Newbie to guns and Forum

[Importpower99]

Hello all,
I recently purchased my first gun which is a SD40 last weekend and finally had the chance to take to the range. It started off good but I ended up leaving depressed. Since I was a first time shooter the range employee told me to start off with a .22 to see how I do. I did well with the .22 at 15 yards but not so good at 25 yards, although my groupings were on par, so they said I could proceed to use my pistol.
When I told them what gun I had they frowned and said that people shoot poorly with that gun because of the long trigger pull and I should expect to see the tip of the gun dip. And sure enough that did happen and showed on my targets as all my groupings were now at the bottom. Now obviously my poor grip technique, stance, and follow through are poor since I am new, but I was hoping someone here could give me some pointers or links to videos that could help me out. The employees at the range were helpful since it wasn't busy and they did give me tips on proper gun gripping, and stance. I have read on here that some people are fine with the heavier trigger pull and some are not, should i purchase the trigger kit from Apex tactical?
I know practice makes perfect because 3 of the last 10 rounds that I shot ended up dead center, but the other 7 were still in the grouping below.
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[hsmith9491]

Practice,practice,practice then more practice. You will improve each range time. You yourself stated that the last three rounds ended up dead center. Don't go changing trigger. Master what you have first. I know you can do it and good luck. Post again after you send about 1000 rounds down range.

 

[J Rich]

X2 on what hsmith said.


Keep your front sight on your target, don't pull the gun down. Practice dry firing the trigger pull is the same loaded or not, BUT be sure the gun is unloaded when dry firing. Here is a video it's good IMO great grip and stance.


NOW don't let others get you down!!!!!!!! Watch some videos find what works best for you. Practice dry firing and watch your front sight as you pull the trigger. Control that muzzle drop!

Happy shooting!


HANDGUN SHOOTING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES - YouTube

 

[bdmoss88]

Yes, keep practicing. I've been to the range four times since getting my SD40VE and have improved each time.

 

[doublestack]

Welcome to the forum. Double Action triggers do take some getting used to. Keep practicing. There's good advice on here. Once you get used to it you'll like it. I use a slow trigger pull, concentrating on pulling straight back and keeping sights lined up. The more you shoot it, the more you'll like it. Keep posting, you'll be surprised how fast you'll progress.

 

[BTCat]

Double Action 8lb

Welcome, Import. I am relatively new to the forum and the SD40VE as well. The double action, 8lb trigger is much more challenging to me than my .380 which has a double/single. Two things I have been working on are my grip and my trigger pull. I am trying the thumbs forward hand placement, like the guy in the video link. I have been dry firing while concentrating on my front sight to make sure my trigger finger isn't pulling me off target. As much has to do with right hand strength of grip. I am gripping more firmly with my left (I am right handed). If I have a right hand death grip, I can't pull the trigger without dropping my front sight.

I have decided to stay away from the trigger kit until I am fully acclimated to the stock setup.

Whenever I can get more ammo maybe I can tell how things are progressing.

 

[J Rich]

Why are yall having such a problem with the SD 8# trigger? Grab a Sigma with a 12# trigger and don't venture to a P11.

 

[Importpower99]

Thanks for all the advice, I guess I will hold off on the trigger mod for now. I will practice dry firing and stance techniques from the video you posted and return to the range next month. I will report back with an update.

 

[snubbyfan]

Check this thread for more info. Good luck, don't get discouraged, have lotsa fun and let us know on your progress.
Oh and welcome from the panhandle of West Virginia.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/291757-1st-time-shooter.html

 

[USAF385]

Welcome to the forum! Just keep practicing. It's a good introductory firearm considering the cost and ease of operation / maintenance.

That being said, I did put in the apex trigger kit and definitely feel it is an improvement. The pull is just as long, only lighter.

 

[JaPes]

Dude, all you need to do is practice. Just make sure you're applying the proper fundamentals: grip, stance, sights, trigger press. You can do an internet search for "pistol shooting diagnostic target", locate the one for your strong hand, and it will clue you in on the issues you need to correct.

Do not be discouraged. Do not fall into the false belief that a heavy trigger press is an unsurmountable challenge. If you learn to shoot a stout trigger well, lighter triggers become a convenience not a necessity.

 

[gwpercle]

For a first timer you are doing very well, nothing to be depressed about. Most people have trouble hitting the target much less having 3 hit dead center with 7 close by. It just takes practice. I took up handloading so I could have enough ammo to practice with. Shootin a handgun is the most difficult of all. Believe me you are doing good and will improve.
Welcome to the forum...gary

 

[BBauer927]

As everyone mentioned practice your *** off. Especially with a snappy .40 like the SD. Luckily, there is nothing more fun to practice than to practice shooting! When I leave the range I'm often already thinking about the next time I can go.

Also attached a few pistol aiming charts for you, as mentioned earlier these are great for learning what areas exactly you need to work on based on where your shots are ending up.

Happy shooting! Practice! Practice! Practice!

 

[BTCat]

Check this thread for more info. Good luck, don't get discouraged, have lotsa fun and let us know on your progress.
Oh and welcome from the panhandle of West Virginia.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/291757-1st-time-shooter.html

Excellent info on that thread. Thanks for posting the link