM
Crabo Crabo is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times in 6 Posts
Default

I knew when I posted this that people like Willco know more about me than I do myself. I have shoot lots of steel challenge, IPSC pistol and three gun, combat shotgun, sporting clays, and I know how to shoot.

I think it is pretty ridiculous for someone to tell me I bought the wrong gun. If your sights do not line up, you need to do something to make them line up. The gun needs to shoot where you are looking.

Low and left is common if you are milking the trigger. My point was that when I was gripping the gun, there was a misalignment of the sights, not while I was shooting. Read the post guys.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 01-06-2016, 01:41 PM
Muss Muggins's Avatar
Muss Muggins Muss Muggins is online now
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: bootheel of Missouri
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 6,981
Liked 28,085 Times in 8,897 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Crabo View Post
I knew when I posted this that people like Willco know more about me than I do myself. I have shoot lots of steel challenge, IPSC pistol and three gun, combat shotgun, sporting clays, and I know how to shoot.

I think it is pretty ridiculous for someone to tell me I bought the wrong gun. If your sights do not line up, you need to do something to make them line up. The gun needs to shoot where you are looking.

Low and left is common if you are milking the trigger. My point was that when I was gripping the gun, there was a misalignment of the sights, not while I was shooting. Read the post guys.
I don't think anyone was being intentionally mean. There are lot of people on this forum who have taught a lot of other people to shoot very well for a lot of years, and yours is the first post I've ever read that corrected a sight picture with masking tape on the grip of the weapon. The message they were trying to impart is that the proper correction to this issue is a proper grip. Unless you have some sort of physical deformity that prevents a proper shooting grip, it's a relatively simple issue to correct. In my humble opinion, what you have done is akin to a physician treating the symptom of a disease and not the cause. If it works for you, that's fine, but it's an unusual solution.
__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 01-06-2016, 02:18 PM
Crabo Crabo is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times in 6 Posts
Default

All I did was create a palm swell on a gripless gun. No more, no less, the proof will be in the shooting. I used the masking tape to see if it corrected my grip and then used the Talon grip material for the palm swell. I put different grips on my 642 when I wanted a covered backstrap so it would fit my hand better. Same thing. Changing your grips to fit your hand is a common thing to do. I'm through defending it.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 01-06-2016, 03:30 PM
Willcoe Willcoe is offline
Banned
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Gettysburg, Pa
Posts: 100
Likes: 84
Liked 130 Times in 35 Posts
Default

Crabo, I really don't care how many steel targets you've shot. Not all guns are made for all people. Some adjustment can be made. But when you start to jury rig a firearm like you do. It's a ticking bomb waiting to go off. If you were to show up on my range with a pinned back strap safety. You'd be banned for life. Membership paid or not. What you do to firearms, and you are unsafe.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 03-02-2016, 12:01 AM
SoMoMule SoMoMule is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SW Mo.
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default

The Shield was just too thin for me. Tried the Pachmayr Grip Glove but it never stayed in place. If it's only (only?) a carry gun and not a shooter it might be OK. I'm trying a G23 now, I know it's not a S&W. I also tried a 9c and it wasn't right either. Different horses for different courses. Find something (anything) that works for YOU.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 03-02-2016, 12:06 AM
Targets Guy's Avatar
Targets Guy Targets Guy is offline
US Veteran
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,688
Liked 18,968 Times in 5,588 Posts
Default

When I shoot left I just aim a little to the right. Works like a champ.
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 03-02-2016, 01:16 AM
DartonJager DartonJager is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Crabo, if I may ask, how big are your hands? mine are not huge, but at 8-3/4" from the tip of my middle finger to the edge of where my wrist and hand meet, they are bigger than average and it didn't take all that much effort to learn how to grip my Shield well.

As ALL Shield owners know, the Shield is a purpose designed self defense HG, not a target gun as long as I can keep my rounds consistently in the "0" zones of a IDPA target at 10 yards and less I'm doing back flips and at that my Shield is more than acceptable. FWIW I started out shooting low and left with both my M&P FS Pro and Shield but once I diagnosed my grip and trigger pull issues, I have not quite cured the issue but are well on my way to doing so.

Are you sure you can't learn to adjust your grip so as not to need to modify the gun itself using what looks like multi layers of tape?

Just my .02c worth. Good luck.

Last edited by DartonJager; 03-02-2016 at 01:21 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 03-02-2016, 01:25 AM
DartonJager DartonJager is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DJDave View Post
Left and low left is common for right handed shooters.

I had used revolvers for years and was very good with them using a modified weaver grip and stance.

Semi Auto's, Not so much. Low left was very common for me unless I really slowed down and worked hard to shoot straight.

My solution was taught to me by a MSP Pistol Trainer.

And that was learning the "Thumbs Forward" Grip and Stance.

Now I shoot Pistol Very close to the level I shoot my Revolvers.

It took some practice, But I did not have to move my sights or mod the gun to make up for my lack of technique.

Old dogs can learn new tricks...

I Hope this Helps.
Would you be so kind as to elaborate on what a "Thumbs Forward' Grip" for those of us les educated?
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 03-02-2016, 01:35 AM
gman51 gman51 is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Just West of Houston
Posts: 3,468
Likes: 787
Liked 4,674 Times in 2,062 Posts
Default

Wouldn't it be easier to just move the target to the left so you could hit the center of target? Just a smarty humor question.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 03-02-2016, 01:39 AM
radar1972's Avatar
radar1972 radar1972 is offline
US Veteran
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 1,761
Liked 1,128 Times in 492 Posts
Default

Shame on Springfield, Smith & Wesson et al for including different sizes of grip swells with many of their pistols.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 03-02-2016, 02:59 AM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

I feel differently than many here. I applaud Crabo for taking something that wasn't working and making it work. Yeah, the tape might not be the prettiest way to do it, but if it's bringing the bullets to the center, that's a good thing.

Also, it is an incorrect assumption to say that it's the shooter shooting low/left. If that were the case, the rounds would still go left even with the tape. However, that is not the case.

Again, I like what you did. You had an issue. Rather than complain about how the gun is messed up (what most do), you took steps to make it fit you. I'll shoot with you any day.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-02-2016, 07:35 AM
cyfman1 cyfman1 is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: East TX
Posts: 42
Likes: 23
Liked 15 Times in 8 Posts
Default

I don't know much about much and have no where near the experience as the majority of the fine folks on here.I can relate to the low left hits from my Shiled. Here's my first time out with it



Look familiar ? I knew it was partly(mostly)me since I haven't shot a handgun in many years and knew I needed to work on grip and trigger squeeze.Got some good advice from folks and worked on it and still on other outings not much improvement

I wasn't thrilled with the sights that came on the gun and had some AmeriGlo I Dot sights put on and I noticed before having them installed it appeared the front sight was off center to the right. The Gunsmith confirmed it when installing the sights and he asked me are you hitting Left ? and I said Yep.

I also got the Hogue Handall Jr. grip because of the slight palm swells. Even though I have small hands the thicker grip helped with my grip and also gave me a much more solid and secure feel in my hand.

Here's the last time out(the first hits were the hits to the left and after a very small tweak with my grip and trigger finger placement --- well the results speak for themselves This is at 7 yards 50 shots fired.



Sorry for the long winded post,but sometimes the gun needs some tweaking and not just the shooter.I know I am still a work in progress but it's getting there
__________________
Jerry

Last edited by cyfman1; 03-02-2016 at 07:38 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #19  
Old 03-02-2016, 08:57 AM
Crabo Crabo is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times in 6 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DartonJager View Post
Are you sure you can't learn to adjust your grip so as not to need to modify the gun itself using what looks like multi layers of tape?

Just my .02c worth. Good luck.
I will try to explain this one more time. My objective is that when I grab the gun, close my eyes, insert the gun into my line of vision, and open my eyes, I want to be looking right down the top of the slide with my sights. I don't want to be adjusting my sights. I want the gun shooting where my eyes are looking.

I also put an Apex trigger in it, and the 10-8 rear sight on it. Makes a huge difference. I want my gun to work for me, not to have to work to make the gun hit where I want it to.

My 1911s do this, my M&P FS does this, Glock 17 points to the sky, can't shoot it fast, my revolvers do it. It is all about the gun fitting my hand and pointing naturally were I look.

Last edited by Crabo; 03-02-2016 at 09:02 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 03-02-2016, 10:34 AM
cp2146 cp2146 is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
Liked 64 Times in 36 Posts
Default

Crabo, I say if what you are doing works for you, then by all means go for it. I'm certainly no expert, but modifying a grip sounds like a reasonable solution to me. After all, isn't that why they make custom grips in the first place...to make the gun feel better in your hand? You're not changing the mechanics of how the gun fires, just how it fits your hand. For me, being a right handed shooter, I suffered the dreaded low and left when I first got my Shield. After some research into shooting technique and practice at the range, I found that the thumbs forward method works great for me (in other words, changing how I was holding the gun). Not only did it bring the pattern up and right, where it should have been to start with, but it tightened up my grouping considerably. I'm not quite blowing the bullseye out of the target just yet, but I am improving.This worked for both my Shield 40 and Bodyguard 380 at distances between 5 and 10 yards. But again, that is what worked for me and may not have the same result for everyone. Happy shooting.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 03-02-2016, 11:21 AM
scattershot's Avatar
scattershot scattershot is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 166
Liked 977 Times in 489 Posts
Default

BTW, pinning the grip safety was a common feature on custom 1911s back in the day. Not really sure why, I've never had a problem hitting it, but there it is.


The OP is setting up HIS guns the way HE likes them. SHEESH!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #22  
Old 03-02-2016, 01:03 PM
DJDave DJDave is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: May 2015
Location: West Branch MI
Posts: 29
Likes: 18
Liked 105 Times in 19 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DartonJager View Post
Would you be so kind as to elaborate on what a "Thumbs Forward' Grip" for those of us les educated?
Photo/s Credit to Dillo Dynamics.

[IMG][/IMG]



Short Utube Video For explanation.


Hope this helps.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #23  
Old 03-02-2016, 01:59 PM
Magload Magload is offline
US Veteran
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NE Florida
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 217
Liked 692 Times in 462 Posts
Default

Crabo you have brought up something that is seldom mentioned and that is the gun and sights coming up into alignment and not having to force the gun to point right. The Army Marksmanship Manual for pistol shooting has a good section on this. BTW you can get the manual online in PDF form and it is a very good read. They teach one hand bullseye shooting but it works just as well for SD shooters.

I fought with my 40 Shield for a long time and got my grip and trigger finger placement right. Trigger finger placement will move the shots right or left even with a good grip. I dot it down to around 1 1/2 inches left with tight groups of around 1" out to 10yds. I then moved the front sight and can shoot the 1" center out of a target. Didn't like the 40 and bought a 9 and love shooting it. Don
__________________
USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 03-02-2016, 09:11 PM
kilo5117 kilo5117 is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
Default

Mag load. Can you please elaborate on trigger finger placement? Thinking of experimenting a bit with the shield, given its narrow grip
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 03-02-2016, 09:39 PM
Rockdoc16 Rockdoc16 is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: South East Texas
Posts: 71
Likes: 3
Liked 51 Times in 25 Posts
Default

Geez it's ok to change grip shape to help you shoot. That's why lots of new guns come with several size back straps.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #26  
Old 03-02-2016, 09:43 PM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kilo5117 View Post
Can you please elaborate on trigger finger placement?
It's how far you stick your finger into the trigger guard.

Most people do well by placing the middle of the fingerprint pad on the trigger. However, if your rounds are impacting to the left (for a right hand shooter) move the finger closer to the first joint on the trigger. If they are impacting to the right, move the contact closer to the tip of the finger.

It's not a magic cure, but it can help you with left/right POI issues.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #27  
Old 03-02-2016, 09:50 PM
cyfman1 cyfman1 is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: East TX
Posts: 42
Likes: 23
Liked 15 Times in 8 Posts
Default

For myself I needed to use the first joint of my trigger finger for "MY" best results. YMMV
__________________
Jerry
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 03-02-2016, 10:37 PM
Magload Magload is offline
US Veteran
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NE Florida
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 217
Liked 692 Times in 462 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rastoff View Post
It's how far you stick your finger into the trigger guard.

Most people do well by placing the middle of the fingerprint pad on the trigger. However, if your rounds are impacting to the left (for a right hand shooter) move the finger closer to the first joint on the trigger. If they are impacting to the right, move the contact closer to the tip of the finger.

It's not a magic cure, but it can help you with left/right POI issues.
Just as Rastoff says and I couldn't have said it better. All my guns except the Shield I use the finger print. On the shield I move closer to the joint. Shooting my GP100 DA I also move closer to the joint. What is right for me may only be covering up a hidden flaw in my shooting. Don
__________________
USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 03-03-2016, 12:41 AM
rwsmith's Avatar
rwsmith rwsmith is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
Posts: 30,907
Likes: 41,495
Liked 29,151 Times in 13,779 Posts
Default Nothing wrong with custom but...

...my answer would be 'practice'. I have a Shield and I find it thin, too. So I've decided to learn to hold and shoot it for the best I can get out of it.
__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 03-03-2016, 09:57 AM
Bob O's Avatar
Bob O Bob O is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 723
Likes: 1,609
Liked 415 Times in 226 Posts
Default

I have no problem with modding the grip to fit the hand. This is why nearly all my pistols have some aftermarket grip sleeve or tape.

For me it was not to cure natural pointing, but to make the pistol grip fit me more like a glove.
__________________
MSP - Retired
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 03-03-2016, 10:09 AM
Old TexMex's Avatar
Old TexMex Old TexMex is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: South of the Nueces
Posts: 9,273
Likes: 23,812
Liked 20,090 Times in 5,871 Posts
Default

There's a great thread right now called " custom grips. Let's see your favorites "
Custom Grips. Let's See Your Favorites
__________________
Halfway and one more step

Last edited by Old TexMex; 03-03-2016 at 10:10 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 03-03-2016, 11:40 AM
Bob O's Avatar
Bob O Bob O is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 723
Likes: 1,609
Liked 415 Times in 226 Posts
Default

LOL!!!!!!!!!
__________________
MSP - Retired
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 03-03-2016, 12:32 PM
Bkreutz's Avatar
Bkreutz Bkreutz is offline
US Veteran
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Fruitland Idaho
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 1,586
Liked 4,882 Times in 2,025 Posts
Default

Aim more to the right?
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #34  
Old 03-03-2016, 08:22 PM
notaliberal notaliberal is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Oregon
Posts: 43
Likes: 33
Liked 29 Times in 18 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rastoff View Post
It's how far you stick your finger into the trigger guard.

Most people do well by placing the middle of the fingerprint pad on the trigger. However, if your rounds are impacting to the left (for a right hand shooter) move the finger closer to the first joint on the trigger. If they are impacting to the right, move the contact closer to the tip of the finger.

It's not a magic cure, but it can help you with left/right POI issues.
I have been shooting left for a couple weeks now. I just could not figure it out. You suggestion by moving my trigger finger closer to the joint was perfect. Today I shoot my tightest groups ever. Thank you!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20160304_000509.jpg (52.1 KB, 115 views)

Last edited by notaliberal; 03-04-2016 at 04:12 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #35  
Old 03-03-2016, 08:47 PM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by notaliberal View Post
You suggestion by moving my trigger finger closer to the joint was perfect. Today I shoot my tightest groups ever. Thank you!
Music to my ears. It's always a good day when I hear that some small tid bit has helped someone become a better shooter.

Thank you for the report.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 03-04-2016, 03:40 PM
cp2146 cp2146 is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
Liked 64 Times in 36 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rastoff View Post
It's how far you stick your finger into the trigger guard.

Most people do well by placing the middle of the fingerprint pad on the trigger. However, if your rounds are impacting to the left (for a right hand shooter) move the finger closer to the first joint on the trigger. If they are impacting to the right, move the contact closer to the tip of the finger.

It's not a magic cure, but it can help you with left/right POI issues.
Hmmm, maybe that's what helped me too. I thought it was thumb placement (thumb forward), but maybe I was subconsciously moving my trigger finger more toward the joint, or maybe a combination of both. Dang it, now I'm gonna have to go to the range and experiment. :-)
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 03-04-2016, 04:39 PM
Magload Magload is offline
US Veteran
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NE Florida
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 217
Liked 692 Times in 462 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rastoff View Post
Music to my ears. It's always a good day when I hear that some small tid bit has helped someone become a better shooter.

Thank you for the report.
Check my post #23 I brought up the trigger finger placement Rastoff you just did a good job of explaining it. Don
__________________
USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 03-04-2016, 05:02 PM
jbtrucker jbtrucker is online now
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Huntsville AL
Posts: 2,108
Likes: 1,162
Liked 2,646 Times in 824 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cyfman1 View Post
I don't know much about much and have no where near the experience as the majority of the fine folks on here.I can relate to the low left hits from my Shiled. Here's my first time out with it



Look familiar ? I knew it was partly(mostly)me since I haven't shot a handgun in many years and knew I needed to work on grip and trigger squeeze.Got some good advice from folks and worked on it and still on other outings not much improvement

I wasn't thrilled with the sights that came on the gun and had some AmeriGlo I Dot sights put on and I noticed before having them installed it appeared the front sight was off center to the right. The Gunsmith confirmed it when installing the sights and he asked me are you hitting Left ? and I said Yep.

I also got the Hogue Handall Jr. grip because of the slight palm swells. Even though I have small hands the thicker grip helped with my grip and also gave me a much more solid and secure feel in my hand.

Here's the last time out(the first hits were the hits to the left and after a very small tweak with my grip and trigger finger placement --- well the results speak for themselves This is at 7 yards 50 shots fired.



Sorry for the long winded post,but sometimes the gun needs some tweaking and not just the shooter.I know I am still a work in progress but it's getting there
That's the way mine are with different pistols. My problem was grip and dominant eye, Army Vet advised me to grip higher on pistol ,thumbs forward and switched to left eye , still practicing and have improved a lot. Good Luck

Last edited by jbtrucker; 08-21-2016 at 03:08 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 03-04-2016, 10:58 PM
buzzwindrip buzzwindrip is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 13
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I've been to the range three times with my 9mm Shield, and I still find myself shooting left no matter what my trigger finger placement is. I've tried to modify how I grip the Shield, and I still shoot to the left. I was going to try to do what the OP did: pad with grip tape. Here is a target from from first outing in early December:

IMG_8198.jpg

Last edited by buzzwindrip; 03-04-2016 at 11:01 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 03-04-2016, 11:07 PM
agksimon's Avatar
agksimon agksimon is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Michigan, USA
Posts: 834
Likes: 232
Liked 272 Times in 173 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Crabo View Post
Before I bought my shield, I tried my nephew's shield out at 7 yards. I used an IPSC target and loaded my 4.25 FS and the shield, and ripped off sbout three fast shots from one, than the other, then back and forth until empty. It convinced me that I wanted a shield. I did notice that the gun shot left for me.

After I bought my shield and I was spending my obligatory time in front of the tv, dry firing and shooting bad guys, I noticed that when I gripped the gun in a shooting grip, that the front of the barrel pointed a little to the left.
If the gun is pointing off in one direction, instead of straight ahead, check to make sure your bore axis is in line with your elbow. If not, practice holding it that way, until it's automatic.
__________________
NRA R.S.O. & Life Member
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 03-05-2016, 03:24 AM
ShieldUser ShieldUser is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: IN
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default

Simple recommendation: use what works for you.

I shoot low and left ( on 8 inch target at 7 yards away) only with the Shield 9mm when firing rapidly, but no problem with larger handguns. The fix for me was to pull the trigger with the joint of the index finger and hold the Shield really tight.

Another "fix" that worked was to pull the trigger with the third ( middle ) finger with the index pointing at the target and touching the top of the right side of the frame.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 03-20-2016, 09:35 PM
Crabo Crabo is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times in 6 Posts
Default

Shot a bunch of steel Friday and the palm swell and Talon grip did what I hoped it would. So far quite a success. I have a 10-8 rear sight on the gun and need to change out the front sight. I have the 10-8s on my FS and I love them.
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 03-20-2016, 10:56 PM
cardguy cardguy is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 106
Likes: 219
Liked 40 Times in 26 Posts
Default

You could just move the rear sight to the right until you hit center with your shots.
__________________
Life Member NRA
Acts 2:38-39
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 03-25-2016, 08:59 AM
CBStuard CBStuard is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Manassas Va
Posts: 437
Likes: 1
Liked 182 Times in 127 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Crabo View Post
Shot a bunch of steel Friday and the palm swell and Talon grip did what I hoped it would. So far quite a success. I have a 10-8 rear sight on the gun and need to change out the front sight. I have the 10-8s on my FS and I love them.
I am glad your grip mod is working for you. Some of the posters above sure wouldn't like a lot of my pistol grips. Most have patches of grip tape at certain spots. A couple have a thumb rest made from PC7 epoxy on the left grip. Some have something similar to what you did by using more than one layer of grip tape.These same posters could read and learn how grips are made to suit the shooter's hand here.
Randall Fung Match Grips
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 03-26-2016, 06:10 PM
madams91 madams91 is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Eastern New Mexico
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

New Shield owner here.

+1 on the grip mod. I'm in the same boat.



Working on grip, finger placement and trigger draw. These are buggaboos on all 3 of the pistols I shoot. There just a lot worse with the Shield because it is A) brand new and B) really narrow in the grip.

I'm watching threads like this one hoping to solve some problems, and mist of the advice here is reflected elsewhere. To my eye, that means it's likely to be good advice.
Reply With Quote
  #46  
Old 03-27-2016, 06:46 PM
davemil9mm davemil9mm is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 13
Likes: 4
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I try to use the 60/40 split. 60% of pressure. From my support hand and 40% from my trigger hand. Do not squeeze the grip when you squeeze the trigger.Just squeez quickly focusing on that front sight and you will hit bull at least a couple times at 7yds. Practice practice practice.
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 04-05-2016, 07:57 PM
madams91 madams91 is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Eastern New Mexico
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Quick update for the zombie thread. The adjustment in my case seems to be more trigger finger. I find that poking more finger into the trigger guard leads to a substantial reduction in the delivery of rounds well left of POA. Still a lot of work to do, but getting there.

Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #48  
Old 04-07-2016, 05:24 PM
Execpro Execpro is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Ohio
Posts: 649
Likes: 5,055
Liked 656 Times in 339 Posts
Smile Execpro

There are some good suggestions on this post, but give this some thought. If you are carrying concealed and have to draw your weapon to save your life, you don't have ANY time to think about your grip or trigger finger placement. NONE!!! Try this. With a SAFE gun, draw it many times from different positions. You should find that you will grip and press the trigger the same way. When you get to this point,go the range and from a standing position draw and fire. Do this a number of times and see where your shots go. Adjust the sights so you are hitting what you are aiming at. This is real life. Stay safe!
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 05-18-2016, 04:12 PM
madams91 madams91 is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Eastern New Mexico
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Just now seeing this. Good advice. Once things settle down a bit I intend to spend time drilling the draw from concealment with the Shield.

Right now, I'm working on drawing my 1911 from concealment. CCW class is this weekend. Then I switch to the Shield.

Aside: I'm also going to move the Shield from my home defense gun to carry, then mount my M&P FS with rail-mounted flashlight under my headboard with magnets.

It's a tactical water bed! 😉

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 05-18-2016, 06:20 PM
kramden kramden is offline
Member
Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left Cure for Shield shooting left  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 246
Likes: 14
Liked 112 Times in 81 Posts
Default

I too was shooting low and left with my Shield. The "thumbs forward" grip really corrected my shooting left . The low part was a simple adjustment of the sight picture. In other words it was ME!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Shield shooting low and left. country6220 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 28 07-12-2017 10:33 PM
M&P Shield 9 Shooting Way Low Left setxwarrior Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 122 07-11-2017 11:12 AM
New Shield 40 shooting left carld Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 32 02-18-2017 12:28 AM
Shield 40mm Shooting low/left Well Armed Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 25 08-04-2014 11:57 AM
Shield shooting left Alley Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 19 03-17-2013 04:27 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:47 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)