Snub nose frustration.

[redcliff]

The easiest way to tell if you have a gun problem is too shoot it off a rest and try to take the shooter out of the equation to the extent possible.

And I agree with the above poster's, I find snub nose revolvers the most difficult of handguns to shoot accurately due to sight radius, heavy d.a. trigger pulls, small sights, small grips and low weight which compounds small mistakes and movement.

I really don't recommend less than 4" barrel revolvers for HD guns for most shooters.

[elSquid]

I really don't recommend less than 4" barrel revolvers for HD guns for most shooters.

Ah, but 3 inch Model 13s are soooo darn sexy.

-- Michael

[subscriber]

At 7 yards, the POI is about 8-9 inches low and to the left from POA

You are holding it too hard - try a more relaxed grip and the POI will come up.

[bsg]

for most shooters, the S&W J-Frame short barrel revolvers serve best as 'close encounters' defensive weapons. with much practice, there are those that can shoot these guns with proficiency at some distance. they have always been highly revered as the classic back-up handguns that they are; range guns, they're not.

[POLICESTATE]

Used properly they are quite effective:

[hermosabeach]

What size group are you getting from the revolver?

At 7 yards are you shooting a ragged hole, just low?

Where are you located?

You might find a few fellow cal gunners will to meet up and help diagnose the issue?

[dangerranger]

It took me a good while to learn to shoot pocket pistols well. But after getting the hang of them I shoot any pistol better. You need to go back to the basics. Dryfire while concentrating on the front sight alignment, when you get that down add a coin ballanced on top of the gun. When you can keep the coin ballanced then work on follow through. after the hammer has dropped is the front sight still on target. The short barrels magnafy any aiming error so you really have to have these basics down. And as a reward your full sized pistol scores will come up as well! If you can give this just 15 min a night of good practice your next range sesion will be a surprise! DR

[redcliff]

Ah, but 3 inch Model 13s are soooo darn sexy.

-- Michael

And one of my ccw/hd guns is a 629 3" That's why I said for "most". If you're willing to take the time to learn to shoot them well use what you want. They're just not as easy as the longer barrels.

[llamatrnr]

It's called a "belly gun" for a reason. It was meant to be used at arm's distance.

Yep; I refer to my LCR as a "Get off me!" gun

[avcrew]

Lots of great advice and encouragement so far.

FYI:

Apex j-frame spring kit already installed

Crimson Trace LG-305 laser grips installed, cowitnessed with iron sights, but again, POI nowhere close to POA.

As far grouping at 7 yards, I can't call it a group.

Last range session, tried gripping higher and firmer, no change.

I understand the concept of an up close and personal gun or "belly gun", but for $800, I really want to be able to shoot this gun well.

Magnification of slight movements makes a lot of sense, just like a camera with a long lens. Will practice dry firing with coin.

Next session, I will try firm lower grip and let the gun naturally recoil, instead of gripping too hard trying to manage the recoil. Will also try shooting from bench. Will post my results.

Smith & Wesson J-frames seem like bread and butter sales for most gun shops, and must haves for many gun owners, I am perplexed as why there aren't more posts about how hard they are to shoot accurately.

New J-frame owners, chime in, I would like your impression shooting this gun.

Reece
AVCREW

[avcrew]

Just an update.

Worked the Apex spring kit by dry firing about a thousand times. During that time, staging the trigger got much easier. Was also very conscience of any movement made while pulling the trigger, and the best trigger finger position which caused the least movement.

Went to the range recently and fired it at 7 yards using S&B 158 grain FMJ and using and using a Shoot NC 8" target.

Things that I changed: Firm grip on middle 2 fingers, lesser at pinky. Let the revolver naturally recoil rather that hold on too tightly.

Results: I was able to shoot consistently within the 8" Shoot NC target.

While still not getting tight groups, I am no longer shooting severely low and to the left. I am happy with my progress.

Nothing wrong with the gun, just me.

Thank you for all of the suggestions.

Reece
AVCREW

[SOAR79]

My snub nose is pretty much just for show

[tal3nt]

MY BET IS THAT it shoots straight.

IF INDEED the sights are off, you somehow need to lower the height of your front sight.

BUT I''m pretty sure it's you

[dangerranger]

Keep practicing, your groups with a full sized gun will come up also! Congrats. DR

[trikster]

My first gun was a M36-2 with a 2" barrel. At 7 yards, I was able to get 21 of 30 shots in a 12x12 inch target using 140gr and 158gr round tip lead shot. With cowboy load 158gr wadcutters, was able to group in a 7inch diameter circle. Net time out, will use a modified grip that a friend suggested, will see if accuracy improves. Mind you, this is the only gun I have shot more than a round or two through. Like the others mentioned, use a rest or have an experienced snubby shooter try it out. Does it lock up tight? Nothing misaligned? And shaving or leading in the barrel?