IPSC

[SHusky57]

Just a question for anyone who competes with handguns.... do you think it's a good/bad/neutral idea to learn a few different grip angles?

I am hard-wiring my Hi-power's grip angle to my brain, but I also like my Glocks.... I was just curious if trying to become proficient with both of them will just cause more problems than benefits. Depending on ammo supply (CTD has .45 and .357 Sig cheaper than 9mm!) I'd like to be able to switch up guns without having to worry about decreased performance.... So, is it possible to muscle memory 2 or more different grip angles/guns to maximum proficiency? I am sure there are a lot of competitive shooters who switch between 1911s and Glocks depending on class....

 

[Hostile Amish]

Once you get used to a gun, getting used to another gun will not eliminate your proficiency with the first gun.

 

[Steve C]

IMO grip angle doesn't make a bit of difference as long as the gun fits you. I shoot many different types of guns from Glock to 1911, SA Ruger revolvers to DA Colts and Smiths. Shooting is sight alignment and trigger squeeze regardless of handgun.

 

[David E]

Grip angle DOES matter, but it can be overcome with practice.

By this I mean you won't have to think about adjusting the angle before making the shot. You may need to make that adjustment before the first shot from the holster, or after a reload.

I encourage you to shoot both, but I'd also suggest you get good with one before the other. IE; don't shoot the Glock this week, the BHP next week.

 

[Straight Shooter]

I'm of the opinion that every shooter should become as proficient as they can with as many different guns as they can. It makes you a more well rounded shooter and not reliant on any one gun.

 

[Radagast]

I made the Australian IPSC production team shooting a Glock. For the last two years I've been mainly shooting a Beretta. Last week I shot both side by side - I was proficient with both and still shot the Glock best.

 

[John Parker]

Don't listen to Radagast-everyone knows that Brown Wizards don't get Glocks. ;-)

 

[SHusky57]

Radagast, is your Beretta DA/SA? I see a lot of guys really struggle with that first shot DA which is why 90% of them at my club use a striker fired pistol.

 

[Radagast]

92FS, standard double action/single action. Prior to that I had a 92G Elite II.

I'm actually quite good on the transition, read http://www.craigcentral.com/fearnot.htm it showed me how to handle it. My main issue is there is more muzzle jump with the Beretta due to the higher bore axis and thus slower recovery of sight picture, along with a lot of over travel and a longer reset on the trigger. I shoot both accurately, but my Glock groupings were slightly tighter and my time between shots was lower.
I will purchase a CZ75 SP01 Shadow when funds allow, the trigger reset is minimal and the heavy steel dust cover helps reduce muzzle rise. A lot of Glock shooters in OZ have transitioned to the SP01.

Back to the original reason for this thread, the grip angle on a Glock is unnatural for me, I basically trained my weak hand to add the necessary tilt to my strong hand to get it on target. The Beretta & CZ point perfectly. When shooting strong or weak hand only the Glock tends to point up in the air until I adjust it down.

 

[David E]

The Glock grip angle isn't a problem for most, unless they have already become used to another grip angle.

It's worth the effort to overcome the angle and be able to seamlessly transition between it and anything else.