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ianmko wrote:Are dummy rounds the same as those dark red snap caps? Do they exit the barrel, or just make a noise?

SnapCaps = yes. Barrel exit or noise = no. Though there are a variety of different types of SnapCaps (though I keep using the brand name); search Brownell's or Midway.

Very, very few modern pistols have their firing pins damaged by empty-chamber dry-fire. But using SnapCaps not only gives the firing pin something to cushion its blow, but it allows you to practice a number of functions, from semi-realistic mag changes (reloads) to common stoppage clearance. I have and use SnapCaps in all calibers I own...well, except .32 ACP. Never mind. When practicing dry reloads, I always have a SnapCap in the new magazine. Makes for a more realistic insertion, and helps insure I don't accidentally damage the feed lips.

Glock aficionados won't like me mentioning this, but when it comes to dry-fire practice your XD's fire control mechanism has a benefit over stock Glocks. Once you've reset and activated the trigger, your XD will still allow a pull through its normal range of motion, albeit without the sear resistance and trigger break. With a Glock, once you pull the trigger it's pinned to its rearmost position. The upshot is that you can practice trigger control on an XD without resetting the trigger each time.

But like AndyC noted, be certain the sights on your gun aren't wacky. Most aren't, but I bought a PM9 once where the sights were visibly misaligned just looking at them out of the box. Have a good shooter try the gun or, perhaps easier, shoot it from a bench rest. Doesn't need to be anything fancy, just a secure rest--a sandbag, a rolled-up towel, a backpack--that will help eliminate freehand glitches from your shooting. If you shoot your XD from a solid rest and it still groups low-right, it may well be the gun. This assuming your sight alignment is correct.

You selected a good firearm. A little work, and you'll be very accurate with it.

Uploading so you can print in reasonable resolution, if you want.
(Right-handers: do not use these targets. For lefties only. )

Edited to add: These types of symptom-displaying targets typically make the assumption that the handgun is being fired one-handed. While some symptoms carry over to two-handed shooting (breaking the wrist down or "cowboying," trigger slapping, recoil anticipation "pushing," etc.), you have to take into account the actions of the off-hand. For example, as a left-hander, if you clench your right hand at the time the shot breaks, it could result in the same symptom as having too little finger on the trigger.

You don't need anyone else to help you diagnose it, either. If you have a GoPro (or similar) take it to the range, set it for a high frame rate so you'll get better slow-mo playback, position it on the bench facing up underneath and maybe just forward of where you will be holding the gun, and go to town. Go home and take a critical look in ultra-slow-mo at exactly what your hands and fingers are doing--and all movements of the muzzle--immediately before and after the break of the shot. It can be educational, even for experienced shooters.

Last, here's a tip from back in the dark ages. First, unload and confirm clear; then do it again. If using a handgun with a rounded surface around the barrel (1911, Beretta) balance a coin near the front sight, take aim, and dry fire. Any but minuscule movements of the gun, and the coin will fall off. If using a striker-fired gun that has a wide, flat surface (Glock, XD), find something spherical like a marble or ping pong and give it a go with that.

Just MHO, but dry-fire practice can cure a lot of ills, and that little trigger control exercise is helpful to come back to from time to time to make certain you keep a feel for what Col. Cooper called the "surprise break" of the trigger.