Do You Shoot Low and Left with a Pistol? | Navy SEAL Explains 3 Pistol Shooting Mistakes

[@ChrisSajnogs]

In 2009, I came home from a deployment and my oldest son, who was 3 or 4 at the time, wouldn’t eat for almost 2 weeks... Being a father I was obviously concerned, so I asked him about it and his answer really hit me hard… He said, “Dad, if I eat I’ll grow up and if I grow up I’ll become a daddy. And if I become a daddy, I’ll have to leave my family.” My boys barely knew who I was and I couldn’t let them grow up without a father... I realized at that moment my family needed me a lot more than the Navy needed another SEAL. So I put in for retirement the next day… Back then I knew I wanted to be with my family more than anything, so I made changes in my life that allowed me to be at home. We all want more time to spend with the people we love or doing the things we love. That’s why I’m here to help! Once you read my New Rules of Marksmanship you will learn how you can stay at home, and save time and money while you improve your shooting! I promise this works… try it now: snip.ly/vqtwv4

[@Wooley689]

Thanks Chris, and thank your boys and wife, because of all of you, the rest of us are benefitting. Have a great Christmas.

[@ShowemRight]

You do what you must do to make things Right with all in your life. I served in the Navy and Honorably discharged in 93. Separation is no joke, caused me to get married and separate quicker than you can say..ATTENTION ON DECK. I've just subscribed to your channel, and feeling good about being here because it's all about building up a source of good content in life....... Hand Salute to you Bro.

[@victorglaviano]

Retired Senior Chief, 2 tours in Afghanistan, El Salvador and 8 other places... Divorced, and I can agree with you, it's hell on a relationship!

[@HuhWhatHuhwhatHuh]

patrick quinn I’ve always wondered...what’s it like to be a complete tool and all around waste of space?

[@LITTLEBRAT775081]

you say that the dominant arm holding the gun has to be inline with your arm but at 4:28 it is in the middle of your chest with your arms straight . while we are getting ready to shoot are we making a right triangle with our chest or a isosceles triangle ?

[@garyt3358]

Chris, after reading your book and practicing thousands of of rounds I was able to shoot one hole targets. Actually was able to shoot the first 100 score target at my range(10 bullseyes), thanks Chris for your help.

[@scotthalladay2210]

My shooting has improved since reading the book as well

[@alizaka1467]

I think after a thousand rounds, you'd fix your mistakes regardless if you read the book or not

[@yosefpolinsky7667]

I shoot low and left for a different reason; I flinch and pull the gun in that direction as a result. As soon as I discovered this, I emptied the gun and utilized a technique I had learned from an old gun nut- practice holding an empty gun and pulling the trigger over and over without jerking the sights at all. When my body was used to that, I reloaded the gun, aimed for a headshot, gripped the gun regularly, not too tightly, and fired. I got a few bullseyes in a row. Now I need to practice that as dry-fire for a while to make it muscle memory.

[@ChronicTacoz05]

What helps me is putting more pressure in your left hand (right hand shooters) to balence your shootings so its not pushed to the left . Not just using all your force with your right hand.

[@TheTonya409]

Thanks!!! I have done incorporated these and the dry fires, and my shooting went from all over the target, to hitting my target!!!! Thank so much!

[@noguera8888]

Thanks Sir

[@joshuawoodward9276]

Came across this video yesterday as I’ve been struggling with this exact issue for a while now... and wish I had watched this sooner! Took some time at the range today to apply these pointers along with Chris’ front sight video and dramatically improved my grouping! You’ve earned a subscriber, thanks Chris!

[@johnvillamil3138]

Chris, I’m a retired State Trooper and I do shoot low and left at the range when I shoot weaver or isosceles. But, when I shoot without aiming with my eye(s), such as hip-shooting, I am dead on. On car stops this is when you are most likely to shoot your weapon. Your video was very informative and helped me at qualifying for my retired permit to carry. Thanks again.

[@WestEighteenth]

Went to the range today with the grip you described. Waalaa! No more low and left shots. Nice tight center target groupings at 7 yards. Thanks for the help.

[@philmatton6603]

Great video. I wish I knew this before.I am a retired Police officer {32} years. I was assigned to the tack team as a sniper. I shot a lot of rounds. I had the curse of shoot my Glock left. I fought that all the time. Now I know why. Thanks Chris Phil Matton Palm Bay FL I retired from Massachusetts.

[@EricRedbear]

I've asked this exact question on many videos and forums and no one has even bothered to respond. Thanks so much for this!

[@fredr4258]

OMG! THANK YOU!!! Precisely what I've been doing with my carry gun - Beretta 92FS, 40 s&w. I believe you hit the nail on the head and I can't wait to get to the range to try, but your comments make perfect sense! Even us instructors can take hints too if you're smart enough to listen. Will report back what happens!

[@mikerafone4736]

well done chris

[@clintlion5531]

THANK YOU! Have a p229 legion and big hands. The length of pull is tiny with the reset on the Grey trigger. I’ve been shooting for most of my life and this gun perplexed me. Until you said “people are taught to shoot wit the pad of their finger” that had been so I ingrained into my training that I never thought that’d be the problem. I’m shooting one inch groups at 15 yards with it now after trying for 1,000 plus rounds. Thank you again!!

[@BushcraftingBogan]

I just started to re teach my daughter to shoot. When she was younger I taught her what we were all taught: the methods. When I found this channel I had to re-think what I’d been doing and I improved. Now I am starting her over with your philosophy. I’m sure she will be better than me in a shorter time period. She also likes your scientific and philosophical approach, so she is very receptive to what you are teaching. She is now learning where I had to unlearn and re-learn. She really picked up the front sight focus quick because it was what she was taught. Where I had to re-train my brain and eyes to get that focus. Thank you for your service and your work.

[@jerrymarcin5343]

Check out IDPA shooters ( master/grandmaster) videos for more meat and potatos about postol grip and such.

[@BushcraftingBogan]

Jerry Marcin thank you! I will check them out.

[@jackw1014]

Good on you for teaching your girl to shoot! I can't wait until mine are old enough.

[@wtpence4731]

Excellent video and right on point for me !

[@MoneyMikeSavage]

My groupings aren’t as horrible for someone who’s only gone shooting like 4 or 5 times, but my last time I was always shooting low to the left. This video helped me see what I was doing wrong! Can’t wait to get to the range next and try to work out my kinks! Thanks!

[@ahappyimago]

That keeping the second knuckle straight was clutch

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Thank you very much. Your video shooting low and to the left was great as I'm an avid shooter. A lot of these videos about guns and ammo it takes the guy 25 minutes to get to the point. Most of the time I watch Honest Outlaw videos another person that gets right to the point thanks again

[@jimbike8064]

Yes! I do shoot low and left. Hope your video can cure this affliction.

[@bruce5168]

Thank you sir for your service. God bless you and your family. 🇺🇲

[@wde1978]

Excellent video. Thank you for the information and thank you for serving our country!!!

[@majorpayne5289]

👍Best video info out there👍Thank you Sir

[@bmack2938]

I was told by a firearms instructor in an informal conversation that I’m anticipating recoil. That’s why I’m shooting low and left. I don’t by that. I’m going to work on my shooting based on this video. I’ll update on results.

[@alexjoubert8607]

It could very well be the reason, i used to do that and in my case when i was anticipating i saw my sights go low and left a little bit. I managed to fix that by pressing the trigger like i was going to shoot but stop at the last second and i could see my gun moving because i was anticipating then a second later i would squeeze the trigger to shoot and i hit the center of the target. Simply give the trigger a slow, steady pull and let the shot surprise you

[@Javarrol]

Thanks

[@StratBurst92]

I got a copy of his book How To Shoot Like A Navy SEAL. The book helped me with all of my shooting. He is one of the few that I follow. The real deal.

[@ipguyman108]

Thank you..!

[@terrysadventure1529]

Chris, thank you for the information I had that problem for a while now and am going to the range today hope that fixed the problem

[@scottsharp4081]

I was having this same issue someone said to look you up watched this video and within the first bit i knew what i was doing. My taurus pt111g2 im dead on. Got a glock 43x and yup left i went after this video i went to shoot and lord be hold im now dead on with my 43x and i love this guy. So thank you for your time your service to our country and your great help. You got a new subscriber today so again thank you keep up the great videos.. you cannot say but thank you for free help so thank you again

[@shooterqqqq]

Thanks Chris. I think I am on my way to correcting my problem of milking the grip. It started when I attended a class which teaches the old push pull. I don't do that but it creeped into my brain and I was stuck for two days with it. I could use a proper grip, align the sights, press the trigger, watch my sights move in a perfect 12 oclock during recoil and still shoot low and left. Once I stopped push pull and simply gripped or captured, I'm fine. I also think of follow through as a teaching aid. If I picture follow through and memorize it as another building block it works. The follow through tip came from talking to Jerry Miculek.

[@dtrain5519]

Can't wait to get to the range after this video! Awesome ! Thanks!!😃

[@jhough57]

Chris Sajnog, I ABSOLUTELY love going back and watching your videos after going to the range, I always look at what I'm doing and refresh my thoughts and posterior next time at the range!!

[@DonTruman]

I look forward to trying these.

[@DT-lr2bi]

Great Help, I Needed it.

[@mrjamaican5012]

Learned a lot from you and still learning, you give very good instructions

[@devichandgoodinformationsi4612]

Good information sir Thanks

[@Never2Loud]

Great tips. Looking forward to trying them on my next training session. Thank you for posting.

[@chuckwalters4759]

I was doing this at the range this week. Thank you!

[@cherralg1]

Thank you! I've done all of these things. Now that I notice my scores have improved.

[@0811war]

Best pistol instruction I’ve seen! Outstanding!

[@rubendelbarrio8641]

Thank you very much sir , I learn more

[@tomn5880]

The most common problem I encounter is fear of recoil. Pistol shooters equate squeeze the trigger with increase the squeeze pressure on the hand to handle the recoil. I teach to grip with the thumb, middle, third and pinky while keeping the first (trigger finger) independent and then pull the trigger, not squeeze the trigger.

[@stevenfriedman2902]

Can't wait to try these tips. I've only gone shooting twice and was having this sort of problem. Now it's just a matter of actually being able to find some 9mm rounds to practice with

[@destinedforgreatness9745]

Thanks bro✊

[@robertfrankovich6867]

Thank you, for the instruction. I will use these ideas to improve. I will let you know.

[@uoeno62]

wow u hit every point right on key! thanks a lot

[@graceandglamor]

This is great. Will be using these tips next time I go to the range.

[@carlcolvin8320]

Chris , I am a retired Fed LEO in Glynco they were training to use the Ocsolices fireing position I wasn't comfortable with the position and converted to the Weaver stance, in which case I was able to fire a better shot group. I am retired now and bought a VP 9. It's an excellent sidearm went to the range with 500 rounds. No stovepipe, no malfunction. I fired the course of fire 3-5-7-12-25 yards. The safety officer was watching me and said I did pretty good. I said let's see how I do when I transition to weakhand . I fired the 3-5-7 yard line. I have never fired so accurate and with a tight shot group in 20 years of law enforcement. The safety officer was surprised. I told him that this was time with the VP 9 .

[@jamesmorrison7847]

First time I got good advice about pistol shooting since my days at USNA, Annapolis when the Marine Corps gunnies taught me to shoot a series 70 government 1911.

[@robertemanuel7664]

Tried what you suggested - hand outstretched, simulating shooting, and I noticed exactly what you said, Chris, about turning the gun leftward; did NOT do as you said happens re downward, simulating about a dozen times. But the turn to the left is definitely a problem I can correct, thanks to you. As far as #2 suggestion goes, you make it confusing: first, you say to keep that second knuckle straight, which makes good sense and easily correctable; but then, you say one doesn't have to put the first finger pad on the trigger just because someone else says to. Well - if the second knuckle is straight, then the first finger pad WILL end up on the trigger, which is where it should go whether someone says so or not.

[@ShowemRight]

Great Tip, I also fixed my issue by using my left index finger to press against the frame a bit just prior right index trigger pull, plus having a more tighter grip, and that solved the problem, finally making 4 inch groups at 30 ft on my Sig P 938. Its a strange hold, but its working for me

[@victorglaviano]

Yes, my sin, pushing and anticipating recoil! Good information, I usually fix it unless I get in a hurry!

[@90rafay]

Thanks... i was doing second. Because i was shooting with px9 carry and due to its compact size, i need to squeeze my trigger finger to right to put tip on the trigger, but it is wrong method as you mentioned it... will try this weekend on range and will update here.

[@alexkakooza3116]

Awesome thanks for sharing this info sir. It helps alot

[@Rec483]

Went to range today , almost every shot was little low and left , cant wait to try these tips . Thanks

[@ElusiveMasquerade]

Thank you for making this video. Low and left is exactly what I have been struggling with since I started shooting. I’m going to use these techniques the very next time I’m at the range.

[@gunmonkey6545]

Thanks for the tips.

[@artpalma4502]

Awesome training tips! Than you for sharing very appreciated.

[@robertwoerner20]

Another thing I noticed while dry firing with a laser on is that I was anticipating the recoil. I was forcing gun down while pulling trigger. More dry fire practice is called for with me. Was also milking as you said. I'm accurate with a rifle, this whole pistol thing is new to me. Farm boy that used rifles a lot but just got my first pistol at 44 years old. Thanks for the tips!

[@heatwad1017]

100% spot on truth!!!!!

[@bobanddonnareynolds1226]

Thanks Chris.

[@stoveboltsix]

Thank you Sir for your service. Thank you for putting together such an excellent video. Shooting two different pistols, both low and left, I will try your suggestions next time I go to the range. Thanks again!

[@livergen]

Thank you sir, exactly the kind of information that actually matters. It's those little finite subtleties that are always hiding in the darkness we don't easily recognized. Stay safe, stay blessed, always stay to cover. Danny in Texas

[@shahreyaralam1019]

What an amazing video

[@AlexRodriguez-un9gu]

Thank you! And thank you for your service! God bless our troops!

[@stevanporter9750]

Very useful -- I might have been "milking" a bit but I think the bigger issue was not having my strong arm straight. Focused specifically on those two things at the range yesterday and had a lot better results!

[@guyallphin1295]

Hey, thank you SO much! Rev

[@justinhoward6135]

wow , this made perfect since . I think im suffering from symptom 1 . Once I saw your gun move when your gripped it , I noticed I was doing that. Good info , thanks . I was almost convinced it was a glock thing ... Must have something to do with the way the grips are designed , my 1911 never pulls left , but all my glocks do

[@GModBMXer]

I didn't realize I really was pushing the trigger instead of pulling back with my finger. Wish I noticed this before range day instead of after.

[@sf7708]

Nicely done Chris! Even after 30 years of competition shooting, whenever my shooting gets sloppy I go back to the basics and try to figure out why. Your tips just added some more ammo to my bunker! De Oppresso Liber

[@fssacko]

Great !

[@Family1st2023]

Thanks i will your tips next time. Today I can't figure out how I shot below target at 6 clock. Feeling frustrated no matter how i change position, shoulder, finger ttiger, etc. Still 6clock. Friends told trying aim at 12clock. I got it very center :)

[@robteaster2446]

Great video with clear instructions.

[@rubenjimenez5213]

Good advice, i will put it in practice next time i hit the range

[@basildraws]

Perfect advice. Fixed in one session.

[@epluribusunum9236]

I just bought my first firearms a couple weeks ago. I was doing so badly shooting my glock 19 it was so frustrating and humiliating. Turns out even though I'm right handed i have to shoot left handed because I'm cross eyed dominant. Changed dominant shooting hands and...🎯!

[@rkow8508]

This helped me so much I knew it was me and not the gun thanks.

[@carl-ok9gn]

the grip thing is a long convoluted way of trying to get around squeezing the gun improperly. don't squeeze it like a hammer, pinch the grip into your palm with 4 fingers gripping straight back.. this is simple.

[@nathanielrobinsonjr.9275]

Great video!!

[@DemonDNF]

Ty

[@robertduncan2742]

Thank you, and also be safe in our crazy world and keep doing videos

[@madog1178]

Chris, thank you for your service and now you are officially a dad😎👍. Thank you for the tips, and now I am a sub please keep them coming. 👋👋

[@bravescatz]

Was low and left all day today. Will watch again while at the range tomorrow to work on it.

[@victorglaviano]

Here, here... Anticipation!!

[@dougbillman2333]

Thanx...

[@ChrisHirner]

Great info, Thanks. Finally able to keep my mp shield on target past 50 feet.

[@johnmchale6667]

Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@The.45Monk]

Thank you, David Portnoy

[@tiffanym4202]

Thank you so much for the video. I now have a clear idea of what to watch out for in my dry fire practice at home and anticipate accurate shot placement at the range. I really want my EDC to hit what I'm aiming for! Thanks again!

[@mahalkongbuhay1535]

TY

[@LKaramazov]

This really makes sense!

[@nathancooper9932]

Thanks, this ma y solve my problem shooting smaller guns vs. full size. Appreciate the tips.

[@mattkozatek5770]

Just watched your video. Exactly what I was doing! Great info. Thanks for the quick pointers.

[@robertireland61]

Thanks, I will be putting this to good use.

[@CarlosSanchez-kd8et]

GREAT Video. I make all three mistakes. Tks for the advice Mr.

[@jaaxoon]

Thanks for the advice. I was about to mess with my sights but I think I’ll check my grip first.

[@miguelolmedo9178]

I went to the range the other day and I caught myself shooting slightly off to the right, missing my target. I was dumbfounded and really thought something was damaged in my gun (previous bad jam that caused a squib). It didn't help that I was dead accurate with a buddies pistol but not mine. This makes perfect sense. I need to get out there again.

[@straighttalkvann3863]

Chris thank you for this INFO, it corrected the problem asap, at lease I had to practice to make corrections,

[@2APerformanceEducation]

Thank you for your advice. I have been wrestling with this issues for the past year. Enjoy your newsletter.

[@rfunk727]

I shoot Low and Left with my composite guns (45 acp and 40 S&W (Barretta's)and even worst with my S&W 9 mm), BUT, I shot fine with my all steal Colt Delta Elite 10mm and Bulgarian 9mm Makarov.

[@coltharris8471]

Rick Funk most instructors will tell you that that 1911 style shooters can get away with a lot that striker fire shooters cannot when shooting. A thin, light single action trigger is a very forgiving thing.