testtest

Disappointing range day

T

Tom C

Alpha
Shot 200rnds today, 100 each in my Hellcat and VP9. The VP9 was just fine, the majority of hits at or very close to where I wanted them. Not so much with the Hellcat. I was all over the map and tried every correction I could think of. Very inconsistent and frustrating.

I think one of the issues with the Hellcat was an annoying irritation on my middle finger from it coming in contact with the trigger guard. All my mags are 10rnds (NJ restriction) and all have the extended pinky grip for a bit more room. I noticed it the first time I fired the gun, installed a Hogue grip, but no change. It's very distracting. It doesn't happen with my VP9, but that's a full frame gun with plenty of handle to grab. Anyone else experience this rubbing on their Hellcat?
 
Could be a mulitude of factors. …

were you consistently shooting higher or lower than nornal ? Mostly left or right of target?

did you have a range officer or someone else shoot the gun to check for proper sight alignment that you may have not realized was off?

Your grip may have been too tight or too loose.

without seeing a target and some other info, may be hard to pinpoint what you were having trouble with.
 
Not so much middle finger as knuckle area where thumb meets hand. It’s a snappy little thing and the trigger break has been the biggest adjustment for me. I tend to shoot low and left with mine but have been able to get my groups consistent. It usually takes me a few mags to work it to the dead center consistently.(at 12 yards being the shortest distance)
 
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Shoot it off a rest and make sure it's you not the gun/sights. Then go from there. And if it's uncomfortable to shoot you might as well get rid of it now because you'll end up throwing good money after bad, still not being happy and it will sit in a safe.
 
On shooting a Hellcat, you definitely need a firm grip on it, actually on all small pistols like this, my S&W Shield I had similar issue until I was instructed to keep a firm grip on pistol, when I did this, I did a lot better with it, on my Hellcat, I too had to remember to grip it firm also, these small pistols are great, but sometimes hard to shoot especially if you got kinda big mitts. Like BassBob said, try it off a rest and see what happens.
 
Had your eyes checked lately? No not really kidding. Last time I went shooting was having a heck of a time putting rounds where I wanted with my SCCY 9mm EDC. Shot my S&W Shield 45 and shot were going just where they were supposed to. Dawned on me that I was not seeing the sights well on the SCCY. Got my eyes checked and have appointment with surgeon for cataract surgery on my right eye. :(
 
It's a small gun, with a small, not particularly ergonomic grip; the VP9 has one of the best grips out there (and if you customized it with different panels/backstrap than the factory M/M/M configuration, you know that).

That is most likely the issue.

Pay attention to your grip. Make certain the Hellcat isn't shifting in your hands. The fact that your middle finger is getting rubbed by the trigger guard tends to support that it is.
 
HansGruber said:
It's a small gun, with a small, not particularly ergonomic grip; the VP9 has THE best grip out there (and if you customized it with different panels/backstrap than the factory M/M/M configuration, you know that).

That is most likely the issue.

Pay attention to your grip. Make certain the Hellcat isn't shifting in your hands. The fact that your middle finger is getting rubbed by the trigger guard tends to support that it is.
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Fixed it for you.
 
I shot the HellCat when they first hit the shelves and were rentable at my local LGS, the multiple threads about this gun were the exact reason I didn’t buy one.
The HellCat reminded me of the MP Shield I had in 40 Caliber to small for my hands. I couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with that Shield. When I shot the HellCat I had the same result, could I have adjusted my grip and get groupings? Yes but I didn’t want to spend money on a handgun that I had to think to much about in an emergency. I’ve come to love my XDM Mod2 40 it fills and fits perfect in my hand.
Small subcompacts no thank you.
 
Just a little info here, but I don't own and have never shot a VP9 so I really can't comment on it's grip ..... good or bad.

I do however own, and shoot quite often a Hellcat, and that grip is just fine for me and my 'on the smaller size' hands. I also have several other 9's, some compact, some a little bigger, and they all shoot relatively well for me.

But in my opinion, the very best grip I personally have ever held is ............ get ready for this now .............. a Ruger SR22 with the fatter of the two enclosed grip covers. Fits my hand like it was molded for it. Time after time can shoot 1.5" -2" groups at 10 yds offhand, and so little recoil I hardly notice it. ;)

All kidding (about recoil) aside, that grip is a perfect fit for me. Would love to duplicate it on my Hellcat .... and several others. (y)(y)(y)
 
jumpinjoe said:
Just a little info here, but I don't own and have never shot a VP9 so I really can't comment on it's grip ..... good or bad.

I do however own, and shoot quite often a Hellcat, and that grip is just fine for me and my 'on the smaller size' hands. I also have several other 9's, some compact, some a little bigger, and they all shoot relatively well for me.

But in my opinion, the very best grip I personally have ever held is ............ get ready for this now .............. a Ruger SR22 with the fatter of the two enclosed grip covers. Fits my hand like it was molded for it. Time after time can shoot 1.5" -2" groups at 10 yds offhand, and so little recoil I hardly notice it. ;)

All kidding (about recoil) aside, that grip is a perfect fit for me. Would love to duplicate it on my Hellcat .... and several others. (y)(y)(y)
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Joe I have owned and shot a million handguns. When I bought a Walther Q5 Match I couldn't believe the grip. Literally perfect I thought. Then I bought a VP9.

Just for giggles next time you are in a LGS and you see a VP9 in the case, ask to see it and handle it.

In my estimation the Walther edges the HK out by a slim margin with the trigger. The Q5 is definitely the nicest trigger on any striker I have personally felt or shot with the VP9 running a very close second. The HK holds the advantage in every other category though, including the grip.

Every time I see that gun I have to pick it up. I can't help myself.
 
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