Strange trigger break question...

[jonh1373]

I am new to the forum so I hope I am not duplicating an old post. I recently purchased two pro models, 4.25" and 5" models. One for me and one for my daughter. I bought the pro models for the 4.5# trigger hoping not to have to do a trigger job. I am a longtime Glock shooter and the M&P seemed to fit my hand so I thought I would jump in. PROBLEM: when the trigger breaks, I find the barrel doing a quick snap to the right. I am experiencing this with both guns. VERY obvious when dry firing. At the range this results in grouping to the right of about 2" at 15 yards. I am a vey experienced shooter (not bragging, just getting old) and even if I am holding the gun in my lap and braced I still find this happening. Has anyone else experienced this issue?

 

[shwagondawheels]

Are you a left handed? Coming from only Glocks and revolvers as far as handguns go I keep shooting down and to the left with my M&P core that i've only put 100rds through. I was doing better with the last 20rds, I just wish the break point was higher like the Glock (just because thats what im used to), but hopefully I can figure out what im doing the next go around with the dot on it. I know its me not the gun in my case.

 

[jonh1373]

No, not left handed. I have read many posts indicating your issue of low left, that is why I was so confused with the shooting right. Still don't understand the barrel movement when dry firing.

 

[Rastoff]

Yes, I have noticed this. I believe it is partially due to us and partially due to the crappy trigger on the M&P. If the gun had less over travel this could be eliminated. I believe this to be true because it went away when I installed an Apex Forward Set Sear kit on my .45.

15 yards is a decently long way for an M&P and that 2" could just be the sights being off a little. Even so I always try to look to the shooter first.

 

[snubbyfan]

Shooting right can be from using too much trigger finger.

 

[Neumann]

There's nothing in the trigger that causes it to break right. It's in the shooter. With due respect to your experience, sometimes the basics get lost.

When you grip the pistol, do so from front to back, with as little side pressure as possible. I actually leave a gap between my palm and the right grip. If you exert side pressure, the gun will jerk when the trigger breaks.

Try to center the first joint of your finger on the trigger. Flex at the second joint, and try to keep any part of your finger from touching the frame. Concentrate on squeezing straight back along the axis of your arm.

Practice flexing your trigger finger with an empty hand, fingers partly closed but relaxed. Only your trigger finger should move. If your other fingers try to follow, practice until you can keep them still. You should be able to flex any finger, including the pinky, without the others moving. It's easier than wriggling your ears, anyway.

 

[Mr. Satchmo]

I had this issue when I first bought my gun and it bothered me that the barrel would jump, I realized it was me, not the gun. Coming from my single action XDm with a smooth trigger pull to this was a nightmare, I had to go back to my
Handgun basics and practice by dry firing with a spent casing on my front sight. After a while I mostly eliminated this. One cause was using too much trigger finger, the other was the fact that my trigger pull weight was close to 7.5 pounds, it was ridiculous! I got used to it and when I bought the apex DCAEK kit and the polymer ale trigger, it made the experience so much better.

Before you make any changes, practice with some snap caps, I catch myself using too much trigger finger sometimes And even with a new 5.5 pound smooth trigger pull and trigger, I can still make the fun jump to the right because of my trigger finger. Practice hard

 

[jonh1373]

Thanks to all for many excellent suggestions. I find that even dry firing the gun and having it in a rest that the barrel still jumps on trigger break. I think there is too much trigger travel distance after the break point to the trigger stop which allows for this movement. Just my .02 worth. I Can not duplicate it on any revolver, colt, glock or sig pistol.

 

[Rastoff]

Even from a rest? Hmmm, what kind of rest?

 

[jonh1373]

Sand bag or firm pillow, anything to eliminate any possible human factor.

 

[forrestinmathews]

I believe the slide jumps a hair left when the striker drops. Oh well it doesn't affect the accuracy.

 

[Bkreutz]

Sand bag or firm pillow, anything to eliminate any possible human factor.

Unless you have a Ransom rest or something similar, the human factor is still there. Google Image Result for https://shop.pbaimports.com.au/images/ransom_rest_shop.jpg

They aren't cheap though. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/252710/ransom-master-series-machine-pistol-shooting-rest

 

[jimjc]

I know when we are trying to squeeze out the last little refinements in our technique we tend to dwell on every little thing and sometime it`s important but if the accuracy is not suffering I tend to let it go because small things can grow into big problems and the next thing you know you're selling the gun for no good reason.

I do believe different gun grips require different holds to make them work their best. I believe the OP needs to work on grip placement with his new gun and things will work out. Jim