How to improve accuracy?

[locosway]

So I have a xd40 and not very experienced with handguns. This is my first. I trained with only rifles in the military. Is the sight picture different or something because I have no consistency. I've probably shot about 200 rounds thru it in about 8 months. I obviously hit the target but my groups are about 5" at about 20 feet with 2 or 3 stragglers in a 10 round magazine. Is this normal for a novice? U can't adjust sights on a handgun can u?

Get some quality instruction first, and don't waste money on more ammo. There's no point in wasting time and money by shooting ammo with the wrong technique. Someone with experience or an instructor can assist you with the basics and you will shrink your group size in minutes.

[five.five-six]

dryfire a lot, that will help

[Lead Waster]

You can't just completely dismiss fit. Some people Can't shoot with grips larger than a certain size. Some have the opposite problem to a lesser degree. Fewer, but still a significant number have shape issues due the thickness and muscle density most often of the palm swell opposite their thumb. Or am I misunderstanding what you mean by "pretty well?" To me that sounds like I should be able to shoot competently with any grip. Or perhaps you were implying varying degrees of competence and I just misinterpreted. Or maybe my definition of competent shooting is just too strict?

My Glock 21 comes to mind ... talk about a huge grip!

However, I'm excited to try some of the grips and tips mentioned in this thread the next time I go to the range!

I'm considering the basic handgun class at the local range, $300 for an 8 hour day.

[chiselchst]

I found that focusing on the front sight (vs. both sights at the same time) really improved my accuracy. YMMV...

Relax, breathe, and squeeze (as suggested - being surprised with the pop)...repeat.