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kx592

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I have zero use with any pistol, ive only got shotguns and rifles of all sorts, not 21 yet so I cannot purchase a pistol in my lovely state. However I will be leaving the state for a range that has guns you can rent per session and I am going to be in the police academy in a matter of months and am in need of handling a pistol before hand. I plan on shooting a Springfield XD 9mm and a glock in .40. Im looking for any insight on techniques for shooting pistols, im aware that trigger pull is crucial but thats about it. Any tips?
 
If you have access to a range that rents guns, I bet they can set you up with an instructor that would work with you for an hour or two, teaching you to run the gun and the basics of handgun shooting. It may cost a hundred bucks or so, but you will always be glad you did.
 
First I'd say get some handgun-specific instruction. That way you won't be practicing any bad habits and you will have a solid base to learn upon. Remember the safety is between your ears. Once you get the basics down, practice! Have fun sir.
 
Yes try to get some lessons!! You dont want to start poor shooting habits they can haunt you. Fine choice of weapons just be safe. and good luck to you..:D
 
If you're joining law enforcement, then find out what the issue weapon is for the department you're going into. Practice with that.

If the department lets officers choose their own handgun, the XD 9 will be an ok choice.

Choosing a handgun depends a lot on how that gun fits in your hand. Try as many as you can.

Check the laws of your state. It may be possible that it is legal for you to buy a gun from a private sale. That's the way it is in my state, 21yr olds can't buy from business, but can by through private sales.
 
The biggest hint that I can offer is to take your time shooting for accuracy at the beginning. Then those habits that you develop to be accurate will carryover naturally when shooting for speed.

Concentrate on keeping a good sight alignment throughout a slow, steady trigger pull. When the sights start aligning with the target, start gently squeezing the trigger. The sights will naturally drift off target, usually in a figure eight motion. When the sights start to drift off, maintain steady pressure on the trigger - not applying more pressure, but not letting off either. Let the sights start to come back on target and as they approach the desired point, start squeezing more. It should be a total surprise to you when the gun fires. Do not try to force the gun to fire - that is the biggest mistake most people make. Then they jerk the gun off target while trying to force it to fire. Your object is to maintain sight alignment, not to cause the gun to fire.
 
Taking the training class is probably the most reliable start. Learn on what will be you duty weapon at first. You will want to get that right.
One addition to the previous shooting technique/advice, Don't forget to focus on the front sight. It's easily forgotten, at least by me, and it makes a huge difference.
 
Alright guys thanks for the input, I believe my state is still using a sig p225? 2-20-something or other, also called a 6hour? I would also like to use that for practice however the range I plan to be going to only rents about half a dozen pistols so I chose those two since they are popular, my personal choices for future, and glock is being adopted all over for duty pistols. I will definitely look into working with an instructor their.
 
I'm no expert but I do know that different techniques work for different people. Let me suggest, though, that you take a look at this video from Todd Jarrett, an amazing shooter, and excellent teacher. Though he is using a 1911, the fundamentals are the same -- high consistent grip, thumbs parallel to slide, using pad of finger to pull trigger, and use the sights. Focus more on the font sight. The target will get fuzzy. When you're young, both rear and front sights may look clear but only one will be clear as you get older. That should be the front sight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa50-plo48
 
Well here is how I did today at the rental range. Shot glock in 9 and 40 and same for the springfield xd. I was very good with the xd 40 got about a 2" group at about 20ft. i thought that was pretty decent for first time with any pistol. glock felt way to toyish to me. What are your opinions on pros and cons to glock vs springfield XD?
 
Glock felt toyish huh.............bet it dosent feel toyish if shot with one.

Anyways,i have no cons for either.Both are great pistols.It just comes down to what feels right for you.But thats all moot if the agency you end up at issues a duty weapon other than the 2 mentioned.
 
kx592 it's up to what feels better in your hand. I don't care for the glock because of fit. But there's nothing wrong with it.

The XD is a fine gun as well and it sounds as if you like it.

I'd still look for a Sig to try out. the P220 family are very good guns. I'd take a full sized p220 before either an XD or a Glock.
 
Guns are like gurls, You never know what you're gonna get, till you get em in the sack.........;)

Some guys like Lindsay Lohan, (I'd call her a Springfield XD9)
Others like Eva Langoria, (definately a Beretta 92fs)

You just gotta hold 'em and shoot 'em to make up ur own mind. Sleep with one at your local shooting range today!
 
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