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Author Topic: Leftward the Lead  (Read 7453 times)

Offline Writer_Ron

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Leftward the Lead
« on: September 23, 2011, 11:28:26 PM »
Ever since I read (on this forum) that you have to pull the R-9's trigger sincerely, I haven't experienced a single FTF. Speer, Federal, Winchester, Fiocchi, S&B. Hornady, and even a couple of odd brands all go bang with boring regularity.

However, almost every shot goes to the left, because my sincere trigger pull also pulls the pistol left. I took my R-9 to the range today; all of my reasonably tight target patterns were a few inches to the left ... except:

1. A few shots that I intentionally aimed to the right.

2. A few shots made with a two-handed grip.

For the record, I don't get the same leftward shift with my S&W revolver, when I shoot it double action. (At least I don't think I do.)

Any thoughts?
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Offline backupr9

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2011, 11:49:35 PM »
Low left is common, particularly with short/light weapons and is usually a sign of jerking the trigger or "pushing" the pistol in anticipation of recoil.  A very firm grip/wrist will help, and pull the trigger straight back with the middle of the end of the trigger finger.  Clearly a firm two handed grip works also.  I suffer the same malady at times and when free firing off the front sight alone I make it a point to aim a little to the right.
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Offline backupr9

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2011, 11:51:16 PM »
PS:  welcome to the forum.  Great guys here, and someone with more knowledge than I will probably be able to help you more.
John
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Offline kjtrains

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2011, 09:23:25 AM »
Quote
Ever since I read (on this forum) that you have to pull the R-9's trigger sincerely, I haven't experienced a single FTF. Speer, Federal, Winchester, Fiocchi, S&B. Hornady, and even a couple of odd brands all go bang with boring regularity.

However, almost every shot goes to the left, because my sincere trigger pull also pulls the pistol left. I took my R-9 to the range today; all of my reasonably tight target patterns were a few inches to the left ... except:

1. A few shots that I intentionally aimed to the right.

2. A few shots made with a two-handed grip.

For the record, I don't get the same leftward shift with my S&W revolver, when I shoot it double action. (At least I don't think I do.)

Any thoughts?

Ron.  Backupr9 has said it well.  Follow those rules and shooting to the left will improve.    
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Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.  Abraham Lincoln

Offline Richard S

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2011, 10:44:53 AM »
Ron:

Here is a diagnostic target I have found to be helpful:


Good shooting!

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Offline backupr9

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2011, 10:58:18 AM »
Richard S:  EXCELLENT!  Should be also noted that a combination of several faults, especially slapping and pushing, result in various leftward strikes.  Thanks for posting.  John
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"Those who would sacrifice a little freedom for a little order, will lose both, and deserve neither." 
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Offline Writer_Ron

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #6 on: September 24, 2011, 11:05:23 AM »
The diagram is great. I'm going to put a copy in my range bag. Thanks.

There's no doubt that I'm pulling to the left ... also yanking, tugging, torquing, and twisting.

WHAT do I do about it? How do I shoot a small pistol that requires a determined trigger pull, using a one handed grip.

I'm willing to practice -- but I really don't know how to eliminate the leftward pull.

Ron
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Offline Aglifter

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #7 on: September 24, 2011, 11:49:39 AM »
What do you mean by "determined" pull?  Has the trigger weight increased over the years?  (I bought my pup awhile ago.)  

The manner in which you pull the trigger should have no relevance to the effectiveness of the hammer.  

Dry fire, while focusing on the front sight, is the traditional remedy.  I find the pup too difficult to shoot w. two hands, but I have very large hands.  
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Offline Richard S

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #8 on: September 24, 2011, 12:06:34 PM »
Ron:

As Aglifter notes, dryfiring the R9 is a useful means of practice. I use ordinary Snap Caps for the purpose. There are, however, laser equipped caps to give you an idea of what your trigger pull is doing with regard to POA vs. POI. There was a discussion of the subject last year over on THR:

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-556257.html
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Offline Writer_Ron

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #9 on: September 24, 2011, 12:29:55 PM »
Quote
What do you mean by "determined" pull?  Has the trigger weight increased over the years?  (I bought my pup awhile ago.)  

The manner in which you pull the trigger should have no relevance to the effectiveness of the hammer.  


More than a year ago, kjtrains advised me as follows:

"Ron.  Pull the trigger like you mean it, very crisp.  You'll get use to it." That's what I meant by "determined pull."

Back then, I had experienced a few "non resets" of the trigger -- and one or two FTFs. I've spent most of my life squeezing triggers slowly (except while shotgunning).

Since then, I have been pulling my R-9's trigger "like I mean it." Therein (I think) lies the source of my leftward twist.

Ron

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Offline kjtrains

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #10 on: September 24, 2011, 12:45:30 PM »
Ron.  I still stick to that advice; add, pulling the trigger straight back without the jerk or twist of the wrist will improve your shot pattern, for sure.  Now how do you do that?  As you mentioned, practice.  
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Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.  Abraham Lincoln

Offline backupr9

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #11 on: September 25, 2011, 12:39:26 PM »
That diagram is so good that I made copies...one for the range bag, but a bunch that I'm going to finish with a red bulls eye in the center to use as targets....instant feedback!
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Offline Reinz

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Re: Leftward the Lead
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2011, 01:07:05 AM »
Speaking as a competitive shooter, the only thing I can add to everyone's helpful posts is one, I can assume by pulling your shots to the left that you are right - handed.

And two just "smooth up " that deliberate trigger pull, you are being too jerky with the trigger.  Which will come with more concentrated practice.  Whether dry fire, live, or both.

Good Luck and Good Shooting
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