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I can't shoot a 9MM!

So I shoot my BHP 9MM today with some handloads and I shot like crap! Whether its loads with TG, BE, or HP 38 I can't shoot a good group to save my life...well not really. Even factory 115gr ammo doesn't help. Off a sand bag or 2 hands unsupported, still nothing to write home about.

I can shoot my 1911 .45, .40 Sig DAO, and my S&W model 19 into nice groups at 15 yards. I've shot my brothers and son in laws 9mms and I do not like my groups. Sight alinement, trigger control, etc all good but can not seem to shot 9 very well. I've shoot good groups with a .50 Desert Eagle but not with a 9mm. Yes, Yes, I need more practice but maybe 9mm just doesn't like me.

Maybe a 1911 in 9mm. Glock? I'd rather not. Anyhoo just venting from a not so good day at the range which is still a good day compared to other things. Thanks for looking.
 
So I shoot my BHP 9MM today with some handloads and I shot like crap! Whether its loads with ...

In my own experience, the amount of recent handling and firing I've done with a given sidearm matters quite a lot. As many say, it's definitely a perishable skill.

I'm convinced there's something about "muscle memory" when it comes to "becoming one with the gun" in terms of accuracy, on any sidearm. For me, it's mostly about the balance and my getting comfortable and really accurate with that balance. The given recoil signature can matter. A gun with more heft tends to work better for me, something with a heavier and longer slide ... like the Browning Hi-Power for example . But, even with guns I've shot well with, if I don't keep up with it through frequent shooting, my accuracy suffers until I get back to that point of where the gun's will to point seems a simple extension of my own hand.

If you want, send the BHP to me and I'll wring it out for ya. :D
 
It’s the GUN!!!.......at least that’s the excuse I use.
I liked the recoil impulse on my brothers MP 9. It was more of a push and it spread evenly in the web of my hand but still couldn't group. My BHP seems snappier and my thumb feels it on the left edge of the frame. I have been wanting to try some wrap around grips, maybe a thicker grip will fit my hand better.

God I hope I don't have to buy another gun till I find a 9mm I can shoot:rolleyes:.
 
I had 3 different nines. I couldn’t shoot any of them well. I bought a Colt 1911 and thought I found heaven. Then a cousin let me shoot his Beretta Px4 Storm in 40 S&W. It’s my favorite shooter, now. I might be weird or I got lucky but it fits and shoots like a dream. I have Colts, Sigs and Glocks but I shoot best with the Beretta. I highly recommend them!
 
So I shoot my BHP 9MM today with some handloads and I shot like crap! Whether its loads with TG, BE, or HP 38 I can't shoot a good group to save my life...well not really. Even factory 115gr ammo doesn't help. Off a sand bag or 2 hands unsupported, still nothing to write home about.

I can shoot my 1911 .45, .40 Sig DAO, and my S&W model 19 into nice groups at 15 yards. I've shot my brothers and son in laws 9mms and I do not like my groups. Sight alinement, trigger control, etc all good but can not seem to shot 9 very well. I've shoot good groups with a .50 Desert Eagle but not with a 9mm. Yes, Yes, I need more practice but maybe 9mm just doesn't like me.

Maybe a 1911 in 9mm. Glock? I'd rather not. Anyhoo just venting from a not so good day at the range which is still a good day compared to other things. Thanks for looking.

Condolences - I had a bad range day the other day but it beat being at work.....
 
Everyone has bad days. If you always shoot the High Power badly... welcome! I am extremely middle of the pack generally, but hold my own there. High Powers do not work well for me, and even with rounded hammers bite me! Finally been long enough (years!) since I even tried I have no easily visible scars!

I also found I don't shoot Glocks well. Not badly, just always a bit slower, less accurately. So, sold them. I do M&Ps well so have leaned into those.

LOTS of 9 mm pistols are around. Way way way way way more than in any other caliber. Try a bunch out, and buy... several :) Seriously, try to find a range with rentals and see if they will set a deal (vs each being an individual rental) to do a few through each of a series for a discount. Find what you shoot well.

And since mentioned: if you really like 1911s then in 9mm it is delightful. Really, just so good feeling when you pull the trigger it is like it was made for it. Suggested if you like metal and don't need capacity.
 
Sometime experience is a bad thing. I teach a lot of new shooters and if they follow instructions well it doesn't matter what gun you put in their hands. Your brain has been conditioned for a certain feel and it will compensate, though it does so in error, to make the gun FEEL right. Get back to basics and I bet your problem goes away.
 
Keep shooting it , shooting pistol is nothing like rifle or shotgun... Dry fire and real fire and it will come around... You can't expect to pick up a new pistol or one you don't shoot alot and expect great thing's... Ammo is hard to find but at least three times a week for awhile will help tremendously.... More is better.... Only load five rounds and shoot controlled slow shots focus on the front sight and SQUEEZE the trigger... That way you're arms don't get tired , reload , mark off target and repeat.... Don't be afraid to stop for awhile when you get tired.... Remember like all sports some days just suck...
 
I had carpal tunnel surgery on July 20th for my right hand. Left hand was done August 3rd.

Tried shooting my 1911 last Sunday.
Squeezed the trigger & dropped my pistol. :eek:
After a lot of bad words strung together as one and shaking of both hands, i shot in my 257 Roberts AI.
 
So I shoot my BHP 9MM today with some handloads and I shot like crap!....


It might not be you.

I have a Smith and Wesson 9 Compact that was as new, had totally unacceptable accuracy, and I know they aren't made for shooting groups.

However, I dropped a Wilson barrel into it, and the change was way beyond my expectations.

Jim
 

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