Ok just got back from the range. Finally got to shoot my new bodyguard 380. Shot about 80 rounds thru it with no problems but 1 FTE. 1 out of 80 rounds, not bad. So here is my question. This is my second pocket pistol. My first is a LCP. The BG feels alot better in the hand and handles the recoil better. But I noticed that I keep getting the same results. The guns shoot low. Not sure what I'm doing wrong I align the front sight with the rear, but it still shoots low. I have to aim at the head in order to hit center mass. Is this normal?
A good friend of mine bought an lcp a few weeks ago and I was able to put 50 rounds through it. At 5 to 15 yards it was very accurate and the sights were right on. I was able to put 6 shots into the little tiny silhouette in the top right corner of the target at 7 yards without any problems.
If both guns do the same thing equally, you are likely the reason. Small pocket pistols in .380 with polymer frames and tiny sights are hard to shoot (but, easy to carry) and exagerate small errors in trigger control. the sights are hard to see and the recoil can make you flinch. It's just physics, it's neither good or bad, you just have to work around it. Try bench resting it, and try another shooter. If it still shoots low for them, or for you from a solid bench rest, then look for a mechanical issue.
Replace a couple of rounds in the mag with snap caps and watch what you do when the gun doesn't go bang. You'll likelt jerk the pistol downward. If so, you're anticipating the upward thrust of the recoil and are unknowingly trying to compensate for it. A solid bench rest on target (you can use a laser level to test POA or a bore laser) will reveal point of aim of the barrel versus the sights. It's most likely an issue you need to work through at the range. It just takes time to get used to a pocket rocket.
I have an LCP with CT laser and I found that if I keep the laser on I can see my hand movement, alot! I have to take a deep breath and settle down.
As had been said with a little pocket pistol even the smallest jerk will be worse.
Use the laser to see where you are aiming. (After you used a vise to hold the gun still while you align the laser to the sights)
Good Thread! Thank you. I noticed the same when shooting my .38 last weekend. I adjusted the way I held the grip in my hand and was able to get on target. Same thing was happening with my .357. I haven't shot either gun more than 100 rounds so part of it will be getting used to them. (the .38 I just bought)
What are you using for ammunition? Short-barreled guns seem more sensitive to different loads than full-size guns. This is a function of both bullet velocity and recoil; the recoil effect is further dependent on the duration of the recoil pulse and your reaction to it (muzzle rise in your hand, etc.).
Before you get too wrapped around the axle chasing low shots - especially if you do fine with full-size guns - try a couple of different types (brands, bullet weights) of ammo. Of course, if this is to be a defensive weapon you absolutely, positively need to know where your carry ammo prints and how it handles, so include that in your experiments.
They probably do not shoot low. The shooter however is another matter.
I have been instructed on trigger pull but then read different methods, sl I did a quick Google and found an article by Massad Ayoob entitled "How to Shoot Your Handgun Accurately". It might help.
You may be gripping it too hard, jerking the trigger or breaking your wrist to anticipate recoil. Try not using the sights and point shooting that bad boy, that is all you will use a pocket pistol for anyway, stopping to aim will get you dead.
What kind of distance are we talking about....personally, I wouldn't go further than 7 yds...pocket pistols are for up-close-and-personal distances....
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