Grip technique advice for old revolvers?

[Alec]

I have a pair of WWI-era Colt revolvers (1917/New Service) with the old-style narrow grips that won't stay put in my hand. I've tried adjusting my grip position and adding Tyler grip adapters, but in both cases the recoil causes the guns to shift in my hand with every shot. By the 6th round, the web of my hand is almost 1/2" from the hammer and I've had to adjust the sight picture throughout.

I have a Pachmayr presentation grip that completely solves the problem, but it also completely defeats the vintage look, which is really the only reason why I own them.

Does anyone have any tips for shooting these without re-gripping them after every shot? Do old S&W revolvers have this problem too? How have shooters been dealing with it before the autoloader came to be?

 

[AZAndy]

When I shoot a revolver, the web of my hand is already less than 1/2" from the top of the backstrap before I start. Are you using a low grip, or am I misunderstanding?

 

[Sunray]

A 1917 is a big beast, but it's not about the thing's age. Sounds like the factory grip just doesn't fit your hand. Could be the load too.
However, if you do some grip strengthening exercises, it might help. Half a rubber ball and squeeze it repeatedly. Or these.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Starter-Hand-Grips/45433866

 

[Alec]

I guess I didn't consider that the problem could be in my hands (ha ha) because I don't have this problem with new-style grips. If they don't fit, they don't fit, but I suppose a bit of extra strength wouldn't hurt anything.

 

[Tallball]

If you really want the look of the old-style grips, but they really don't fit your hand well, you are pretty much out of luck.

Try to find some nice hardwood grips that fit your hand well and you like the look of them?

 

[J-Bar]

Some single action shooters put their pinkie underneath the butt to prevent their hand from sliding upwards. It doesn't work for everyone, but it might be worth a cylinder full or two as an experiment.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

As has been stated, the Colt New Service/1917 revolvers were very, very big guns. As you can see in this photo, they were bigger than a S&W Model 1917. The distance from the grips to the trigger guard and the hammer spur is further than with a S&W Model 1917.

This New Service was made in 1906. It is chambered for 45 Colt and is the biggest revolver I own. I use a rather unorthodox pinky under the grip hold with most of my revolvers. I shoot all single action revolvers that way and most double action revolvers that way. I can control the S&W Model 1917 in recoil that way. I really cannot shoot the New Service that way in single action mode, my thumb just barely reaches all the way to the hammer spur. But I can shoot it in double action mode this way.

 

[Dave T]

When Colt came up with the grip for the New Service, going back to the 19th Century, I can only suspect that the engineer who designed it had hands the size of a canned ham. He couldn't have been a normal human being (smile).

I have never be able to comfortably shoot the New Service Colt and I have fairly large hands. N-framed S&Ws are no problem and in point of fact are my favorites, but I just can't handle the big Colt.

I suspect the OP has much the same problem. He might well be better off to trade his New Service for a 1917 S&W. I think he will find himself greatly pleased with the change.

Dave

 

[RecoilRob]

Back when that revolver was designed and in Service, the standard shooting position of the day was single handed, bent arm in a target like stance. Rapid DA fire, if used, would have been point shooting at extremely close range which would have the hand very high on the grip. Looking at the sloping angle of the backstrap I'd guess that they intended it to roll in the hand much like a SAA. If you enjoy the historical guns, maybe try shooting them in the historical way and you might find them working as intended.

It's a lot like driving a Model-T Ford....you have to drive it the way it wants to be driven, not the way we're used to with modern cars. I think the same goes for period guns and really love the old Warhorses.

 

[CajunBass]

If you got Pachmayr's that fit the gun and your hand, use them for shooting.

Put the originals back on for looking.

 

[Master Blaster]

As a bullseye pistol competitor I learned the proper grip for any gun is using the second and third finger to press the back strap firmly into the center of my palm.
The pinky and the thumb have no role in the grip unless you are looking to push the shot off target. So the pinky dangling is good as it cannot pull you off target.

 

[jnichols2]

I have a Colt Model 1917 Army revolver.
The grips are smooth, the distance between the grip and trigger guard is long.
My hand slipped on the grip, and the trigger guard slammed into my knuckle.
I just didn't have the heart to put Hogue rubber grips on the old war horse.

Gloves helped some. Then I tried pushing my weak hand index finger between the trigger guard and my knuckle.
I know it sounds unorthodox, but it solved both problems. Now I get a tight grip, and no spacing behind the trigger guard. So no slam.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

As a bullseye pistol competitor I learned the proper grip for any gun is using the second and third finger to press the back strap firmly into the center of my palm.
The pinky and the thumb have no role in the grip unless you are looking to push the shot off target. So the pinky dangling is good as it cannot pull you off target.

Interesting! I have never heard that before. Thanks. Are you referring to shooting revolvers or Semi-Autos? Everybody I know who shoots bullseye uses a Semi-Auto. Maybe it does not matter?

I do not shoot bullseye, but I do shoot my revolvers with one hand in CAS. My pinky is always under the grip. This also opens up some space between the trigger guard and the knuckle of the middle finger, preventing the knuckle from getting whacked from recoil, even with heavy recoiling Black Powder loads.

 

[RPZ]

I have a pair of WWI-era Colt revolvers (1917/New Service) with the old-style narrow grips that won't stay put in my hand. I've tried adjusting my grip position and adding Tyler grip adapters, but in both cases the recoil causes the guns to shift in my hand with every shot. By the 6th round, the web of my hand is almost 1/2" from the hammer and I've had to adjust the sight picture throughout.

I have a Pachmayr presentation grip that completely solves the problem, but it also completely defeats the vintage look, which is really the only reason why I own them.

Does anyone have any tips for shooting these without re-gripping them after every shot? Do old S&W revolvers have this problem too? How have shooters been dealing with it before the autoloader came to be?

Try some snug fitting goatskin gloves. If that doesn't work try thicker leather ones, or maybe those sticky palmed and inner fingers fabric mechanic/work gloves.