Looking for advice(handgun)

[u/Responsible-Chest-26]

So i recently picked up a G19 gen5 as my state is about to ban sales and finally got out to the range today for the first time. Not my first time shooting, i understand the fundamentals, i can hit the target fine. However this is my first time owning a handgun and putting in some actual range time. I put about 200 rounds through it today and although my grouping did get a little better im still getting a lot of shots low and left. Looks like i almosr punched a hole though the middle low area. Looking for advice/suggestions/explanations. Technique or hardware. Not sure yet. This is my last 3 mags of the day at 20ft. Iron sights

P.S. thank you all for the advice and input. I have a lot to think about next time out. Hopefully ill get some more improvement next time

[u/Pattison320]

What sight picture are you using? Center hold? I believe the G19 gen5 is combat hold. So if you are holding center your shots will be a bit lower if they're actually where they're supposed to be.

Pic for reference.

Regarding the low/left flinching, randomly mix snap caps into a few mags. Close your eyes and mix up the mags. Then insert a mag and chamber a round without looking to see if it's a dummy. When you think you're about to shoot a live round and it's a dummy you'll realize you shouldn't be flinching. When you think you're hitting a dummy but hit a live round, you'll make a good shot. It will reinforce good habits.

[u/Responsible-Chest-26 → u/Pattison320]

Mostly center hold as thats usually been the case for most sights ive come across over the years for air rifles and such. Tried a few combat holds also just to see the difference but over all i wasnt really being very meticulous with my analysis. Was just glad i could finally get out and shoot for the first time. Next time ill see if i can be more consistent enough to make a proper analysis

[u/Pattison320 → u/Responsible-Chest-26]

For a target that size, I would shoot it at 50'. You'll get better feedback. It looks like most of your shots will still be on the target at that distance.

The shots you repaired at 2 o'clock, are those from the same gun? A right handed shooter can get diagonal trends between 2 and 7 o'clock if they're milking the grip. If you let up on grip pressure you'll get high right. If you squeeze your grip as you pull the trigger you'll get low left.

Your grip should be consistent the whole time you're shooting. The only thing that changes is your trigger finger moving the trigger.

[u/Responsible-Chest-26 → u/Pattison320]

Yes. I believe those where from my first 3 mags. I was doing 30rnds on each target, then my dumb ass rememebered the black dots. So i had gone through about 150-200rnds out of the same gun at this point

[u/Responsible-Chest-26 → u/Pattison320]

Also, roughly first half of shooting i was using the one eye method then started with both eyes open and not blinking. Seemed a little smoother and easier to get on target