Glock Grip Angle and Wrist Pain

[TomJ]

I was at the range today with a couple of 1911's, both 45's, two P320's (45 and 357 Sig) and my Glock 19. I put less than 100 rounds through the Glock and over 300 through the other guns. Although the recoil from the 1911's and Sig's was greater than that of the Glock, my right wrist started throbbing while shooting the Glock where it was fine shooting the other guns. It's not the first time I noticed this and I have isolated it to my Glocks. The only thing I can think of is the difference in the grip angle is causing this. I have some old injuries that are catching up to me, (I broke my right wrist once and hand twice) which I'm sure doesn't help. I carry the Glock often and shoot it well. It's been incredibly reliable and I hate to get rid of it, but I've been thinking of trading it in for the M&P 2.0. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if there's anything I can try differently to do away with this pain. I understand that without seeing me shoot, this may be a tough question to answer.

 

[tarosean]

Never... However there comes a time, that once worked no longer does.. (Age related)

I.e. I just recently got my first pair of progressive lenses (bi-focals).. I am having serious issues focusing on the front sight. Without closing an eye. It definitely sucks...

 

[jmr40]

The grip angle just ain't that much different. Recoil has a cumulative effect, the damage was done early and just showed up later when you switched to the Glock.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The angle of the Glock's grip is actually less stressful to the wrist as it follows the natural "hang/fall" of the wrist.

It is likely that your previous injury puts limits on the range of motion of you wrist that no longer allows it to settle naturally

 

[Mn Fats]

The recoil from the 1911's was greater? My glock has more recoil due to the fact it is lightweight plastic, not grip angle. Maybe its just me.

 

[pblanc]

The grip angle just ain't that much different. Recoil has a cumulative effect, the damage was done early and just showed up later when you switched to the Glock.

Those diagrams are very misleading. For one thing, a couple of degrees difference in angle makes a big difference in point of impact at any distance. Secondly, take a look at the back of the Glock grip and try drawing a line down that instead of down the center of the grip. It is the back strap that contacts the palm. With the Glock, it is not just the grip angle, but the exaggerated palm swell low down on the back strap that pushes the muzzle up unless the strong hand wrist is cocked forward to a degree that is very unnatural for some. The Glock may put the wrist in a more natural position for some, but it most certainly does not do so for many, including me. And persistent attempts by Glock fans to convince those of us for whom it does not that it is really better are not only unconvincing, they are annoying.

 

[TomJ]

It's definitely an issue with Glocks and I'm guessing it started a year or so ago. I have a 19, 23, 27, 29 and 20, and I have the same pain when I shoot any of them. I also have Sigs, 1911's, Springfields and CZ's and don't experience it with any of them.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The Glock may put the wrist in a more natural position for some, but it most certainly does not do so for many, including me. And persistent attempts by Glock fans to convince those of us for whom it does not that it is really better are not only unconvincing, they are annoying.

This isn't to annoy you and not really to convince you either. The below is just to explain to future readers how the grip angle of the Glock is more "natural".

Try this experiment:
1. Extend you strong arm forward from your shoulder and relax the wrist...just let you hand, palm down, dangle
2. Without tightening your wrist, rotate you hand until the thumb is on top
3. The angle that your hand is hanging is the angle of the Glock grip

This is also the angle that we teach for an optimal grip with the support hand

 

[Hangingrock]

I have not experienced that problem and my wrists are in their seventh decade of usage. As you have stated previous injuries and or the ravages of time may be the problem.

 

[JPDeacon]

Simple solution for the Glock haters.
STOP shooting them,
STOP buying them, and
STOP bad-mouthing them.....this too would be less annoying.

 

[JohnKSa]

I carry the Glock often and shoot it well. It's been incredibly reliable and I hate to get rid of it, but I've been thinking of trading it in for the M&P 2.0.

We are blessed with a tremendous variety of easily available quality firearms. There's not much reason to keep shooting a gun that doesn't fit you.

 

[bannockburn]

TomJ

Maybe try shooting your Glocks exclusively next visit to the range. Then next time out shoot all the others that you have and see if the pain is limited only to the Glocks or handguns in general.

 

[rskent]

Tom. You seem to like the P320. Don’t they make them in 9mm?

 

[rskent]

My glock has more recoil due to the fact it is lightweight plastic, not grip angle. Maybe its just me.

A little more “snappy” maybe.

 

[TomJ]

TomJ

Maybe try shooting your Glocks exclusively next visit to the range. Then next time out shoot all the others that you have and see if the pain is limited only to the Glocks or handguns in general.

Bannockburn,

I've done that, and the pain is there when I shoot Glocks. It's never occurred when I shoot my other guns.

Tom

 

[TomJ]

Tom. You seem to like the P320. Don’t they make them in 9mm?

That's one of the options I'm considering, along with the M&P 2.0. The 19 has been so reliable and I shoot it so well that I hate to give it up.

 

[bannockburn]

TomJ

I have found when shooting 1911s I have a much more comfortable grip with a flat mainspring housing in place. It just feels more natural and less stressful than the rounded or Bobcat type of mainspring housing.

 

[murf]

big hands?...fatten the grip at the first and second finger groove levels and see if that helps (w/tape). wear a shooting glove. wear a wrist brace.

luck,

murf

 

[Itzdapig]

Build yourself a Polymer80 and swap out the parts from your 19. Same as the 1911.

 

[klausman]

This thread never set out to "Glock-Bash". It was just an inquiry. Responders demonstrated that the grip angles are different, but not good bad or indifferent. The wrist and hand is a most complicated collection of joints, tendons and nerves, and little things like a palm swell or curved backstrap can make an enormous difference. Sometimes we all need to lighten up a bit.

 

[JR24]

The recoil from the 1911's was greater? My glock has more recoil due to the fact it is lightweight plastic, not grip angle. Maybe its just me.

It might be you, but the lightweight polymer frame actually flexes with recoil and gives many the feeling of reduced recoil impulse (since how recoik "feels" is completely subjective, IMO) myself included.

When I shoot my Glock 21 next to my Kimber Warrior, the Glock recoils less in my hands, despite the Kimbers full length all steel railed frame.

Also, in the OP the Glock was the only 9mm, which makes a difference.

YMMV, naturally.

Edit: OP I would say if the Glock gives you pain, get the M&P or a Sig 320 9mm and move on. Life is too short to shoot guns we don't like.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I was at the range today with a couple of 1911's, both 45's, two P320's (45 and 357 Sig) and my Glock 19. I put less than 100 rounds through the Glock and over 300 through the other guns. Although the recoil from the 1911's and Sig's was greater than that of the Glock, my right wrist started throbbing while shooting the Glock where it was fine shooting the other guns. It's not the first time I noticed this and I have isolated it to my Glocks. The only thing I can think of is the difference in the grip angle is causing this. I have some old injuries that are catching up to me, (I broke my right wrist once and hand twice) which I'm sure doesn't help. I carry the Glock often and shoot it well. It's been incredibly reliable and I hate to get rid of it, but I've been thinking of trading it in for the M&P 2.0. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if there's anything I can try differently to do away with this pain. I understand that without seeing me shoot, this may be a tough question to answer.

I would bet it is your old injuries catching up to you. If you shoot your 19 well and like to carry it, I'd say keep it and just shoot enough lite loads to maintain your skill.

 

[rskent]

OP I would say if the Glock gives you pain, get the M&P or a Sig 320 9mm and move on. Life is too short to shoot guns we don't like.

Exactly, if it hurts you to shoot it, you need to get rid of it.
If it’s a great gun you like a lot, sell it or give it to a great person that you like a lot.

 

[TyBass]

I could see this happening. I mildly sprained my wrist doing some demo work last year and I noticed the steep grip angle on my AR began to bother me. I installed a more verticals grip and it helped. I don't think I shot my glock during this time so I can't say if it was uncomfortable to use With the injury. (I really like the grip angle and low axis of glocks btw)

I know this is sort of an apples/oranges comparison but I could see a grip angle on a glock bothering someone with arthritis or an injury.

 

[pblanc]

The degree of ulnar deviation that is tolerable varies considerably from individual to individual. If you are typing on a regular keyboard right now, take a look at the degree of ulnar deviation of your hands. I will warrant that it is considerably less than that required to point a Glock. The majority of people can tolerate this fine. But there are many who cannot and get chronic wrist pain as a result. That is the reason for those ergonomic bent and split keyboards. And the wrist is considerably more relaxed while typing on a computer keyboard than it is while bracing against the recoil of a pistol.

The most comfortable and natural position for the wrist in terms of preventing wrist pain is not with the hand drooping in maximal ulnar deviation. It is widely considered by orthopedic surgeons to be the "handshake position" and most of us do not allow the hand to droop maximally when shaking hands.

And for the record JPDeacon, I am not bashing Glocks. If Glocks point naturally for you go out and buy them and enjoy shooting them. The fact is they do not for many people, and the fault is not necessarily due to some deficiency in the shooter's anatomy, physiology, or technique.