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I chose to put this in "Handguns" as I expect the topic applies equally well to revolvers, even though I am mainly an semiauto shooter. So, anyhow...

I am starting to think, after several years, that I am gripping my pistols too tight. I have been gripping them very tightly for four reasons - firstly, that it's "the right way to do it". Secondly, erratic ejection. Thirdly, fear of limp-wristing. Finally, concern that smaller guns might "walk" out of my hands while shooting. Two of these are of course concerns for autoloaders only.

Some time ago, a rangemaster told me that one's grip should be "a firm handshake...no more". He was a very helpful and level-headed guy, but for some reason that advice did not sink in - at least until now.

I have found recently that by relaxing my grip somewhat, I am getting tighter groups, better sight pictures, and so on. Ejection has been consistent. And no limp-wrist malfunctions or gun-taking-a-walk problems, either - even with a GLOCK 26.

Any thoughts on just how firm a grip is appropriate, at least for the "average" handgun - I imagine it might be a little different with ultralight guns in big calibers, etc. Thanks for reading!

[tsidorus]

I was taught that your grip should be like holding a dove (or some other small animal that would rather not be held). Firm enough to control but not squashing the crap out of it. Much like the firm handshake.

-Tsi

[RyanM]

Depends on if you're just target shooting, or practicing defensive shooting. Target shooting, you want the lightest grip that still allows you to shoot as fast as you want. Defensive, you should grip the gun so hard that your hand shakes, then back off just enough that it stops shaking.

[default]

Depends on if you're just target shooting, or practicing defensive shooting. Target shooting, you want the lightest grip that still allows you to shoot as fast as you want. Defensive, you should grip the gun so hard that your hand shakes, then back off just enough that it stops shaking.

Good point. I hadn't thought about it that way. I guess I am thinking in terms of plinking, or just general range shooting. Neither proper target shooting nor defensive training.

This is all part of my trying to integrate various techniques of generalized handgun shooting I have learned. I've spent some time building my grip, working on trigger control and sight picture, and so on, but haven't given much consideration to grip firmness until recently.

Thanks for the responses!

[Feanaro]

A firm grip is best, in my experience. What you don't want is a tense grip. Tension is bad. Firm but relaxed is what you want.

[Kind of Blued]

Massad Ayoob says to grip it as tight as possible, trembles and all.

[default]

Firm but relaxed is what you want.

That seems to be what is currently working for me, but as always at THR, it's good to hear diverging viewpoints on such a subject.

By the way, MDeViney, your signature is really funny. I'm a big fan of faux-18th Century "Ye Olde English" humor, which is unfortunately rarely encountered. Of course, it's also a more or less unanswerable response to the "...but the Founding Fathers didn't know there would be (insert scary modern gun here)..." argument. :)

[Steve C]

Once heard the grip hold described as "hold it as tight as you would a hammer". This seems to describe it the best for me. Tight enough so that it isn't slipping or twisting in the hand during recoil, firm enough to control the gun but not add any aberrant movement.

[owlhoot]

Many years ago I was a serious and fairly successful bullseye pistol competitor. As you might know, in such competition you must hold the pistol in one hand only. Stages are fired from both 25 and 50 yards. A level of accuracy is required, even in rapid fire, that will produce 2 to 2.5" groups at 25 yards. Try shooting that kind of group with your 1911 rapid fire with one hand. You had better have a tight grip. Actually every competitor had a tennis ball that he would squeeze anytime he watched TV. A mighy grip and a locked wrist are required for that kind of shooting.

Holding the pistol with two hands a "firm handshake" is quite adequate. But when I use two hands, I always have a little isometric pressure going, especially for multiple fast shots with heavier calibers.

[Mad Magyar]

Massad Ayoob says to grip it as tight as possible, trembles and all.

That's true....I'm not much on a "white-knuckler" grip, but a notch below..I find that a too-tight grip has a tendency to carry over to my trigger finger; not such a smooth pull....

[Quoheleth]

Skeeter Skelton always said that when shooting the 1911, you better have a grip that would crush diamonds.

Doesn't work for me, though. I can never find an extra diamond lying around when I need one. :neener:

Q

[highorder]

Massad Ayoob says to grip it as tight as possible, trembles and all.

Skeeter Skelton always said that when shooting the 1911, you better have a grip that would crush diamonds.

Rob Latham says the same thing; he shoots 1911's too.

[Claude Clay]

RyanM +1 grip & owlhoot +1 isometrics....defensive shooting; slightly bent elbows with shoulders 30 degrees off target, grip is just shy of vibrating and i am pushing hard away from me with the heel of my trigger hand and pulling to me slightly less hard with my other hand: my shoulders are the other base of my upper triangle. my feet and hips are my lower triangle. strength will get you a shot on target up-close with a colt defender but skill and technique will reveal its true accuracy and fast cycle time.

[Comanche180]

The best grip is the one that works for you.

I would not differentiate between target and defensive grip; the same all the time. And I am a bullseye shooter, so I do it one handed most of the time. For me the hammer anology is a good one, since I am a blacksmith, I know my hammer grip. My grip is quite firm, very much like squeezing to the shake and letting off a bit. You don't want to lose control of your 4# hammer.

Safe shooting.

[Feanaro]

Rob Latham says the same thing

And Dave Sevigny says that gripping too hard creates fatigue (http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/combatg_100306/index3.html), as well as negatively affecting your sight alignment. Do what works, regardless of who said it.

[Yosemite**Sam]

I often teach shooters who milk the grip to instead crush the grip. By crushing the grip it takes alot of the milking away. Doesn't work with all, but I've had great success with many. I personally shoot both combat and target with a near crushed grip.