Accuracy Conundrum.

B

Blindstitch

New member
I have a Smith and Wesson SD9VE and when I take my time and focus a lot on my shooting and mostly on trigger pull I can hit the center of the target and about a 2 inch pattern out of say 10 shots.

But if I don't focus so hard and take a lot of time I usually have a pattern 2 inches to the left of center at 10 yards. This isn't rapid fire by any means. But should I adjust my sights so that faster pattern hits the center more often or just leave it as is and try to figure things out. I'm not a major hand gun user but I have 700 or so rounds through my SD9VE.

Now when I shoot my wives Ruger SR22p I can make nice 2 inch patterns on the bullseye taking my time or rapid fire.

I don't have anyone that I know I can hand my 9mm to and see what accuracy should be. But I'm looking. It would be nice to have a target that looks like i'm not only using the left side.

I've watched a lot of videos on NSSF to figure out what i'm doing and may eventually pay for classes. Just looking for solutions or ideas.
 
I am assuming you are right handed. Shots left of point of aim is a common issue for right handers. With the pistol clear and empty, get your natural grip on the pistol and see where your index finger engages the trigger. My guess is you are first contacting the right front of the trigger instead of center. When you squeeze the trigger from the right front contact, it takes the barrel left. Try adjusting your grip so that you are contacting the middle of the trigger and taking the trigger straight to the rear. My guess is that will fix the issue. Hope this helps.
 
It's a common problem and mostly is the result of an improper grip and trigger pull.
Unfortunately, it's not very correctable long distance.
And even video might not be much help.
It really takes someone in the know to be right there and watching.
Getting expert instruction is probably the best bet.
In the meantime, search this forum and some of the youtube videos on the subject.
It's been discussed endlessly and there's plenty of good info.
 
Saleen322,
You are absolutely correct.

I wish I had another 9mm to shoot along side it. I had an instructor give me a brief overview and watch me when I was at an indoor range with a rented Glock 19 in vegas and I shot just fine.

I've been kicking around changing the double jointed trigger for one of the apex triggers with the center blade.
 
The smith SD is a decent inexpensive gun. But they are not known for their triggers. It is no surprise that you are fighting the trigger pull.


More practice, and the apex parts and you'll have a decent enough trigger IMO, at least comparable the the Glock 19. Or you could just trade the gun in on a Glock 19.
 
I also have a SD9VE that II shoot left. I originally thought it was a sight problem until I realized that all of my handguns (Taurus 38 Special revolver, TCP, Hi-Point C9, Rough Rider, HP-22 and Ruger Mark III) shot left. The double actions and harder triggers were worse than the single action and lighter triggers. I figured they all couldn't have the same problem and after looking at Youtube videos and talking with a retired FBI agent, I discovered it was me. It's the finger and it's hard to unlearn 55 years of bad habits. Do a Youtube search for shooting left or shooting low and left. Some videos are very good and some are no so good. I also found that the weight of the gun has an impact on how much I pull the shot. The heavier the gun, the more accurate I am. I think that is part of the reason it was more obvious with the SD9VE.

I consider myself in training at nearly 68 years old and I try to shoot a mag or two in my back yard nearly every day.
 
I put the APex parts into an SD for someone, and I was not impressed with the results.


The trigger feels sluggish when traveling forward. (reset)


I installed the springs and the replacement trigger. I had to tweak the trigger, as it would not travel far enough forward to allow the trigger to reset properly.


The sluggish feeling may be due to the trigger being a little wide and binding/rubbing on the frame, so it may be fixable with a little sanding.

The owner isn't worried about it, so I won't mess with it farther.
 
I have the Apex spring kit and think it helped a bit over stock.

As for upgrading to a Glock 19 I don't think so. It was ok but it was blah. I have a feeling my next purchase will probably be a 1911 and after that something in 9mm that I believe is small/big enough to actually CCW and not feel naked.

I'm still primarily a rifle guy and use handguns for range fun.
 
You want a straight-back-trigger pull. I feel like it wouldn't be too difficult to adjust/fix because you shoot well in slow fire. The advantage you're finding to slow fire is the trigger moves slower and you're pushing to the left at a slower pace/less. If you can figure out a straight rearwards trigger pull, it'll help whether slow or fast fire.

Hinged trigger or solid trigger doesn't really affect this. A heavier trigger pull doesn't exclude it either, but it will more easily show any habits. Try holding your hand in front of my face making a V with your fingers and thumb. If you add your wrist into the picture, it should be in the shape of a Y. This is how your (right) dominant hand holds the pistol with recoil directed straight into the bones of your wrist (not the meat of your thumb). Looking at the Y, close the fingers slowly making a fist. See the path your index finger travels? (finger tip moves to the left most of the way) That's *not what you want to do: we don't want to simply bend the trigger finger the same way as when you make a fist. Because left-ward friction against the trigger face or sides will push the trigger to the left as the shot breaks.
Then I figure out what joints need to move less in order for the finger tip to travel in an *unnatural straight line towards the rear. How much trigger finger do I need to have on the trigger - was it too much or too little? Then try with the unloaded pistol in hand. Your goal will be to have the pad of the finger traveling straight back towards you at the moment the sear breaks and continuing through the overtravel.
 
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Wish I had your problem!Seriously if I had to deal with this I'd correct 1" and concentrate hard,plus read and re-read all the great posts above.
 
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