View Full Version : CM9 Tips
justin81
01-27-2013, 05:48 PM
I took my new CM9 to the range today very excited to put 200 rounds through it and test it's accuracy and to my surprise I can't shoot it for crap.
This is the first small handgun I've ever owned so I'm looking for some tips. It's obviously something I am doing wrong as these pistols are renowned for their accuracy. I'm a pretty good shot with full-sized and compact handguns so I'm not sure where I'm going wrong with this one.
I purchased it to be my CCW so I any ideas, tips, anything would be appreciated.
Bawanna
01-27-2013, 06:00 PM
Without knowing what your used to and what your previous shooting experience has been I'd say your mostly just not used to the long trigger pull.
It takes a little getting acquainted with if your not used to. Revolver shooters have an advantage with the change.
At first I tried staging the trigger but found that it's best to just have a smooth continuous pull all the way through.
I'd keep your range short and your sessions not terribly long. Once you get a little tired or sloppy, your no longer gaining anything and maybe hurting your progress.
Don't give up, it's worth the effort.
JFootin
01-27-2013, 07:34 PM
Welcome to the forum, justin81! :) There is a wealth of valuable information in the New Member Area (http://kahrtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=56) and the Kahr-Tech (http://kahrtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27) sections of the forum.
And welcome to the CM9 Owners Club! :D Our official symbol is the wide grin smily because we are so happy with our purchase that we can't wipe the smiles off our faces!
Here is your club badge.
http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee486/John_England/Smilies/BigSmily.jpg
Cristofori
01-27-2013, 09:07 PM
It takes practice shooting the small DAO CCW pistols effectively, especially the snubby revolvers. I was greatly frustrated as well when I first started shooting my snubby. At first, my hits were sporadic and all over the place, but now I can get most of my shots within a 8" circle at 21 feet. I'm less effective with rapid fire, but getting better.
One of the problems you may be having is with the long trigger pull and anticipating the recoil. When you pull the trigger and anticipating recoil, your aim is going off target even though it may seem it isn't. Try not jerking or staging the trigger. The anticipating the recoil thing is psychological and you won't get over that problem until you become used to it.
olympicmotorcars
01-27-2013, 09:11 PM
When I first got my PM I shot my Glock 27 significantly better, but now after a few years I shoot the PM a little better than the Glock. I carry the PM much more and I practice dry firing with it almost every night. Practicing smooth trigger control is one of the keys.
Rio Vista Slim
01-27-2013, 09:58 PM
Very good advice from those who've responded!
Since my shooting background was formed with double action revolvers in the 1960s and 70s, the trigger on my CM9 was actually much smoother than those of the Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers of my youth.
Those who have told you to shorten the distance at which you shoot are quite correct. By short, I mean no more than 3 yards (9 ft.), if possible at your shooting range.
Start slowly, pulling smoothly all the way through the trigger. Concentrate on keeping the sights aligned, and avoid rapid fire until you are consistently getting hits where you expect them to be.
Smaller handguns are more difficult to master, and even minor changes in trigger pull can adversely affect your results. Recoil is also greater with the small guns, so if you see your impact points changing, rest a bit and start over. Even better, if someone can load dummy rounds randomly in your magazine, you'll instantly see if you've developed a flinch.
Go Slow! Only after you are consistently getting good hits up close will you want to extend the distance between you and the target.
Don't get discouraged! Practice at close ranges. Increase the distance when ready to do so, and soon you'll become proficient in firing your new CM9.
eklipto101
01-27-2013, 10:16 PM
Mix some snapcaps with the rounds and it should give you the answer to the problem. Don't give up, practice makes you better
JFootin
01-28-2013, 07:54 AM
Many of us have ordered and installed the 5 pound striker spring from Wolff Springs (http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=1&mID=29#188) (who make the springs for Kahrs anyway). It reduces the trigger pull by about a pound, which makes it a little easier to pull and stay on target.
Edit: Get the 3-pack so you will have springs to put in your other Kahrs!
sealion
01-28-2013, 08:19 AM
In addition to all advice given above, dry fire the hell out of it. That will give you the best idea of when the trigger breaks.
Harrylee
01-28-2013, 01:55 PM
Hey justin,
Take your time and practice you need to get used to the trigger on that gun plus the small sight radius.Like the other said dry fire but try this as you dry fire pick a target focus on that front sight and pull the trigger,if your front sight does not move when you fire you will hit what you aim at.I had trouble at first with my cm9 nothing like my 1911.Now what I practice is instinctive point shooting probably the most real way you'll use it I rarely get the sights above my chin level.Here's my last target from the range 2 8round magazines, shots about 1 second apart at 7 yards.You can see this little gun will perform.Right now hard to practice with this ammo BS going on.Keep at it you will get just remember if that front sight does not move as you pull the trigger you'll be on target
jocko
01-28-2013, 02:30 PM
I took my new CM9 to the range today very excited to put 200 rounds through it and test it's accuracy and to my surprise I can't shoot it for crap.
This is the first small handgun I've ever owned so I'm looking for some tips. It's obviously something I am doing wrong as these pistols are renowned for their accuracy. I'm a pretty good shot with full-sized and compact handguns so I'm not sure where I'm going wrong with this one.
I purchased it to be my CCW so I any ideas, tips, anything would be appreciated.
is a kahr club for those who report: "can't shoot it for crap". I would have been the first member and after over 5 years with my PMj9, I would stillbe a charter member. Join the club my friend, ur not alone, no one said kahrs are easy to soot accurately FOR SOME.their smooth looooong trigger syste just takes time and some never get alot better. Ain't the gun, but fokk it the gun can't talk so yes it is the gun. there is sumpin wrong with all 4 of my kahrs to.:amflag:
Redneck
01-28-2013, 05:55 PM
Many of us have ordered and installed the 5 pound striker spring from Wolff Springs (http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=1&mID=29#188) (who make the springs for Kahrs anyway). It reduces the trigger pull by about a pound, which makes it a little easier to pull and stay on target.
Edit: Get the 3-pack so you will have springs to put in your other Kahrs!
Dont mean to high jack the thread but do you get light primer strikes when using the 5 lb springs ?
muggsy
01-28-2013, 06:31 PM
The four keys to accuracy with any gun are sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control and follow through. To insure a good sight picture and sight alignment try shooting from a pistol rest. Smoothly pull straight back applying pressure with the pad of you index finger allowing the first joint to go slack. Pressure to the trigger must be applied perpendicular to the bore axis to keep from pulling or pushing your shot. You must follow through with the shot knowing exactly how the sights were aligned to the target when the gun fired. See this video for further help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKdXmcdB5WE&lr=1
AIRret
01-28-2013, 07:45 PM
Here is a dry fire drill that will smooth out your trigger pull.
Place an empty cartridge on top of your front sight (I know the balance will be tough at first) and while maintaining a sight picture pull the trigger. The goal is to keep that empty cartridge balanced on your front sight. When you are consistently successful you will notice a significant improvement in your range results.
About thirteen years ago when i got into collecting guns my ccw for a long time was a 22 or 25 I think. Well anyways as with everything no matter how many firearms you may have shot in your life time or how many you may own takes time for each and there own. The key as we all know is always safety first and with time and patience you will become a expert to yourself. Hang in there and keep practicing when you can. Grasp and always try to focus on the front sight. And yes dry firing works good also here it is fifteen years later and i still dry fire at home all the time. A lot of times i do it before going to the range. And i am always pleased with my results. Good Luck
Also when you go to the range practice more at a short range like 7 yards or closer for awhile or a few visits and then work your way down. With time you will group those rounds on target like you want to see them.
KoolBreeze
01-28-2013, 09:46 PM
Here is a dry fire drill that will smooth out your trigger pull.
Place an empty cartridge on top of your front sight (I know the balance will be tough at first) and while maintaining a sight picture pull the trigger. The goal is to keep that empty cartridge balanced on your front sight. When you are consistently successful you will notice a significant improvement in your range results.
When I was a kid, my dad use to do that with a dime on the end of a rifle barrel.
wyntrout
01-28-2013, 09:58 PM
I just put 5-lb striker springs in all of my 7 Kahrs. To my knowledge, no one has had any problems with the 5-lb springs.
Wynn:)
newCW45guy
01-28-2013, 11:39 PM
Start slowly, pulling smoothly all the way through the trigger. Concentrate on keeping the sights aligned, and avoid rapid fire until you are consistently getting hits where you expect them to be.
Unfortunately a lot of shooters align sights by focusing on the rear sight and try and bring the front into the notch. It works ok for slow shooting but not rapid fire. Those complaining of grip/grip angle on guns are IMHO always focusing on the rear sight and trying to align the front with it. It's a lousy way to aim.
Focus on the front sight and forget the rear as it seems to magically align somehow. Once you know your gun you'll be squeezing before the sights are even aligned and magic happens.
Yep start at really short ranges to avoid frustration.
Mike Brownhouse
01-29-2013, 12:09 AM
Good advice. I'd say dry-firing is good, just pay attention to what happens to the sight picture while you're going through the trigger pull. Even though they're small, they're definitely accurate. You should be able to get better with practice. I've got less than 200 rounds through my CM40 and I'm able to get 2" groups at 7 yards. The only minor problem I've had is getting used to the dot and bar. When I'm aiming, the tip of the front sight gets lost in the target, and I'm putting the dot just a little too high, so my groups are a little high.
ktmrider
01-29-2013, 07:59 AM
If I can pile on here..... what is the proper sight picture on a Kahr sights? I started using the 6:00 method with my front dot right under the the bullseye and I was shooting way low (and a lil left, but I'll blame myself for the left part). I found that to hit center of a 8.5X11 paper target at self defense range 7yds I would have to aim almost at the top of the paper.
justin81
01-29-2013, 12:26 PM
Thanks for the advice everybody!! I'll try dryfiring with cartridge on the front sight and see how it goes. I'm planning another range trip this weekend if I can find some ammo.
I wasn't sure about the sight picture either? Is it front sight bellow or on the target?
Flincher
01-30-2013, 10:32 AM
Welcome to the forum from North Dakota, and congrats on the new Kahr
wyntrout
01-30-2013, 10:43 AM
If you're having to aim high, you may be "anticipating" the recoil, as my son did here... and I do... too often:
http://s1134.beta.photobucket.com/user/wyntrout/media/Patrick%20shoots/Patrickclicksonemptychamber.mp4.html
Wynn:)
KoolBreeze
01-30-2013, 01:15 PM
If you're having to aim high, you may be "anticipating" the recoil, as my son did here... and I do... too often:
http://s1134.beta.photobucket.com/user/wyntrout/media/Patrick%20shoots/Patrickclicksonemptychamber.mp4.html
Wynn:)
That would be my guess as well. I do it all of the time, especially on the very first shot of a magazine. It's an awfully difficult habit to break.
IP32sailor
02-01-2013, 10:13 PM
I'm going to throw out a slightly different perspective. The NRA recently sent me a DVD called Combat Focus Shooting. It made me rethink the purpose of my CM9 which is not competitive target shooting but stopping BGs at likely close range. Speed being as important as aim. So rather than taking my time trying for that sub 2" group I'm now practicing with 2 or 3 6" targets at 5-7 yards. I try to put 2 or 3 rounds in each as quickly as I can. Figure that's a reasonable simulation of a center mass target area and changing my sight picture helps simulate multiple BGs. I get about 85% on targets and the misses are usually within an inch.
Now I'm not saying I don't want to be able to shoot 2" groups at 15 yds one day or that ability wouldn't be even more of an advantage with the BGs. But for now seeing holes where I would need them to be has made this newbie more confident. And I think the speed factor keeps me from over thinking things, my only thought is "focus on the front site" and I don't have time to think about recoil.
Only downside is this eats up ammo really quickly!!
wyntrout
02-02-2013, 04:21 AM
A good technique is to aim... an unloaded pistol... at something on the wall... like the light switch or one of the screws in the plate. Focus on squeezing only the trigger and see what your barrel/sight does. You can easily see any movement that throws off your aim. I can do this and get steady after a few tries, but still yank, jerk, and whatever else it takes to use a lot of the letter-sized target... not wanting to waste space!
Wynn:D
Keltyke
02-03-2013, 03:57 PM
IMO, you don't want to know where the trigger breaks. If you do, you'll be anticipating it. On a gun with a long heavy trigger, a rapid. smooth pull is what's needed. The longer it takes you to pull the trigger, the more the gun will move around on target. Just make your pull in one smooth motion without wasting any time about it. Don't jerk it, of course, but don't make it creep, either.
jocko
02-03-2013, 04:03 PM
agree keltyke. thats why kahrs are so so smooth..
wyntrout
02-03-2013, 04:06 PM
Yeah, I do that, but most of the time the quick squeeze becomes a yank or jerk. I'll point the pistol at the target and try to do that on each trigger pull... and once in a while the bullet goes where I intended it!
Wynn:D
muggsy
02-04-2013, 09:57 PM
I'm going to throw out a slightly different perspective. The NRA recently sent me a DVD called Combat Focus Shooting. It made me rethink the purpose of my CM9 which is not competitive target shooting but stopping BGs at likely close range. Speed being as important as aim. So rather than taking my time trying for that sub 2" group I'm now practicing with 2 or 3 6" targets at 5-7 yards. I try to put 2 or 3 rounds in each as quickly as I can. Figure that's a reasonable simulation of a center mass target area and changing my sight picture helps simulate multiple BGs. I get about 85% on targets and the misses are usually within an inch.
Now I'm not saying I don't want to be able to shoot 2" groups at 15 yds one day or that ability wouldn't be even more of an advantage with the BGs. But for now seeing holes where I would need them to be has made this newbie more confident. And I think the speed factor keeps me from over thinking things, my only thought is "focus on the front site" and I don't have time to think about recoil.
Only downside is this eats up ammo really quickly!!
Now your talking, sailor. I know you said that this type of practice uses up a lot of ammo, but what's the down side? :) Carry on, lad.
LProf
02-05-2013, 07:34 AM
Now your talking, sailor. I know you said that this type of practice uses up a lot of ammo, but what's the down side? :) Carry on, lad.
One other observation on this is that if your range allows it, it is also very valuable practice for the real thing to draw from your carry holster while trying to get off the rounds as quickly as you safely can and at center of mass.
lamppa
03-17-2013, 09:57 PM
This thread is full of usefull info on practice tipe.
I will try my best to keep my finger paralell
I will try my best to aim with the front sight first.
lamppa
03-17-2013, 09:58 PM
Im gonna try that empty shell thing at home dry firing too.
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