Taurus PT-111 -- Way Off The Mark

[fdegree]

Does anyone have any thoughts about what adjustments can be made to improve the accuracy of this gun?
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=24&category=Pistol

I went to the range today and it wouldn't hit a piece of copy paper from about 10 - 12 yards.  I had no trouble grouping in a 6" circle with a Smith & Wesson M&P-9 from the same distance.  A friend was with me and he had similar results with both guns.

The Taurus has the following sights...
Front Sight: Heinie
Rear Sight:    Straight-8

It appears to me as though these sights are only for side to side adjustments...I had to aim about 8 - 10 inches over the top of the paper to have any chance of hitting near the center of the paper.

I like everything about this gun except the accuracy, so I would really like to figure out how to make it more accurate.  I have probably put about 1,000 rounds through this gun with absolutely no failures ever...it's just not accurate.

I would prefer to remedy this problem instead of abandon it...if this is possible.

[Lumspond]

I would try calling Heine and asking if they have a shorter front sight for this Taurus. I had a similar problem with a Sig P230 a decade or more ago. I'm assuming the Taurus shoots a good group 8-10 inches low.

[fdegree]

I've had this gun for a few years, and the accuracy seems to be getting worse...don't know if that is possible...maybe it's me