When to adjust the sights?

[BB1776]

So, I have been shooting rifles and shotguns for 20 years or so but have just recently got into hanguns. I just got a Sig p239 9mm and have put about 500 rounds through thus far. I seem to be consistently shooting it 4" left @ 15 yards while my brother (who has shot handguns a lot longer than myself) is about 1" left.

Should I bite the bullet and get a sight adjuster to rectify the situation or do I try to change how I am shooting first?

I also have a .357 mag that I shoot dead-on at 25 yards and have never adjusted the sights.

[Kwikvette]

Have someone else shoot your P239, preferably someone that shoots well.

If he/she shoots dead center, or close to, have that person watch your shooting.

Could be something as simple as your grip, squeezing your hand while you pull the trigger, too much finger on the trigger, etc.

I assume you're right handed?

[RandyD]

A firearm will have a different point of impact for every shooter. This is due to the forces each shooter applies to the firearm during the firing process and while the bullet is traveling through the barrel.

If you are getting consistent groups, then I would say a sight adjustment is in order.

[k1dude]

Find the best pistol shooter you know and have them test it. Shooting left is typical of right handers with poor technique.

If it's consistently 1" left for the best pistol shooters you know, then drift the rear sight accordingly. But don't drift it 4" to accommodate your incorrect shooting.

Pistol shooting is not easy and is very unforgiving of poor technique. It takes a lot of time and rounds downrange to get good. It also takes a lot of maintenance work to remain good.

Do a bunch of dry fire practice.

[patriot_man]

Rest the handgun on the bench and support it with your bag or a sandbag and shoot to see how far off you are mechanically.

I would not move the sight as a crutch to your shooting habits. If anything I would get one of those laser dry fire rounds and dry fire as much as possible.

[softmentor]

agreed to do a bench rest test or have experienced and accurate shooter shoot it.
But try this first. Most common reason for this, I believe, is pushing with your trigger pull. Try putting the trigger at the center of the pad of your finger, instead of having the edge into the grove of the first joint. Try some dry fire and watch what the muzzle does. You should be able to see quite easily if the tip is pushing left as you pull the trigger. Try different finger positions and see if you get different results. The next step is to try different amounts of strong hand grip/squeeze, both hand push pull pressure, and general grip pressures and positions. It is great if the most natural grip works, but sometimes you have to "make a new natural" by finding what works until your hands are "quiet" then do the repetitions for the mussel memory to take effect.

[smak28]

I'm very surprised no one mentioned it yet and others may have implied it, but you need to learn the fundamentals of shooting handgun...no offense OP, but it just seems obvious to me, especially that the other person is only shooting 1" left while you're shooting 4" left. You are using too little trigger finger if you are shooting left, so it's just a matter of trigger placement and discipline that will resolve that problem.

[philc]

This is just my opinion and i will probably get flamed for it. But go on and adjust your sights. If you are having issues while not under stress, imagine the how much worse it will be if you are under stress, nervous, and adrenilen flowing. Your 4" to the left is likely going to turn into a miss.

If you have the time and money to get a lot of practice in, that is the best way to go. But in the short term, it is not the worst idea to tailor your firearm suit your needs. My .02 cents.

The decision will probably depend on what your immediate needs and goals are.

[Trriemferent]

OP... do the sights look off center? If not I wouldnt change them. I went from shooting a polymer frame (MP9) to shooting the P239 and it took a while to get used to it. The P239 is very accurate once you get used to it so I would keep putting more rounds through it.

[9mmepiphany]

My rule of thumb has always been that you shouldn't shift your sights to compensate for a smaller displacement than the group size you can hold.

So, if you are shooting a 1"-2" group on the target at 15 yards and that group is 4" to the left, you might be justified in moving your sights...but, you should always check your fundamentals first. The biggest hint should be the different POI between you and your brother

The easiest test is to have a better shooter test fire your gun, the best solution is to get some professional instruction

[Cokebottle]

Could be something as simple as your grip, squeezing your hand while you pull the trigger, too much finger on the trigger, etc.

I assume you're right handed?

Too much trigger finger will pull right as the grip tightens.
Too little will push left.

If brother is 1" left and you are 4" left, that means that EITHER brother has the same problem, and aims right to compensate for it, or you are pulling left at the trigger break.

[tbc]

1 inch to the left from 15 yards is an amazing shot. I would not change a thing. Being the target closer (7 yards) and work on the fundamental.


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[Kwikvette]

Too much trigger finger will pull right as the grip tightens.
Too little will push left.

If brother is 1" left and you are 4" left, that means that EITHER brother has the same problem, and aims right to compensate for it, or you are pulling left at the trigger break.

You're right, I confused "too much" for "too little" I swear, I don't usually have that problem

Either way, I suggest someone stand over the OP and watch his shooting...then again I'll be repeating myself.

[hambam105]

When you know it's you then absolutely adjust the sights.

In level one type pistol shooting classes where an emphasis is on accuracy, and not buying southern Nevada gated community condominiums, it's common to see about two or three percent of the shooters with adjustable sighted pistols having the rear sight cranked all the way to one side.

If you can't put 23 out of 25 shots on a playing card at 7 yards something is definitely FUBAR.

[BB1776]

Thanks for the advice, folks. I just find it weird that I can shoot my .357 mag more accurately at 25 yards than I can my 9mm at 15 yards. Granted the .357 is 10oz heavier with a .6" longer barrel but, still, the 9mm kicks SO much less. Also, I have put a lot more rounds through the revolver so that is probably a factor. After considering the above input, here is my plan:

1) practice with snap caps and get one of those laser snap caps to practice with, too. I had no idea those laser caps even existed before this thread!
2) be mindful of my trigger pull/grip/etc and adjust if that is the problem
3) bring a sandbag to the range next time to find what degree I am off vs. the sights
3) (if poi is off from sandbag) adjust sights
4) continue to practice w/ caps and at range to correct operator error