Headed to the range to day and lets just say I shot horribly...

I haven't been shooting in over 6 months and boy did it show.  My only saving grace was I was able to shoot a little better with a full size SW mp I rented.

So just wanted to pick the minds of guys that shoot the XDS in 45.  If you don't have time to shoot much what do you do to keep up your skill level with the gun?

I can't help you too much because I shoot my XDS45 at nearly 25 yards and can keep most shots in the 8 ring or less on an NRA bullseye target.

As with any gun, it is 90% or more, trigger pull or squeeze if you will.

My XDS with the recall upgrade and some trigger work shoots dead on when the front site is cradled in the center of the rears and the years of target shooting that taught me proper trigger discipline.

Start with concentration on the trigger and make target acquisition secondary.  Even if you are a bit off on the target, the bullet will hit where the gun is pointed if the trigger is not yanked.

Well damn guess I have some practicing to do. With my range officer I can do some work at 25 yards. But the XDS is a whole other beast.

I picked up some snap caps and I'm going to start on practicing with the trigger and try to get out and shoot more!

I don't shoot the XDS as often as I like, but when I take it out I start at close quarters and work my way back from the target.  Starting close gets me in the shooting mode before I move out further.  Not sure if that helps but that is my $.02.

You need to dry fire drill.  It is cheap and free...  Always put the ammo in a separate room.  Youtube dry firing drills.  You will not be disappointed.  I have both XDS 9 and .45.  I shoot 100 (expert) at the range all the time...

Laserlyte laser bullet for inside the gun. Then lots of dry firing. You will be able to see if you are pulling shots. The laser only lights up when the firing pin hits the bullet. They have targets that show you where you hit at but they are not totally necessary.

+1 for dryfiring. Cheapest practice there is.

Dry fire...Dry fire...Dry fire. Pick a small 'target', such as the screw on a light switch, to check for proper trigger follow through.

Skills required for shooting a tiny .45 need a high level of maintenance.

Going to the range once every six months, and carrying an XDS45, are IMO mutually exclusive.

I suggest professional coaching,followed by regular practice, then casual matches at the local range.

Or trading for a 9mm.  But you'll still have to practice-- you just won't get quite as bad between sessions.

Good luck.

This definitely. I do it often. Get a dry fire target to use , it will tell you whet you're doing.