Proper grip technique for XD-9

[Lucky]

I just got an XD-9 and shot it for the first time a couple days ago. I like it, but it's my first modern autoloader and I've got some problems. Mainly I've having trouble holding it.

with a 1911 and a Tokarev I've tried the technique where you keep your right thumb high, and your left thumb parallel below it. But the guns just squirm and shake my hands around so I do better with lockdown grips, even though they're single-actions. With the first grip I mentioned the first shot is comfortable and accurate, 'neutral' I've heard it referred to, but I have to re-grip for every shot (and the left thumb interferes with the slide-lock lever).

Anyway, with the XD-9 I tried both grips, then the tea-cup left-hand-under grip, and then anything else I could attempt, but the gun squirms no matter what. I tried having neutral grip, then a lot of torque in my wrists, thumbs fly anyway. I finally got it a bit under control by squeezing my right hand with the left so hard that my right knuckles ached every time I fired a shot. And no matter where I put my thumbs they get jostled about. Most perplexing is the groove for the thumb, this implies I put my right thumb there when shooting 2-handed with my dominant, right hand. But where does my left thumb go? The thumb-groove implies I can't use lock-down, which I need most to try and keep control of my hands.

The gun had 300 rounds through it and it's past 500 now, but I'm no closer to getting a hold of it. 1-handed the gun shines, no grip problems there, but 2-handed I'm doing something very wrong.

Help!

Scott

P.S. Loading double-stacks sucks, and I only have to stop at 10.

 

[Babalouie]

Part of the problem may be that the gun's grips are too slick or that your hands are sweaty. Try wrapping the grip with some hockey stick tape, we use it on our uspsa production guns and it helps a lot. Here's a pic of my son shooting at the Florida State Championship a few years ago...this is how you grip a firearm. The left hand should be holding tight so that your trigger finger stays relaxed and flexible.


Both thumbs should be pointing at the target with the left thumb below the right thumb, assuming you are right handed. Its grainy but its the only pic I have from this angle.


We shoot the XD, M&P and PX4, and of course the 1911 but the grip stays the same. Here's what the grip tape looks like...The other thing you may need to do is shoot with a glove, not the best solution but a solution.

 

[Lucky]

Thanks. If your left is so tight that the right knuckles ache, that's too tight right?

And you can shoot a DA pistol with that grip? I thought that's where lockdown was standard? Please go on.

 

[Lonestar49]

That OR..

...

For 12 bucks, get a Hogue fingered rubber slip-on grip, along with maybe relaxing your shooting hand a bit, and tightening up your support grip a bit.

At least your not complaining like so many, "that the gun is inaccurate" and "it must be the sights are off.."

But, like you, I had grip problems with my Px4's all plastic grip, slipping due to the slightest moisture on my hands and the Hogue grip brought it all home, and I have never looked back, just forward with a smile each range visit.


LS


PS.. about the double stack magazines.. Use an auto-loader and keep them loaded 24/7 while not in use, and in about 2 weeks, the new springs will lighten up to where you can hand load them full, without any finger dings..

 

[Detritus]

along with maybe relaxing your shooting hand a bit, and tightening up your support grip a bit.

to paraphrase the best piece of advice i can EVER remember receiving regarding proper grip. (if i can remember it correctly, it's been 10 years or more and i do what the gentleman told me without thinking now.)

grip the gun in your shooting hand in a firm but gentle manner, now bring your support hand up like this (as covered by others above), and grip with THAT hand about like you would a hammer, but not enough to cause pain or tremors in your hand (once saw guy gripping a 1911 so tight, the front sight looked like it was vibrating).

this maybe what you're refering to as a "lockdown" grip, not sure never heard the term used, but if so then yeah works for autos just as well, i was being taught this with a High Standard .22 target pistol in hand


i beleive the intent was to say..

Shooting hand, pulls the trigger and otherwise "operates" the gun. so get a good grip but not a tight grip with it, b/c you want your trigger finger relaxed.

support hand, doesn't do anything but help support the guns weight and control it in recoil, so you put the majority of the tension of your grip in this hand.

well that's what i remember adn it's been working for me ever since. i am no expert by any means, just another guy.

 

[mballai]

Before you do anything else, grab the gun with your dominant hand and move that hand as high as possible on the grip. Hold the gun firmly and wrap your support hand right under the trigger guard. Your dominant hand takes care of the front and the back, the support hand squeezes and takes care of the side to side movement. Thumbs go forward. This gives you 360 degree support of the gun. Unless you have very weak hands you should have no problem holding the gun firmly when it fires.

Leave off any taping or grip mods until you master the gun hold. The Springfield has a pretty decent stock grip. Always make sure your dominant hand is high and you will stay out of trouble. I have lots of hand problems and I have no trouble shooting an XD-40 with this method.

 

[choochboost]

http://www.oregonshooting.com/vids/spgrip1.wmv
http://www.oregonshooting.com/vids/grip2.wmv

 

[GVMan]

Helpful vids

Thanks for the video link choochboost! However it brought up a question I have had for awhile because I can't see how close the left thumb is to the frame for a proper grip. Is it proper for the left thumb to actually rest on the frame of the gun just under the slide or is the thumb not even touching the slide?

To me it seems like it helps lateral control when I rest the thumb on the slide but I wondered if I was sacrificing something else. Possibly even injuring my thumb on some models.

 

[Babalouie]

Yes, the left thumb contacts the frame. On my 1911 I index my left thumb on the take down pin. On my XD my thumb was hit by the take down pin and was very annoying and took some time for me to modify how I gripped it. I can't say I ever use my left thumb for control but it does contact the frame.

 

[TX1911fan]

My left thumb sits on top of the takedown lever.