Understanding Glock Shooting Drift to the Left: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

When I first bought my Glock 19, I noticed that my shots were often slightly off to the left of the target. Many instructors and fellow range enthusiasts assured me that this was a common issue, often due to the way the trigger was designed or how I was holding my grip. However, with a few adjustments, I was able to achieve consistent, accurate shooting. Let's explore why this happens and how to address it.

Why Does the Glock Shoot Left?

Sighting and Trigger Design: When Glock pistols leave the factory, their sights are often set to compensate for the default trigger position. In most cases, this results in the shots being relatively close to the center, especially if the gun is mounted on a shooting bench with a sand bag rest. This setup ensures that the gun does not move after the trigger release, maintaining accuracy.

However, when fired by a user with an unsupported grip, especially with the right hand, the shot group is often offset to the left. This offset is due to the trigger mechanism's design. Most Glock models are designed as military, police, and personal defensive tools rather than precision shooting devices. As such, they tend to have more trigger over-travel than many target pistols. Trigger over-travel is necessary for reliable firing, but it can cause the shot to drift to the left for right-handed shooters.

Understanding Trigger Over-Travel

Trigger Over-Travel and Shooting Drift: When the trigger is pulled, there is a short distance it must travel before the hammer or striker releases. In some case, this over-travel is reduced to less than 0.1 mm or 0.004 inches, which can cause the gun to become unreliable in firing. For competitive shooters, it is important to strike a balance between reliability and consistency.

Typically, the trigger continues to move a short distance after the striker is released. This additional movement, even if it is minimal, can cause the gun to vibrate slightly, leading to the leftward drift in the shot group. This is more pronounced for right-handed shooters because the hand's natural movement and pressure distribution can exacerbate the effect.

How to Correct the Shooting Drift

Adjusting Your Trigger Finger Position: One way to mitigate shooting drift is by adjusting your trigger finger position. Try placing the tip of your finger on the center "safety" part of the trigger rather than at the knuckle. This can help you find the most effective grip for both accuracy and consistency. Experiment with different positions until you find the optimal setup for your shooting style.

Replacing the Trigger: Another solution is to consider replacing the original trigger with one that has less over-travel. There are various aftermarket triggers available that are designed to offer better performance and reduced drift. Consulting a professional can help ensure that the new trigger is the right choice for your specific needs and shooting preferences.

Using a Sight-Pusher: If the leftward drift is still problematic, you can use a sight-pusher to reposition the rear sight to the right. A simple trigonometric calculation can help you determine the precise amount of adjustment needed. While this solution may work temporarily, it’s a more short-term fix and does not address the root cause of the issue.

Conclusion

Shooting a Glock to the left is a common issue that can be attributed to several factors, including trigger over-travel and grip position. While minor adjustments can often alleviate the problem, replacing the trigger with a more precise version is a more effective long-term solution. By understanding the mechanics behind this issue, you can improve your shooting accuracy and ultimately enjoy more successful and satisfying shooting experiences.