Shield hitting low

[Rubone]

I have a new 40 Shield 2.0 and so far no matter what I run through it I am hitting about 4-5 inches low. I can completely cover the center of the target and it is still low. It is low at 7yds, and 15yds. I haven't bothered to try it anywhere else, but mostly at 7. I know I can hit minute of bad guy but it would be nice to see the target picture. Any ideas? Not too interested in modifying it yet.

 

[ken158]

Not knowing your level of experience but I would suggest making sure the web of hand is high on the back strap. If there is a gap or lack or hold strength the gun will shoot low. Might get an instructor to watch you shoot.

 

[sandog]

If you are covering the center of target with the front sight, and using the heaviest load (180 grain), then the next thing to try would be to get a lower front sight.
I decided I wanted to shoot 180 grain out of my PC .40, and they always hit a few inches high on the target. Had I tried some 155-165 grain, they would have hit lower, and likely been right on.

If you are already shooting 180s, then changing ammo won't help, you'll need a lower front sight to raise your groups.

 

[just plain joe]

Remember to bring the weapon up to your eyes. Don't bring your head down to the firearm. Years back another instructor was critiquing me when my shots at 25 yards were striking low. I followed his advice and it helped me greatly. YMMV.

HTH.

JPJ

 

[sandog]

Remember to bcring the weapon up to your eyes. Don't bring your head down to the firearm. Years back another instructor was critiquing me when my shots at 25 yards were striking low. I followed his advice and it helped me greatly. YMMV.

HTH.

JPJ

Even if I'd never shot a day in my life, holding out the pistol and then bringing my head down to it doesn't seem very natural in the least. I guess some might do it.

I've seen women and kids trying to shoot a long gun, and they can't seem to find where to put their head on the stock.
Usually they end up with their head back near the buttplate, and head tilted down almost horizontally. It looks painful to watch them, and it takes some doing to get them straightened out. They usually need a shorter stock too.

I guess for most of us pointing a gun came more naturally. For me, being taught by a Grandfather that was in WWI and then a Deputy Sheriff, a father that was career Army and fought in WW II and Korea, and an older brother that was a detective and who won the Nationals back in the mid 70's helped. I guess I started out right with no bad habits to break.

 

[Saudade]

Shield 2.0 in .40 is a snappy little beast. You may be pushing it down anticipating recoil.

Intermix a few snap caps in a couple of loaded mags. Try not to remember where they are, or have someone else load them for you. Now shoot. When you reach a snap cap, does your front sight dip?

 

[PHolster]

Shoot it from a rest, and evaluate. That is the only way to rule out you as a factor.

 

[armallard]

My original shield shot the same way I just compensated for it and shot a tad high but when your not taking your time you forgot the in instructor at the range shot it and done fine so it was definitely me but now my wife stole from me so I'm looking for another gun maybe the 2.0

 

[jjfitch]

Check with S&W but as I recall their combat guns (three dot sights) are regulated to shoot POA/POI at 15 yards with the front dot centered. In other words cover the POA with the dot!

If you are using a 6 o'clock POA you will see a low POI.

If shooting from a rest, be sure you are resting you wrists and not just the gun.

POA= Point of Aim
POI= Point of Impact

Smiles,

 

[sandog]

The OP said at the get-go that he was covering the center of the target with the sights. I don't think holding too low is the problem.
The solutions are always that the guy is aiming with a 6 o'clock hold, or is gripping the gun wrong.

Sometimes guns will hit lower (or higher) than the sights, even if you are doing everything correctly.
S&W, Ruger or anyone else making guns today can't have the gun leave the factory and have them dead on for every individual or a certain load, etc. You just have to experiment until you find what ammo is most accurate in your gun, and whatammo hits where you aim.
With adjustable sights, no problem, just a few clicks of the rear sight.
With fixed sights, you need to try a different weight of bullet, or if you don't want to switch weights, you'll need a different height front sight.

 

[bobrock]

Have someone else, that you know is a good shooter, shoot the gun. If it's still low, it's likely the sights.

 

[max503]

You could file off the top of the front sight. I think they design them that way so they can be targeted. Don't worry. Your gun won't melt. I like especially my carry guns to be dead-nuts accurate.

Do a good job that you will be proud of and no one will even be able to tell. Bring a clamp to hold the gun. Shoot, file, shoot. Take your time. I'm sure there's something to paint on the little patch of bare metal if need be. You could even mask the top of the slide with tape, just in case you slip or something.

And don't worry about its "collector value". It's just a run-of-the-mill Shield. It's not like its some collectible old revolver or something. You could do way more "damage" just by dropping it, laying it on a concrete table, or having it rub up against something hard in your range bag.

 

[Drm50]

Buy you a pair of boots with high heels.

 

[Rubone]

Sorry to get back to this so late. And haven't shot it since.
A couple of things, I am a pretty good shot with all my iron, have lots of calibers and makes, both pistols and revolvers. I can make a ragged hole with .40 out of my XD40 at 7yds and have run over 500 rounds through it in a two day class before.
Recoil doesn't affect me much. I have been a builder/mechanic, hands on guy all my life and have lots of hand/forearm/shoulder strength. .40 is a *****cat to me.
I have tried covering the POA and still hits low.
I have been shooting for well over 50 years, all types of weapons.
So I am ruling out technique/grip/recoil/ammo for now.