3913 SA Accuracy

[bjmusico]

Got a used 3913 a few months ago (California DOC, I believe). First shot accuracy in DA is always great. However, all my follow-up SA shots are off by about 4" left at around 10m. This is consistent anytime I decock, change mags, etc.

I don't have this problem with any of my other DA/SA pistols, so I don't think it's me (but won't rule it out). When I first shot it I though it was just a quirk, but it has been consistent every range trip.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[D Rock]

Have you fired it from a rest and also had someone else fire it?

The reason I ask is that the hammer is striking the FP with the same force if it's double or single action and the barrel lock up doesn't change. The only thing I see changing is how you hold the pistol while you're firing it.

I started out with revolvers, changing to auto about '08. I'm pretty used to any kind of trigger now but I always feel more comfortable with the first DA shot.

 

[bjmusico]

Got similar results from a rest. I'll need to have someone else try it. The grip on it is smaller than my other pistols, and maybe that's causing me to pull. I was just surprised at such a large consistent difference in accuracy.

I didn't think there was any likely mechanical reason for it, but just wanted to verify. Most folks seem to have the opposite problem (difficulty with DA). As with most accuracy issues, I'm sure it's the shooter.

Thanks.

 

[SOUTHERNGUNNER]

Mine did the same for me at first until I figured out that I was not used to the extra takeup in the trigger single action mode. I shoot a lot of 1911 style pistols and double or single action revolvers without issues.
Perhaps this target will help you understand some of the things that cause us to miss.
http://www.reloadbench.com/pdf/files/TargetRightHanded.pdf

 

[bjmusico]

Thanks! The "too little trigger finger" on the diagram definitely makes sense for the off-left shots. I'm amazed it was so noticeable on the 3913, but my other guns are larger/heavier (full-size Berettas) so they probably don't show it as much. I need to work on my accuracy in general. Time for some focused instruction.

 

[andrewb70]

Get the Hogue grips. They are slightly bigger, soft, and rounded. They really helped me on both a 3913 and my 457.

Andrew

 

[SOUTHERNGUNNER]

Get the Hogue grips. They are slightly bigger, soft, and rounded. They really helped me on both a 3913 and my 457.

Andrew

I agree with Andrew , I also put a set of Hogues on my 3914 and they helped a lot I have not found any yet for my 6906 but I have large hands and the double stack frame feels fine without them for now

 

[D Rock]

I have large hands myself but I find with the 3913 keeping my thumbs pointed downward helps most.

I don't like the softer Hogue grips because they catch my shirt when it's over the grip. Harder to conceal.

Dave

 

[andrewb70]

I have large hands myself but I find with the 3913 keeping my thumbs pointed downward helps most.

I don't like the softer Hogue grips because they catch my shirt when it's over the grip. Harder to conceal.

Dave

Just as a note, I have never experienced this problem. However, there are many factors that will effect this issue. Holster style, body type, clothing style, etc...

I use a Crossbreed ST, am a pretty big guy, and generally wear loose fitting shirts that are untucked. As they say, YMMV.

Andrew

 

[AITG]

Do you follow through on your shots? By that, do you hold the trigger in after the shot and then release it just until the reset click? That may help if your first shot is on the mark.

 

[bjmusico]

Thanks all for the advice.

I have the Hogue grips. Don't have too much trouble with them hanging up when I CC.

I do keep my thumbs straight, so I'll have to try shooting with them downward and see if it helps. I'll pay closer attention to my follow-through. Haven't really thought about it until now (still fairly new to shooting).

BTW, I do really like the 3913. Exactly what I hoped it would be. Perfect size for me to carry concealed, totally reliable, and comfortable to shoot. I originally chose it for my CC since it was not "plastic" and was setup like my Berettas (safety position/function, etc.). More accurate for me than my other pistols (on the first shot). Was lucky to find one near me here in Michigan after posting that I was looking on a local site. Now I just need to pick up a few more 3rd Gens!

 

[clum50]

Grip pressure, anticipation

I carried a 5906 as my duty pistol for 16 years. I too noticed that my first shot was normally really good. Prior to carring the 5906, I carried a Model 67. With revolvers, everything is double action. When I transisitioned to the semi-automatic, I too had the same problem you described.

What I found out was I really concentrated on my first shot on the semi, the mechanics much similar to my revolver. However, I was getting sloppy with the single action follow up shots because mentally, I knew the follow up shots were all single action (less trigger movement, less trigger pressure, and really important, grip pressure). Bad habits started forming such as anticipating the follow up shots and pushing the gun down, or jerking the follow up shots.

Try benching your handgun with your wrist beyond the bag so your forced to support the handgun verse full rest. The mechanics and recoil will affect double and single action shots with your fist/palm on the bag. Extending your hand beyond the bags, allows you to simulate both double and single action mechanics. Now check your results. Good luck.

 

[bjmusico]

I'll definitely try the bench rest position recommended. I do focus more on the first shot and kinda creep the trigger. This probably has alot to do with it. I got alot of work to do at my next range trip.

Thanks all!

 

[lhump1961]

For me with most of my guns I find I shoot best when I "let" the bullet go down range vs. "sending" it. By that I mean that I stay focused on sight picture and trigger squeeze so that I am ready when the gun goes instead of a "ready, set...NOW!" type of approach that I have been guilty of in the past. I do the aiming and squeezing and let the gun do the shooting. When I "send" it my groups wander but if I can "let" it go I am often surprised at the better result. My 6904 keeps me honest!

Once I developed a more relaxed approach with my 6904 and 3913 it really transitioned to the 1911's and the revolvers in DA...they, all of the sudden, became tack drivers! JMHO.