Proper Grip

[Sharpie1]

I recently successfully completed my training to teach NRA Pistol courses. In the overview for one of the courses I will be teaching, I was looking at the NRA publication: "The Basics of Pistol Shooting".

I already had a couple other copies of this book at home from classes I'd taken a long time ago, but while looking through this book carefully during my instructor class, I noticed something in there I hadn't noticed before.

Of course, the book addresses proper grip of the handgun. On page 79, it shows the "cup and saucer" technique, and on the next page - it shows what I consider to be the "correct" grip.

Now - I had been taught the cup and saucer in the past - and I have used it. However, I have also been formally taught the "correct" grip - such as one would use in the weaver position - with weak hand fingers overlapping strong hand fingers, and thumbs on left side (for right-handers) of handgun.

I can't fathom why anyone would use the cup and saucer - and before I start teaching classes, I would like the opinions of more experienced shooters as to why the NRA would include this in the training material. The training counselors in the class agreed with me that they did not teach or condone the cup and saucer grip - as it was considered to be an older technique.

I want to be able to explain to students why the grip is in the book (if asked) - and I want to teach (specific?) students to use the grip - IF THERE IS INDEED A NEED FOR IT - or if it determined that this (cup and saucer) grip would be better for some students.

The only possible scenario I can think of is to help someone who has little upper-arm strength hold up a heavy gun - but in my opinion, this grip does VERY LITTLE to help control muzzle flip, etc.

Opinions delivered in a civil manner will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance:

--tadyson

 

[blades67]

A friend of mine uses the cup and saucer method because he doesn't have any fingers on one hand. The fingerless hand is used to cup the bottom of the gun to help control the gun in recoil. While this may seem to be a limited situation, it could still prove useful should the fingers of one hand become useless for any reason. It is another tool, better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

 

[Kalvan]

I'm a training counselor and instructor. I've taught at least one Basic Pistol class each month for several years. I teach the grip from the Personal Protection in the Home class (essentially the "IPSC" grip), partly because students for that class are continuing from our Pistol class and I don't want to get into teaching a totally new grip for the follow-on class, and partly because I think it is generally a better grip overall. The IPSC grip has the support thumb below and slightly forward of the firing thumb and the fingertips of the support hand reaching around and touching the knuckles where the firing hand fingers begin. I tell the students about the grip that I prefer them to use, then I explain that while the teacup is presented as an option, I strongly recommend against it. The reasons that I recommend against it are that it is a weaker grip; it allows no lateral pressure or isometric tension; its use can cause malfunctions with some types of gun by pressing up on the magazine; and the support arm is in an awkward position which provides no real support, just muscles that are getting tired. On rare occasions I will show someone the older grip from the Pistol class. I have never had anyone ask why it is in the book.

 

[Art Eatman]

Even for a person with lesser strength in the strong hand/arm, the cup and saucer offers no benefit over the Weaver style. IMO.

Why it's in the book? I can only guess that it's a leftover from long ago...Before the SW Pistol League and the Weaver stance, there were all sorts of inefficient styles used in self-defense or rapid-fire shooting. Aside from the cup and saucer, some held the strong-hand wrist with the weak hand. Or, just held the pistol in one hand, arm outstretched.

Shooting for tight groups at a rate of fire which is very slow compared to defensive shooting just has no relationship to "street use". A grip which gives the best control of recoil is the best way to go, seems to me.

Art

 

[DigMe]

Why it's in the book? I can only guess that it's a leftover from long ago...

This has to be the case. I cannot see any other reason other than it's just a relic. Cup and saucer used to be standard practice for many PDs including Houston PD. It's become a thing of the past now though with the standardization of superior methods (aside from perhaps those with no fingers or useless fingers as mentioned below).

brad cook

 

[Sharpie1]

Ok.

I just wanted to make sure that if I didn't teach this grip that it would not be considered "not following the NRA teaching guidelines".

From what I understand, that is frowned upon.

TD

 

[Standing Wolf]

I hold the gun in my right hand, and keep my left hand on my hip. I've tried assorted two-handed holds, but the traditional bullseye stance works best for me.