Took my new XD9 to the range today...... update in OP

50 rounds of USA 115 gr 9mm. I would have shot better ammo but I had to buy what the gun shop sells Love the gun so far. I might look into a trigger upgrade down the road.

eta- Took the gun to the range again today.I tried to work on my grip a little. Atleast I kept everything on paper this time

What distance? Slow or rapid fire?

I would say 10 yards give or take. As rapid fire as the range allows.

Sorry to tell you I think your shotgun needs a tighter choke

Dont want to be harsh but honestly just go shoot a lot more 22 before you think about changing anything on the XD

You need to slow down, work on grip, trigger control, sight picture, and stance.

What is the proper grip?

Thumbs forward, like in this video. Grip technique starts at about 1:08, but I recommend watching the whole thing.

Very helpful vid. Thanks for posting that. Il try that technique next time I make it to the range.

Didnt mean to be so mean Truth2882
Im glad Dstrokes followed my comments with a good video

here is a another set of tips that can help with your next range trip

Its all good


This is my first handgun so im still trying to figure out the basics.

Another thing to note is there are two different stances being taught - Isosceles stance and Weaver stance.

The above videos show isosceles. Many schools like Front Sight, Gun Site and Thunder Ranch teach weaver. Try them both and see which one works for you. Everybody is built different and one will work better for your build (body).

I can shoot pretty much the same with both stances but find I can move better with Weaver. It's more comfortable to me...

Some vids from NSSF-

Search for - Handgun Shotting Tips - here

Good video posted. One like it helped me in the past. I already had a pretty accurate shot... that just made me even more "dead on"

I'm interested to know if this is off hand, one hand, or from a rest.

Also, what your point of aim?

Tighten up. That was Sloppy. Mor practice. Less postin

And give me 20 push ups for not buyin it cheap and stacking the 9mm ammo deep!

Don't blame the XD, put the range time in and you'll be very happy with it.

Welcome to the dark side, OP

This image can help you self-diagnose a few of the major issues of handgun shooting



But, in order to know how to correct what you're doing wrong, you need to know, at least in theory, how it's done correctly. For this, I'd recommend a training class. Find a local handgun instructor that can work with you for an hour or two, building up the basics of handgun. Start from square 1, even though you think you may have that covered. Sometimes starting over is better than trying to fix all the bad habits. With some instruction and a little practice, your groups will tighten up a lot.

Professional instruction is the best gun related money I've ever spent. Remember, handguns are a whole different beast from rifles and shotguns

Enjoy your new XD! Take care of it, and it will be the best gun you've ever owned. Mine sure is

I just got a used XDSC9mm from a friend. It will shoot just fine. I was pretty impressed with the accuracy.
Slow down and make deliberate shots. Speed can come later.
Dave N

Update in OP.

Much better than your first outing. Take your time and practice you will get better.

Good to see someone that listens. Shoot slow and watch that you keep the sights from moving when pulling the trigger. The XD9 is accurate. I had some ragged hole groups at 7 yards.

Center your sights, focus on the front sight, not the target, give the trigger a nice smoooooth press. Trigger finger should be the only muscle moving at this point. Dry practice your trigger squeeze a bit. Make sure your grip is not tightening while pulling trigger.

Much better groups this time

A little dry practice, and they'll be even better

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