Yes, I'm pushing. Now what?

First off, I can't say enough positive things about the MantisX system. Easy to use. Makes dry firing interesting. Gives great feedback and something to study and think about.

So, dry firing with the MantisX tells me I'm habitually pushing. Something I never realized! Thank you, Mantis!


Now what?

"Stop doing that" just doesn't help. I've tried to break the habit by not doing that, but it's not the same as quitting tobacco. As long as I don't buy another can of dip, I've stopped doing that. However, I can't separate pistol shooting from the 'push'. It's become integral to the process. I can't simply make the choice not to push like I can make the choice not to use tobacco.

Help please.

The only thing MantisX or the target can tell you is the result of what you are doing.

The main thing is to perform an acceptable shot and analyze the hell out of that one.  In other words, learn how to do the more acceptable thing(s) to achieve the shot you want. 

But if you must focus on a negative result, then look for the individual causes. In other words, if you feel you can't stop doing something until you know what the cause is then do some systematic analysis for the root cause(s).  Just saying stop "pushing" doesn't do anything.  

So what's the solution?  One way is to look at the individual parts.

Do a LOT of dryfiring and live firing on a blank target.  See if that helps with the pushing issue? (Target distraction / trying to pick off the shot).

Focus?  Are you seeing the sights move towards that part of the target as the gun goes off?  Yes/ No?  (Losing focus and getting distracted by the dot / focusing on target / etc.? Trying to "pick off" the shot?)

Grip?  Is your grip consistent and constant throughout the process?  (Grip trying to help trigger (gun go off)?)

Trigger finger position?  Is it in exactly the same place every time?  (Grip trying to accommodate different pressure on gun?) 

Trigger process?  Is the push coming when you operate the trigger for that last part?  (Anticipation? Rushing or Holding too long? Passing the smallest wobble and not starting over? )

Stance / Arm Position / Rotation relative to target?  Is it exactly the same every time?  Is there residual stress or pressure on the shoulder / arm / etc.?  (Does your position need to be adjusted as you tire?  Need better exercise routine for shooting?) 

Anyway, you get the picture.  Break it down into as many parts as you can and go from there.  Focus on that one thing each session until you are sure its not the issue and you are doing that one thing consistently / to the best of your ability. 

Additional note:  One issue with these analysis tools like Mantisx, etc., is that the awareness of time / documentation can sometimes come into play and shooters will have more anticipation / flinching / jerking and related issues trying to pick off the shot so they get a "pretty picture" on the screen.  Dryfire for a few days and then put the MantisX back on.   What you are looking for is not perfect shots, but seeing, understanding and working towards a consistent wobble and consistent trigger process.  The shots / scores will get better as a result.   Set early goals along the lines of something like "complete the shot as the wobble is getting smaller / moving towards the center area".  Reduce the anticipation and learn to see the flow of the sights / wobble.

CR

If you have an adjustable trigger... move it back a little.

mhayford45 - the Pardini trigger is pretty much back as far as possible. The 1911 is a short trigger. But thanks for the good idea. Gun fit is important, especially for smaller hands.

CR10X - breaking it down has helped. No need to choke down the whole elephant leg when I can chew on little pieces. (The butt is quite good with bbq sauce!)


Today at the range I invested considerable time on getting the right stance, a tight and repeatable grip and visualization with breathing. It became quite relaxing. Each aspect individually addressed. Then,...

     New Game!

Dry fire until I can 'call' two or three good shots - no pushing, good follow through, trigger pull straight back without stopping, no grip changes, locked wrist,... all the things I worked on with the MantisX and CR10X said to work on individually. 

Then I get to shoot one round.

Repeat.

....

Once I can dry fire and shoot one round in my selected ring for three repetitions, I get to shoot two rounds after a good dry fire.

Repeat.

....


You get the idea.

To finish the day, I shot 10 rounds slow fire at a 25yd timed/rapid repair center taking my time and utilizing what I 'learned'. 99-4 with the 45

A good day shooting to say the least 

Thanks CR10X!

"It became quite relaxing."

Everything you can remember about that feeling and what you were doing and seeing deserves multiple pages of notes in your journal!

CR