Range experience

[markiver54]

Went to the local indoor range today to practice with my CCW pistol. ( SA XDS 9mm ). Had not done any indoor shooting yet, as most shooting has been at summer cabin outside. Was rather disappointed with results.

Started out shooting at anatomical target at about 15 yards firing Federal 115 gr fmj rn. Although all would have been acceptable in a self defense situation, was not real happy with 5 to 6 inch groups.

When I purchased the pistol I chose it over the M&P Shield because of the fiber optic front site that it comes with. The shield did not. The fiber that came on it is red, although, included were extra green ones as well.

Something I discovered was when I put a target out with a red bull, the front site being red as well, made target acquisition more difficult. Seemed to disappear on target. Think I am going to swap out for the green insert...anyone have thoughts on that?

Also interesting, to my surprise, is that I did better off-hand than using the bench...go figure...

[North Country Gal]

Definitely give the green a try, especially on those targets. I think you'll like it. Have a couple red dots that have a green option I can switch to and I really like it.

Interesting tidbit: the human eye is more sensitive different shades of color with green than any other color.

[Ojaileveraction]

I think your being more than a little hard on yourself.
6 inch group with a 3 inch barrel a 45 feet.
I'd take take any day of the week.
That one ragged hole at real self defense distances.

[Mags]

... was not real happy with 5 to 6 inch groups.

I think your being more than a little hard on yourself. 6 inch group with a 3 inch barrel a 45 feet.

From a 3" barrel I was thinking the same thing...

[PT7]

Went to the local indoor range today to practice with my CCW pistol. ( SA XDS 9mm )…. Was rather disappointed with results.

...target at about 15 yards firing Federal 115 gr fmj rn. Although all would have been acceptable in a self defense situation, was not real happy with 5 to 6 inch groups.

Also interesting, to my surprise, is that I did better off-hand than using the bench...go figure...

Mark,

I'd agree with Ojaileveraction and Mags on your group size. Good shooting. I had a four-inch SA XD Service Model in 9mm, and had about the same results at same distance. My sight radius may have even helped a little more being that longer barrel.

And to me, not a surprise on your shooting better off hand. That's also how I always shot mine. From my perspective, that's the best way to shoot a semi-auto.

Here is a pic of my SA XD, which I took about 6 years ago. The SA pistols are pretty darn accurate and reliable, even as mine was the base model at that time. Does this one look pretty close to your XDS?

Thanks for your Range Report
PT7

SA_XD 9MM_4-inch Service Model_0322.jpg

[dave77]

Have you shot any different smaller pistols with better results. I had a 9mm XDS and although I practiced with it a fair amount I never could shoot it very well, as in at 7 yds. I could have shots clear off the paper (target printed on std. copy paper).

Here's one of my first targets with my Beretta PX4 compact, I had a few flyers (the shot at the top was DA) but was pretty happy with most of my shots.

The XDS was definitely easier to conceal carry but I have decent IWB kydex holster for my PX4 that's fairly comfortable and another advantage of the PX4 is 15rd. capacity vs. 7-9 with the XDS. Also I really prefer carrying a DA/SA.

Don't get me wrong, many people on the Springfield Arms forum loved the way they shot the XDS but it definitely didn't work for me.

[RanchRoper]

Good on ya for shooting off hand.

[markiver54]

Went to the local indoor range today to practice with my CCW pistol. ( SA XDS 9mm )…. Was rather disappointed with results.

...target at about 15 yards firing Federal 115 gr fmj rn. Although all would have been acceptable in a self defense situation, was not real happy with 5 to 6 inch groups.

Also interesting, to my surprise, is that I did better off-hand than using the bench...go figure...

Mark,

I'd agree with Ojaileveraction and Mags on your group size. Good shooting. I had a four-inch SA XD Service Model in 9mm, and had about the same results at same distance. My sight radius may have even helped a little more being that longer barrel.

And to me, not a surprise on your shooting better off hand. That's also how I always shot mine. From my perspective, that's the best way to shoot a semi-auto.

Here is a pic of my SA XD, which I took about 6 years ago. The SA pistols are pretty darn accurate and reliable, even as mine was the base model at that time. Does this one look pretty close to your XDS?

Thanks for your Range Report
PT7
SA_XD 9MM_4-inch Service Model_0322.jpg

Yes..very similar. Mine has the more aggressive grips that I have gotten used to. Thank you for your take on it Bob...I feel better after reading your post. After all, these are self defense weapons. Appreciate your response!

[fortyshooter]

Shoot it the way you will use it...which is what you did!

Next time try it at 10 ft. and point shoot 3 shots rapid fire. In a real situation you most likely won't have much time to line up the rear sight.

[markiver54]

Shoot it the way you will use it...which is what you did!

Next time try it at 10 ft. and point shoot 3 shots rapid fire. In a real situation you most likely won't have much time to line up the rear sight.

Soo true!