Time for a change?

[Warg]

I've become increasingly frustrated with my ability to print decent groups using my G19 and G17. My definition of "decent" is better than 3" groups at 10 yards (yes, apparently I suck). Before I go further, I don't want this thread to be perceived as an attempt to bash the Glock brand as I fully recognize that the shooter appears to be the problem. In fact, I've let others shoot these firearms only to be schooled on how badly I suck. This includes "lessons" from my wife

I don't claim to be anything other than a novice pistol shooter and could always use more practice, but I think after several classes and over 4K rounds in these the past year, I feel that should have gotten the hang of it. I should mention that the sole purpose of these firearms is defense and recreation. Do I feel that I can shoot these accurate enough in a typical self-defense situation, i.e., < 5 yds? Probably, but my eroding confidence could be a mitigating factor that I'd like to eliminate. I firmly believe in the concept of the warrior mindset and this is not a variable that I'd like to keep in the equation, if you will.

Further, I'm not keen on ditching the Glocks just yet as I've quite a bit invested in accessories and mags and they're both extremely reliable, but this platform just doesn't seem to be working out as well as I had hoped and has led me to strongly consider other options. I've left both Glock mostly stock having only changed sights and added some stippling. I've refrained from trigger and other upgrades having seen others shoot these so well.

Other pistols I've had experience with have managed far better accuracy compared to the two 9mms. Examples include HKs, Sigs (regularly shoot my wife's P229 with very good accuracy), M&Ps, and many others using various calibers.

Therefore, I'd like some suggestions among the experts as a proper course of action. That is, should I quit my bitching and shoot another 4K+ rounds through these this year while getting more training (and, perhaps more importantly, confidence), or get something else that I can shoot better now and continue practicing and training with that platform. Seems like a no brainer and perhaps I'm over analyzing the obvious, but I'd rather ask you all rather than someone who's more interested in selling me one or more new firearms.

Thanks!

[Jim D]

Sounds like you need some "one on one" time doing a lot of ball and dummy drills to get your trigger control ironed out.

Here is a drill I ran with a buddy to expose trigger control issues. If the gun moves, 10 perfect dry-fires.
This is the slow-fire portion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTUv8-O8NrM
This is the accelerated version, once you have the slow fire stuff down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJEs1YdAgF0


It's not your gun, and ditching it something easier to shoot will only push your trigger control issues under the rug for a short period of time. Save your money and put it towards lessons, and time on the range.

You can do a lot of trigger control work with minimal ammo.

[Doc Safari]

Is your problem trigger control?

I'm a Glock fan, but I hate the trigger. I find I am way more accurate if I'm already pulling the trigger through the first "stage" as the striker tensions the spring while I finish aligning the sights on target, then fire the gun through the second "stage" as soon as the sights are on target.

(I know it's not a two-stage trigger but I'm trying to describe the trigger feel).

Yes, you have to do this slowly for a while, but muscle memory will take over and you will develop speed.

Bottom line is I agree with practice you will learn to shoot that Glock accurately.

[Warg]

CoolBreeze & Doc:

I'm almost certain it is trigger control as the other firearms I mentioned that I shoot better seem, to me at least, to have more predictable triggers. That is, other than the M&P which I seem to shoot quite well.

I do a lot of dry firing/dummy round practice with my rifles to good effect. I should no doubt do more of this with my pistols.

I appreciate the advice.

[Doc Safari]

There is some controversy as to whether a lot of dry firing with a Glock can potentiall cause the breech face to crack. It's aruguable that there are other causes such as poor metallurgy/heat treating, or hot primers/ammo that affect the heat treating of the slide. But whatever the cause the latest sage advice seems to be that if you dry fire a Glock extensively (more than just occasionally), then use snap caps.

[jmlshooter]

I just purchased Paul Howe's "Tac Pistol Operator" DVD.

He puts 5 hits on steel at 80 yards with a Glock 32. They were in about a 7-inch group.

Just practice.

[Doc Safari]

It's also good to remember that Glock is combat accurate, but not necessarily target accurate. I can shoot one hole groups with a single action handgun like a 1911, then I go shoot my Glock in order to feel humble again.

[Jim D]

The Glock is as predictable as they get, just have to get used to it.

Lots of dryfire. Close your eyes, focus on the feeling. Take a 3-day weekend to pull it at first. Then speed up only after you are shooting like a pro.

[Jim D]

It's also good to remember that Glock is combat accurate, but not necessarily target accurate. I can shoot one hole groups with a single action handgun like a 1911, then I go shoot my Glock in order to feel humble again.

I've shot numerous 3" groups at 25yards with mine. Shot a 6-8" group at 50 yards this weekend. Glocks have a lot more potential for accuracy than some think.

[Rosco Benson]

The Glock trigger is not and will never be a "glass rod breaking" trigger, like is attainable on a 1911. It may be that the OP is a bit sensitive to less-than-ideal triggers. A factory or aftermarket 3.5 pound connector might be a cheap, easy, and reversable potential solution.

Rosco