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Zeroing in a new handgun

pat_caudill
I have purchased a new Dan Wesson CBOB in 45ACP. The gun is ultra smooth and the trigger is nice and short. I'm a left handed shooter so I have added an ambi-safety and had the opposing safety shaved off to protect the slide safety when I carry. Here is my problem.

At 10, 20, 20 and 40ft I am consistently about 1.5 inches high and to the right. I have 16 well placed rounds in a 2.5 inch group at 20 feet. My groups are tight, how is it that I'm off of center mass so far? I have had others shoot the gun effectively and they can find no obvious problems.

If it was the sight, I'd imagine that it would be off the same or at least close for everyone but this is not the case. I'd also imagine that if it were the sight that the further the target is away the more off I'd be from center mass. This is also, not the case.

My thoughts are this: This is the 1st 1911 that I've ever had. This is the 1st time that I've ever really got into shooting a .45. Is it possible that I just need to build up strength in my hands to manage the recoil? I'm a pretty big guy, 6ft, 210lb and well built (Not a whole lot of fat) So Im no weakling. But a .45 has its own recoil that I may not be used to.

Any advice would be much appreciated.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • shilowar
    Try getting more finger on the trigger....if you are shooting leftie shooting to the right could indicate that your "pushing" the gun to the right as you pull the trigger. Also check your grip and make sure your not pulling the gun with the off hand, or "heeling" the gun which will cause you to shoot high.
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  • perry shooter
    Most times the bullets from a 1911 type pistol will shoot off in the direction of the palm of your hand when you first start shooting them . Then as you build up your wrist they will come back center . being you are left handed this may be the reason your group is to the right. This is one reason most target shooters like adjustable sights . For a carry gun we dont want BIG adjustable sights I have some the same size as factory tath allow for left and right movement but for now I would shoot the pistol some more. "PRAISE THE HARD-BALL GUN"
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  • geeguy
    In addition to the good advise above, consider your vision. I find that being an open eye shooter (both eyes)my bullseye is about the "8 ring" right for most other shooters when they use my guns. As long as you are consistent, adjust the site (if adjustable)to your vision.

    This should be done after quite a few rounds, since as stated above your group may move with practice.

    I guess my point is not everyone sees the site the same.

    Good luck
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  • pat_caudill
    I want to thank y'all for taking the time to help me out.

    Here is what I have tried so far:

    I normally have my left arm straight out "pushing" the gun forward and my right had is "pulling" back on the front of the trigger well and bottom of the magazine housing. My feet are normally right foot forward and I'm slightly bent at the knees.

    I was encouraged to "Square Myself" off of the target and stop the "pushing/pulling" and see how I did. I got the same results a nice tight group but still high and to the right.

    I have also changed my right hand positioning. I am used to shooting a sig 226 that has a trigger well that accommodates my shooting style. The DW 1911 does not. I have since moved my right hand below the trigger well and cup my left hand with my right hand. Using the "push/pull" style. I have however eased up on muscling the gun too much. That got my groups under control and within the 2.5 inch range. Still no effect on the high & to the right problem though.

    I agree that time behind the trigger will certainly help. Yesterday I put about 300 rounds through it and I will put another 2 or 3 hundred before I settle in. At that point I see if they can knock the front site over a bit if it's still necessary. Its not an adjustable sight but it can be moved, if that makes any sense.

    Thanks again I really do appreciate it folks...
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  • rusty1
    to be totally honest with you, you are shooting a good group for a .45 i don't think that a 45 can be pin pointed,you can change the group by changing the ammo,slower 850fps will pull more than ammo traveling 1100 are better. the trick is to find what ammo that works best for you and stay with it.
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  • COLT
    ...Grouping as it is, and being a lefty, what Perry said and...pay attention to your grip & trigger pull.

    ...Even with a nice trigger, being new to the gun, sounds like your pulling to the right, where all considered, a rightie would pull to the left; Perrys "palm" thing.

    ...I wouldn't drift the front sight over as when you get used to the gun, the sight will then be off.

    ...Flat or arched MSH? Some people claim that an arched MSH causes them to shoot high...I have no problem w/either style, but you may be.

    ...Shooting a lot of rounds wont always give you the answer if the problem is with you, and sounds as if it may be, just shoot, and pay ATTENTION to what and what not you are doing and how any changes in your grip/stance effects your grouping, in other words, it's more imortant to analyze a few rounds than to blast away and hope quanity will "fix" the problem...luck...[;)]

    ani-texas-flag-2.gif
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  • bobski
    give the gun to an expert shot. have him wrist rest it in a bag. let him shoot it. see where they go.

    then make a determination if its you or the gun.

    if you dont...youll fall into the trap of chasing dope.[;)]
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  • bigchillymn
    I agree with GEEGUY this may sound too simple, but do you know which eye is dominant? I have been through this myself, I am right handed, but with left eye dominant. If I shoot right handed, with most peoples guns I will be high and to the right. If you have a gun with fixed sights, try the other hand, and other eye. If you can adjust the sight, adjust them for you, and don't worry if other people can hit with your gun. good luck
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  • bigchillymn
    I agree with GEEGUY this may sound too simple, but do you know which eye is dominant? I have been through this myself, I am right handed, but with left eye dominant. If I shoot right handed, with most peoples guns I will be high and to the right. If you have a gun with fixed sights, try the other hand, and other eye. If you can adjust the sight, adjust them for you, and don't worry if other people can hit with your gun. good luck
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  • bobski
    have fun chasing dope.
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