First 50 shots with new shield .40 cal question??

[Chelps03]

Finally got my shield to the range and it performed flawlessly. Although I must say that I didnt shoot to get at my target. I know that there is a left and right adjustment to the shield and no up and down adjustment. My target might have been 10 Yds away should I be shooting tight groups or is the handgun thing kinda random. Just looking for some thoughts or opinions. Maybe I just need more practice? Did you guys sight yours in??? Thanks

 

[Blue9]

No need to sight in 99% from the factory. They are typically setup correctly. Before making any changes I would do a couple things
1. Practice
2. Have someone that is experienced with handguns shoot it and see how that goes.
3. You could bench it and see how it shoots from a rest.

 

[TucsonMTB]

No need to sight in 99% from the factory. They are typically setup correctly. Before making any changes I would do a couple things
1. Practice
2. Have someone that is experienced with handguns shoot it and see how that goes.
3. You could bench it and see how it shoots from a rest.

I believe Mr. Blue9 nailed it.

Shooting from a rest at a relatively short distance (maybe 7 yards) is a great way to start. When shooting without any support, you will find that lots of things change your point of impact including how much of your finger is on the trigger.

Once you see how well the gun works when held steady and right on target, you can work on your shooting skills to achieve the same results without a rest. In may take a while. So, don't be afraid to return to the bench for some shooting from a rest as a confidence builder.

At our range, the benches are low enough to allow you to sit in a chair and rest the heels of your hands on the nice carpeted top. That works at least as well as resting the pistol itself on something and in many cases works better.

Best of luck! We have all gone through this learning experience at some time or another.

Oh, and this "target" labeled with some of the common shooting errors may amuse you and reinforce the value of shooting from a rest position.

 

[tpham32]

That is an awesome chart.

 

[Pisgah]

Shooting a small DA-only pistol can be a challenge, even for shooters with plenty of experience with other types of handguns. Don't underestimate the value of dryfire practice in the learning process. Pick a small target, line your sights up on it, and concentrate on keeping that front sight where it needs to be. You don't need to worry too much over front-rear sight alignment, but keep that front sight on target all the way through the trigger stroke, making whatever grip/finger position changes needed to accomplish that goal.

This kind of practice between shooting sessions can make an almost miraculous improvement in accuracy over a very short time.

 

[hogwylde]

Although I must say that I didnt shoot to get at my target. Maybe I just need more practice? Thanks

I'd say start by shooting to get the target.

 

[Bozz10mm]

The first time out with my Shield, I was totally underwhelmed, even disappointed. After a lot of dry fire and my second trip to the range, there was a vast improvement. The heavy trigger takes some getting used to and dry fire is the best way to do that. Get a good sight picture and practice until you can press the trigger consistently without the sights moving.

 

[cgkooz]

Just yesterday I took mine to the range and mine is shooting left. Upon inspection of the rear sight i can clearly see it is to far to the left. Yes I could be a grip issue but dont rule out the firearm.

 

[djk158]

I too found my Shield shooting to the left.

 

[RobzGuns]

Besides shooting from a rest, to see if it's you or the gun, Start off at a modest 3yds. Don't just slap up a target at 10yds and hope to hit something your fist time out... especially with a Subcompact.

Any time I get a new pistol, I start at 3yds until I'm satisfied with my grouping and accuracy. Many times, this is only 1 or 2 mags, sometimes more. Only then, do I move out to 5yds and repeat, then 7yds, then 10yds. I've never had to adjust the sights on any of my pistols.

DAO, SA and Striker Fire triggers all shoot different... Full Size shoot different from Compacts and Subcompacts... and all take some getting used to when switching platforms.