[jtucker]

Took my new M&P 9 to the range yesterday. 150 rounds WWB 115 FMJ. I had 3 mechanical issues. One magazine I had the rounds jammed in the double stack part after 4 shots fired. I has loading each mag with 10 rounds. Two failure to eject jams also. Will more break in time cure this? Mine seems to shoot consistently low left about 5 in. at 15 yards, two handed. Also very difficult for me to get consistent groups. I should point out that this is my first large caliber pistol however. I used to be fairly proficient with a .22 MK II. I quit shooting for 20 years, and decided I wanted to kind of get back into it. Just for reference, I got the MK II out and can still shoot reasonable groups at 15 yds. So now I have to show my ignorance. How sould the M&P be sighted? I have the adjustable sights on the MK II set up so that when the top of the blade of the front sight is even with the top of the rear notch, I can sight the center ring of the target directly above the front blade. I sighted this pistol in 25 years ago and have not touched it since. Shighting this way with the M&P puts most shots 5 in. low and 5 in. to the left. Yo correct the left issue I can drift which sight, front or rear. They both appear to be centered, but I will check them with a dial caliper. What about the low shots? Bad technique on my part? How much range time should I have to put in to become reasonably proficient?



Thanks,

 

[m4arc]

jtucker - I'm willing to bet the failures are contributed to limp wristing and that your lack of accuracy is you, not the gun or sights.



I believe you're jerking or slapping the trigger. The trigger on the M&P (and all striker fired handguns) is very different from what you're used to. Since this is your first "large caliber" I think it will take you some time to get used to the recoil; you might be pushing in anticipation of the recoil. Maybe you could find another M&Per in your area to help you out a little bit? Or find a class around you.



If you can't find anyone or a class in your area PM me and I'll give you my number. I can help you with the basics but practice will be the key. Don't get discouraged.

 

[jtucker]

Yeah I kind of figured as much, thats why I include a full discloser of my(lack of) experience. Any idea where I would look for instruction? They have concealed carry classes, but I am not really interested in that right now.

Thanks,

 

[m4arc]

Well the first place I'd look is your local range but be very careful because if your ranges are like the ones around here, complete jackasses work there. What area of the country are you in? If you're in the mid-Atlantic Blackwater offers a great one day handgun class that I think would be a tremendous benefit for you.



There are several great facilities around the country as well. Like I said maybe there is another M&Per in your area that can spend a few hours at the range with you. I'll dig up some online material in a little bit or I'll sit down and type it all out for you. If you have the whole sight picture thing down then we just need to get you up to speed on the trigger which shouldn't take long.



Make sure you're using a good hold as well. These two pictures are about as good as it gets:

Also, print out a boatload of these and use them to practice with. They will help you identify what you're doing wrong: http://shootingsafely.com/correction.jpg

 

[Jhp147]

EDITED TO ADD: Somebody was typing and adding pics as I was, and they are excellent pics to show hand technique. Here is a link to a good video by Todd Jarrett, and I think there is a very good Rob Leatham video dealing with grip on the 'net, too: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4584332856867071363

You are already getting some help with your shooting, which is probably the most important part, but I wanted to address another part of the gun-the "shootability" based on the trigger. I wasn't having any malfunctions, but my shooting improved tremendously after an action job. So, either by shooting the heck out of it (slow and frustrating way which may risk building bad habits), by making sure you lube the correct places heavily (better, not as good as action work), some judicious polishing on your part (see Burwell action job info) or by a professional action job (I had the Burwell job, I'm sure others are fine, too), I really think your gun and shooting will improve greatly. I am surprised how much that can be done to the actions on these pistols (apparently fairly easily, if price is a guide) if mine is an indicator of the average.

Plastic framed guns are more prone to problems induced by limp-wristing, though I have the OPINION that the S&W won't be as sensitive as Glock, which I have seen be really hard on some police recruit shooters in this regard. .

As to your reliability issues, don't worry yet...if technique won't correct it, Smith and Wesson will.

 

[matt7184]

marc, where did you get those pics???

Is that at Blackwater?



Like the other shooters here mentioned, if this is your first gun it is most likely your technique. If you search in the tech problem section, there is a thread about the low left issue. There are also plenty of threads on shooting grip and technique if you do a search. If you are starting out trying to shoot at 15 yards, bring it back to 7 as well.

 

[m4arc]

marc, where did you get those pics???

Is that at Blackwater?

No that is not Blackwater. That was a recent Larry Vickers class in South Hill Virginia.



If you've never been to Blackwater just picture Disney World for people like us! :wink:

 

[matt7184]

One day I will take a trip there....when I get time and money :twisted:

 

[m4arc]

One day I will take a trip there....when I get time and money :twisted:

It's one of my favorite places on earth! It ranks up there with the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh (where the Penguins play) and James Peak in Utah.

 

[swingset]

[quote name='matt7184']One day I will take a trip there....when I get time and money :twisted:

It ranks up there with the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh (where the Penguins play)[/quote]



Well, I can't beat ya on the Blackwater experience (haven't been yet), but I lived in Washington Plaza across the street from Civic Arena when I went to college, and worked in the Civic Arena in the soundbooth for all the Penguins games from 88' to 90'.



It's a great place, especially for Penguin fans! :wink: