Free For All Friday 12-5-2014: Shooting Low and Flame Wars…
When I launched this site three years ago, it went live with a handful of guides and some articles that, in looking back, make me cringe a bit to read. After about three months…and I don’t remember exactly which article it was…. after I posted it I had the following thought: “I am now completely out of ideas.” Then, the next week, I posted another article and again I said “That’s the last one I’m going to be able to write. I have no more ideas.” For three years I’ve been panicking and telling myself that every time I post an article. My biggest fear at the moment is that some day, I’ll be right.
Thank goodness for Free For All Friday!
I just got back from the range. I have a S&W 9sdvue. 9mm. Both my son and I shot it. We both had the same experience, when we aimed high, or above the target, we hit it square. Otherwise, it was always low. It seems to both of us that the sights were off. The gun shot consistently that way. By comparison, when we shot our Ruger 100, we were on target all the time. Is it really our grip/shooting or could the sights really be off on the gun? If it is the sights, how do I fix it? -Skylar R.
Every gun’s ergonomics are different and it is entirely possible that a gun just doesn’t jive with your body’s set up and I’ve experienced it myself. There have been a couple guns that I just had trouble shooting. It has been said that once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth. Blaming the gun should always be the “whatever is left” option.
Any time someone is shooting low, I first examine their trigger technique. Jerking the trigger is a guaranteed way to shoot below point of aim. The triggers on semi-auto pistols can be a bit funky so it’s easy to start jerking them and not even realize it. Barring that, I’d look into getting a laser bore sight. There are universal ones available that you put in via the barrel. Follow the instructions, turn on the laser then aim and see if the sights line up with the dot. Keep in mind, most pistols are sighted few quite a few feet away (15-25 yards) so there might me a couple inch difference depending on where you’re aiming. If it lines up, it’s technique and you should re-examine the first tip. If it doesn’t line up, time to get your sights adjusted. Depending on your sights, you can either do it yourself or you’ll need to take it to a gunsmith.
What are your thoughts on the great platform debate for carry? Striker fired vs. double action vs. single action autos. -Steve G.
Ah, the great striker/double/single debate. Few questions have caused more forum fights and gun range arguments. To invoke this question is to bring fire and destruction upon the land. It was only a matter of time before it got asked here. Well, I guess it’s time we answered it. Hey Look! Something distracting!
Oh…you’re still here? That didn’t work, huh? Ok, well let’s do this.
All kidding aside, the best answer to this question isn’t as exciting or complicated as the flame wars would have you believe. The best one for carry is whichever one you have practiced with the most. See? I told you it was going to be a let down. There are equal amounts of arguments for and against each one. It is a perpetual stalemate. Logic would say that if there is no clear answer for one trait, look to other traits of a gun. At that point the best thing to look for is a gun you’re comfortable with. Every person is different and every situation is different. What may not be ideal for the most part may be a person’s only choice. When it comes to each, they all work fine given the majority of situations out there. There also isn’t one gun that can take care of all situations. When you tally things up, they’re all neck and neck.
Thanks for the questions!
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