New Sig P229 shoots low and left

[SigFan6255]

I have shot my new 229 twice now, 200 rds the first day and and 100 today. It is shooting low left , I have not done much shooting in the last 10 years so at first I thought it was me. I had another guy shoot it today and he was doing the same. It is a 40SW and I also have the 357 Sig, same for both barrels. It has the Siglite night sights. What can I do?

 

[9mmepiphany]

need more info:
at what distance?
how tight a group?
how far low?
how far left?
which ammo?...bullet weight?
are DA and SA shots shooting to the same place?

 

[dpeticca]

How are you using the sights?

Most folks don't take into account that these pistols are not target sighted but "combat" sighted. You must align 3 dots horizontally and the front sight must COVER UP the target.

Low and to the left, suggests a bit of recoil anticipation, and possibility not enough "trigger finger" if you're right handed, reverse if you're left handed, too much trigger finger.

I'd say move the targets close (5 yards), and make sure you get a good stance and you're holding the pistol correctly. Use the sight picture I described above (combat).

Lastly, allow the gun to soak up a little bit of the recoil. You may also be holding the pistol too tightly, anticipating recoil, and bringing the shots down as your hand jerks downward to counter act the muzzle flip.

 

[SigFan6255]

I tried 15 and 25 yds. It is shooting about 3" low and 3"left. I shot some 165 fmj and 180 fmj WWB, I also shot 357 Sig and it did the same. It is the same DA/SA, fairly tight group all the same location

 

[The91Bravo]

Shooting position?

Try it off the bench/sandbag in SA, and shoot four or five five shot groups.

Not trying to bust on ya, but just because another guy is shooting in the same place does not make the gun not accurate.

Bench rest the weapon and see where the rounds fall

Best of luck,
Steve

 

[dpeticca]

357 Conversion Barrel?

Is this 2 P229's, or just one?

The sights could need to be aligned, however, I think you should let an experienced shooter verify it's low and to the left before you check the sights, slide to frame fit, or anything else mechanical.

Also, my experience with conversation barrels is that they're not always 100% drop in compatible. They may require some special gun smithing to get the fit right. Mechanically they are sound just as a drop in, but accuracy could be lacking somewhat.

 

[SigFan6255]

I am using that sight picture. I do think it is possible that I am anticipating recoil. I am right handed. How much trigger finger should I be using? I am using the first finger pad before the first joint

 

[SigFan6255]

It is the same gun, I have shot 250 rds of .40 and 50 rds 357.

 

[David E]

It is shooting low left , I have not done much shooting in the last 10 years....I had another guy shoot it today and he was doing the same.

Most likely, you and your friend are both flinching, pulling it low left.

 

[Lonestar49]

Bench test it, then if tight/accurate groups..

...

Is this your first 40cal..? Same question about your friend, first time with a 40cal.. a/o 357sig ?

Both of you are right handed shooters.. is my bet

Low is the anticipation of the recoil just as you pull the shot.. (that is why they are going low)

Left is the quick trigger pull/s as you get the sights on target, you quickly take- the-shot (NOW!!! - rush shots) and you're jerking each shot, that is why they go left..

Same with your friend.. is my bet.

40cals, much like 357sig, need some time to get the right feel for, being relaxed and letting it happen, as the Sig P229 is very balanced and falls, naturally, back on target for nice follow-up quick groupings.. Once you get comfy with it, and the light comes on, so to speak, you'll appreciate how they are really soft shooting 40cals..

Bench test it, as mentioned, in SA format and you should get your answer, along with, take a few 40cal snap caps and insert them randomly into your live ammo per mag.. My bet is when you think it's gonna go bang and it doesn't, just clicks, when you get to each snap cap, you'll see your gun dipping down, quite a lot.. (even better test results if you let someone else load them so, you can't count.. LOL) but even if you do load them, your brain will think each shot is gonna be live..


Have 3 40cals, 2 in P229 and one in Beretta Px4 and Sigs 3 dot night sights on one, 2-dot combat sights on the other Sig, both require sights, at close range to be just halfway on target or just below, with 165gr, and with 180gr they need to be at the bottom of POA-POI, especially from 25ft out..

Also, if your using the factory plastic grips, you might want to invest about 24 bucks for some Hogue rubber, side-panel-only, grips.. They're wonderful with the P229.. Have them on both mine.. makes for great comfy (non-changing) grip and absorb some of the "felt" recoil.. smoothing things out nicely

OMMV,


Ls

 

[lions]

Most likely, you and your friend are both flinching, pulling it low left.

Yep, anticipating recoil causes you to tighten your grip, for a right hander that throws shots low and left. Just get out there and really focus on trigger control. A .22 is great for this and will get you right back in the game.

 

[dpeticca]

Well, when I say not enough "trigger finger", I mean to say that you're pulling the trigger without a firm straight push to the back. Instead, you may be anticipating recoil, pulling the gun down to avert the muzzle flip, then finally getting the trigger back far enough for the shot. All creating a shot low and to the left.

Just a suggestion, if you could afford it. I believe you can buy a 9mm barrel for the P229 as well, which would shoot real nice (I have P229 9mm). The 40SW is a little snappy, and the 357Sig is too. You may want to back off on the caliber scale a little by trying 9mm, and a conversation barrel and some mags may just do the trick.

A 9mm Barrel and some 9mm Mags would make that gun a great pistol to practice with, and then put in a 40 or 357 for home defense or carry, or whatever you intended purpose.

 

[SigFan6255]

I like the snap cap idea. I will try that along with bench testing. I really hope it is me and not the gun. I did put the Hogue grips w/o finger grip, sides only on it. I used to own a P226 and had rubber Pachmyer on it and loved it. Thanks for the suggestions.