M&P Shield 9mm - Shoots Low and Left

[streetshot]

First, I'm relatively new on the forum but not new to firearms and these S&W forums are an amazing resource. Thanks to everyone!

My question concerns my year-old Shield. Consistently it has been shooting low and left both at 7 and out at 15 yards. I know I can adjust the front sight to zero in the left-right issue but the consistent low seems to be a problem. Unless I missed something in the manual (and looking at the rear sight) there is no elevation adjustment.

Thus far I have not done a thing to the sights, they are exactly as they came from S&W. The trigger has had some work and it is now to my liking.

What thoughts do you have?

Many thanks!

 

[OKFC05]

What thoughts do you have?

You are the 2,147th (approx.) new shooter I have contacted who needs to learn how to hold the pistol, control the trigger, and control recoil. A class from a qualified instructor is the quick and easier way.

99% sure the gun is fine.

A small light gun like the Shield is harder to learn on than, say, a 5" M&P Pro 9, but it can be done.

how to shoot a handgun video - Bing Videos

 

[OS-Wiz]

More than likely the sights are on from the factory. Possibly trigger control -- I had same issue when I first started shooting my Shield. The following chart might give you some insight into the issue. One thing I do during trigger squeeze is to imaging pulling the front sight through the rear sight.
Right hand chart -- simply reverse for left hand

 

[CatSnipah]

I had the same issue at first. Going from a full size or compact down to the Shield..I had too much trigger finger on the trigger. The grip size threw me a bit, so I had to train myself to reposition my trigger finger to ensure I wasn't pulling myself off target.

Nary a problem since.

 

[Bud33]

First, be sure you are not squeezing the whole hand instead of just the trigger.
Second. take your shooting stance and close your eyes. Now bring the gun up to shooting position and open your eyes. Adjust your stance so you come up on the center each time.

 

[MichiganScott]

Old double action revolver shooters seldom have the low/left problem because we are used to trigger control, sight control, and follow through with our M&P's. A shooter that transitions from a 1911, a rifle, or a DA revolver shot SA is unaware just how far the trigger finger will pull the barrel low/left in that microsecond where the M&P trigger moves that last little bit prior to let off.

The solution is trigger time, preferably dry firing the gun with no live rounds anywhere near. Recoil covers up the problem and the shooter tends to think it's a gun issue, not operator error.

 

[RobzGuns]

Search any pistol forum (including this one) for the key words 'Low Left' and you'll see dozens, if not hundreds of threads just like this one. It's a very common topic with people new to the Shield, Nano, LC9/9S, PF-9, basically every 3" barreled Subcompact that are transitioning from Full-Size, or Service pistols.

While once in a blue moon it CAN be the pistol, MOST of the time it's a need to hone the basics, as heavier FS pistols can mask trigger control issues that lightweight subcompacts won't let them get away with.

As the others mentioned, do some Dry-Fire/Snap-Cap practice and see which trigger finger placement (mid pad, 1st crease, etc) allows you to achieve a straight rearward press of the trigger that won't cause you to twist the pistol.
Hopefully you'll find that it's you and not the pistol. If it IS the pistol, contact S&W Customer Service and they'll check it for you.

 

[cracker57]

All new guns shoot low and to the left for right hand shooters, don't believe me. do a search and you will see how many time this question has been asked. just kidding of course
Cracker

 

[streetshot]

Many thanks for all the generous replies. Like most I am here to learn and grow in the sport and I must say it is often humbling.

I did appreciate the Todd Jarrett video, it is one I will return to over and over I think. He does talk fast and delivers a lot of info in a compact way.

And I agree, the small form gun like the Shield requires a whole different approach. I'm far more comfortable with the 686 in single or double action...and far more accurate.

Again, I am grateful for your thoughts and help!

 

[streetshot]

All new guns shoot low and to the left for right hand shooters, don't believe me. do a search and you will see how many time this question has been asked. just kidding of course
Cracker

Thanks Cracker, guess I left myself wide open for that one. I am smiling here.

 

[streetshot]

You are the 2,147th (approx.) new shooter I have contacted who needs to learn how to hold the pistol, control the trigger, and control recoil. A class from a qualified instructor is the quick and easier way.

99% sure the gun is fine.

A small light gun like the Shield is harder to learn on than, say, a 5" M&P Pro 9, but it can be done.

how to shoot a handgun video - Bing Videos

Thanks OKFC05, make me number 2148 new handgun shooter. The video is excellent and dead on.

 

[klbdiver]

I too experience the same low left groups when firing my M&P 9 Shield. I also shoot a Glock 23 .40 and they are all center groupings. I've been shooting for 1.5 years now on a regular basis. Before moving my sights, I tried compensating by moving my sight picture upper right to see where my rounds go on the target. When I do that, of course that moves my rounds to where they should be. With that being said, do I need to change my technique or adjust the front sight?

 

[AirForceShooter]

Step one in diagnosing POI problems.
Have someone else shoot the gun.
If they have the same problem it's the gun.
Otherwise it's you.

AFS

 

[Llando88]

Step one in diagnosing POI problems.

Have someone else shoot the gun.

If they have the same problem it's the gun.

Otherwise it's you.



AFS

^^^ This right here.

My FS9 consistently shot low and right for the longest time.

Now, a year later, and hundreds of dry presses, it shoots pretty much POI = POA, as long as I do my part.

Dang gun.

 

[Porc1148]

I had the same problem with my shield.
There was nothing wrong with the gun. It was my left arm weakness caused by a stroke I had some years ago) it was preventing me from gripping the gun properly and causing me to shoot low and left. Because the shield is a compact It was more difficult for me to grip properly. I decided to trade it in for a full size mp9. It has made a big difference for me. I also watched many u tube videos on proper pistol shooting and control. I learned a lot and getting better each time I go to the range. Keep the shield its a great little 9mm.

 

[Llando88]

I had the same problem with my shield.
There was nothing wrong with the gun. It was my left arm weakness caused by a stroke I had some years ago) it was preventing me from gripping the gun properly and causing me to shoot low and left. Because the shield is a compact It was more difficult for me to grip properly. I decided to trade it in for a full size mp9. It has made a big difference for me. I also watched many u tube videos on proper pistol shooting and control. I learned a lot and getting better each time I go to the range. Keep the shield its a great little 9mm.

Great post.

Glad it worked out for you.

Rich

 

[lancef]

a friend of mine has the same problem and i had the issue using the new gun as well. i had better grouping with my 380 BG

 

[minconrevo]

Quite possible that the white painted dots are messing with your mind. Trying blacking out all three with a Sharpie marker. I get Sharpie black off mine with ordinary gun solvent when I want white again. Concentrate on proper front sight picture as well as proper trigger press. Bet you can do that with the white dots hiding under the Sharpie.

 

[SS0317]

I sent my Shield .40 back in after myself and three of my friends couldn't hit squat with it. Even at about 15 yards 5 out of the 7 shots hit paper. All were WAY left. Brought it back to my dealer and he tried moving the REAR site. Luckily i caught him before he did anything, told him to move the front not the rear and he looked at me like I had three heads. Groups looked more like a claymore went off. And before anyone says its the shooter, we are all qualified Marine Pistol Experts. Groups and accuracy were still null even after 500 rounds of various ammo. If S&W returns the pistol and they can't find fault, ill trade it for a different Shield and hope for the best. I find it hard to believe its me, My Sig 239 with a 3.5" barrel is spot on. Maybe I need more time with the pistol. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[PHolster]

Step one in diagnosing POI problems.
Have someone else shoot the gun.
If they have the same problem it's the gun.
Otherwise it's you.

AFS

Good advice, but I would say the first step in diagnosing POI problems would be to shoot the gun from a rest. That is standard operating procedure for any new gun I get. That way I know when it is truly sighted in at. Any issue when not shooting form a rest are simply my fault.