New HK45 - groupings low left

[Sobriquet]

I've fired about 400 rounds through my new HK45 now. My groupings are OK (3 inches) but they're consistently low and to the left of the center.


I think I saw something on here about a target to diagnose your shooting problem? Does anyone have a link? I can't find it using the search. Does it include an explanation of terms like "slapping the trigger?"

Any advice from veteran shooters? I'm thinking it's a problem with my grip or trigger control, but the gun is brand new and maybe the sights got bumped in transit?

I tried the larger grip the first day and the medium the 2nd. I think my groupings were larger with the medium over the large, but on both days I was hitting low-left.

Finally, on HKs, do I "lollypop" and aim directly below point of impact, or is point of impact right on the front dot? Is there a picture or diagram of what my sight picture should ideally look like on target?

Thanks, guys!

[Bentonville]

http://www.is-lan.com/challenge/images/Pistol-Correction.pdf
First work on grip using the panels you have on it now. Do a search on the boards about grip. Scooter and some others have given some great pointers that have helped me over the years. Be sure to use the sights, not the dots. Leave equal amounts of "daylight" on either side of the front post. Read this: http://www.bullseyepistol.com/training.htm. Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Yohikhl9_c&mode=related&search=
There are tons of other help sites but getting some personal instruction is the best and easiest way to improve. Be assured it's not the pistol. My HK45C as well as my P30 and P2000 are so very accurate that when I am off I know it's definitely trigger pull and grip. The grips on these guns are perfect for my smallish hands. I can not do consistently as well with the USP series due to the size of the grips. The 1911 is great for me as well.
I have found that you cover the target with the sight on the HK instead of pumpkin-on-the-fence-post or lollypop as I do with my Smiths and 1911A1. HTH. Others much more knowledgeable than I will help you. Keep practicing.

[Sobriquet]

That's the chart I was looking for - thanks very much. From that chart, I think I'm tightening my fingers. I'm not sure what that means exactly. Could anyone clarify what that means?

[Liberator]

That's a pretty badass chart, if I do say so myself. Thanks for posting that.

[BreakerDave]

It sounds like a trigger pull issue. Try dry-firing the pistol or "ball and dummy" drills on the range to see if you are upsetting the firearm / sights alignment during your trigger pull. With "ball and dummy" drills, it will be a real eye opener when you get a snap cap / dummy round if you are flinching, pushing, or nosediving the pistol.

[Scooter]

It has to do with sloppy trigger technique.

Go to http://www.downrange.tv/player.htm and scroll the player down to BUMP DRILL. Watch it a few times, try dry firing a few times, then hit the range.

[Mark71]

The above posts all include excellent info especially Scooter's link. Also the next time you are at the range have someone else shoot the gun to see how they shoot. If they are able to shoot dead on then you know the sights are not the problem.

[DrRhythm81]

As a born-again shooter, I've struggled with this same issue. I would add to all the good advice prior to this to focus on your stance as well, since not having enough strength/pressure in my weak (left) hand grip and arm has caused me to shoot really pretty groupings low left.

[Sobriquet]

I watched the bump drill and I'll go back to the range. I think that was helpful.

Thanks, all.