That is an almost identical target to what I did yesterday with my 638..... I grabbed my M&P9fs out of the bag and had to empty out a mag just to check myself.. pretty much took out the bulleye with the 9mm.. 
Finally found one
- Thread starter Dragon88
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Murdock
Member
A handgun recoils both up (usually) and toward the weakest part of the hand. So if you are right handed, the gun wants to kick up (into the soft web of the hand) and twist left, as the fingers offer less resistance than the palm to side movement. Additionally, the clockwise rotation of the bullet in the rifling causes a counterclockwise rotation of the gun in the hand, and will tend to twist the muzzle to the left side as well.
Solution is to firm up your grip if shooting one-handed, and/or squeeze harder with the left hand in a two-handed grip. Lean into the shot in your stance so that the force of recoil travels up your arms into the shoulder area. This helps you entire body to aid in controlling recoil in rapid fire.
And practice.
I am right handed and figured those effects might have something to do with it. It was curious to see most of the shots printing so consistently a couple inches left though. I realized after my range trip that I can get my hand higher behind the gun by changing my grip slightly thanks to the lack of an exposed hammer. I was holding the gun more like a standard K frame today. I will try that change at the range next time and see how it goes.
X2 here.. I actually shot a bunch single action and was further top left. I was closer to POA double action... but still top left.
That is an EXCELLENT grouping out of a snubby from 10 yards...especially since you say you are new to DA shooting. BRAVO sir, I say BRAVO.
Work on your grip as others have suggested and that ragged hole will begin to center itself.
Work on your grip as others have suggested and that ragged hole will begin to center itself.
I hit the range at S&W last nite, ran another 50 rounds through my 638. Much better results using the same WWB 38sp. target. Worked on my grip along with replacing the rubber grip with a standard wood grip, just because I had them and wanted to try them... It took me about 3 -4 rounds before I found the center of the target. Actually, still a tad to the left but much closer to the bullseye, definitely fatal shots!! Guess thats what counts. I plan on running another 100 or so rounds through it, to feel a little more comfortable carrying for SD. I like it lots!! Thanks Murdock...
neon8
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Back from the range. The 642 shot pretty well. POI seemed to be a little left, but I'm not sure if it was my fault. Keeping in mind that I am new to DAO shooting, can anyone help diagnose?
15 shots, 10 yards
That is mighty fine shooting for a snubby j frame. That will definitely hit center mass for defensive purposes.
Beans
Member
I purchased the Comp I speedloader and i can't use it with my New 642 (NIL) as it rubs against the thumb latch and will not allow the cartridges to enter the chambers/cylinders.
I will post photos tomorrow
You might try working on your DA trigger control as well, since a right handed shooter has a tendancy to push the trigger and subsequently the gun to the left when squeezing, particularly in rapid fire. Opposite way for lefties btw. I shoot ambidextrous and can easily duplicate those groups! Have you shot at 25 yards yet? Now THERE'S a challenge, even just keeping them on the paper!
I changed my grip a little today and feel confident shooting the 642. However, it is still printing left of POA as shown below. I was not pulling it left each shot, it was very consistent through 100 rounds. Should I be concerned about this, or just consider it good enough for self defense range? I would prefer it to be POA/POI but I'm guessing this is within tolerance according to S&W...
15 shots, 10 yards
15 shots, 10 yards
