What is the "right" fit for my grip

[September11]

I have shot several pistols and most have a completely different feel than the next. I own a custom Caspian 1911. It is the standard size and has beautiful rosewood grips, but it just doesn't feel perfect like some of the other pistols I have held. Is there a method or equation to figure whether I need slim line grips or what will get this closer to that "natural" feel????
Thanks -

 

[CZ-100]

I don't think so. I think the only way you find the perfect one is to hold it in your hand and shoot, than and only then will you know if you have found the one that fits your hand.

 

[BerettaNut92]

Some people have said: close your eyes, grab your pistol out of the holster and bring it to eye level. If it points down the line of your arm and straight, it's good.

While my Beretta points unnaturally to the right, if I adjust my stance and grip so the gun is forward of my centermass, modified isoceles, it's fine, whereas it points to the right if I shoot it weaver. The Beretta Vertec I could shoot Weaver since the heel was smaller it was aligned with the bone of my forearm.

I find an imperfect fit to be somewhat forgiving when shooting my perfect stance at the range, but fit becomes more of a factor when shooting from the support hand and from odd positions, imo.

Even if the fit wasn't textbook perfect, I shoot the 92G better than guns that fit me better, so I deal with it by adapting to a different grip and stance...ymmv so cybywy

 

[Fireatwill]

Hi September,
I am very picky about how a grip feels in my hand. I have developed arthritis and the grips that used to be fine are no longer right. My solution is to visit gun shops and gun shows and handle everything they'll let me.
If I find something I like, I look up as much info as possible on this and other forums. Good luck

 

[Gunslinger45]

I have small hands (that is the placement of my thumb is high on my hand) but a standard "GI" 1911 (with a short trigger and flat MSH) fits my hand well where most other autos don't. I can barely hold some of them. But if I modify the 1911 by putting slim grips on it I find that I get a much better, more natural feeling grip on the gun. Slim grips allow me to use a mid length (or even long) trigger in the gun and still give me a good feel. In fact both my Kimber Pro Carry's are fitted with slim grips and mid length triggers (as well as flat MSH's) and they feel the best of any auto pistol I've ever held.

Slim grips cost more than standard grips and come with bushings and screws. Most modern 1911's come with screw in bushings (if it has stake in bushings forget about it) but without the proper tool you can ruin the bushings taking them out or putting in the new ones.

 

[10-Ring]

I find fit to be very subjective & w/ so many diff't guns & grips out there, there has got to be a few that fit you better than others. If the wood grips don't fit you right on your 1911, try others (try some w/ finger grooves, try slimmer or fatter ones, try rubber wraparound ones...try a bunch ).

 

[jar]

I doubt that there is any formula that would work for all the different hands out there. And even if there were, it would probably be a different formula for every gun made.

If you are like many gun owners, by the time you've been shooting for twenty years or so you'll find that you have a box or two of grips and holsters for every handgun you own.

 

[Al Thompson]

To back up CZ-100, the BHP fits me like a glove. I bleed everytime I shoot one. The Glock 30 feels uncomfortable to me, but i hit very well with the two I've tried.

IMHO, shooting and results on target are the ultimate measurement.

 

[September11]

So how and where is the gun supposed to fit in your hand?
For example, the knuckles in the middle of your fingers, are they supposed to be in a certain location on the grip?
To elaborate, I also golf and the teachers say your grip is critical. Your hands have to be in a specific place on the club and in relation to each other.
With my pistol, I often find myself shifting around the grip between having the heel of my hand to the side of the back strap or directly on the strap.
If there is no set method of determining correct fit, my question therefore is where should you hand be on the pistol?

 

[jar]

Again, it will probably vary considerably from gun to gun and shooter to shooter. Lets stick to the golf club anaolgy. If you really want to have a set of clubs that fit, the lengths, weights, size and shape of grip will vary on each club in your bag. And what fits you will most likely suck for me.

But here is what seems to work best for me in general. I like a grip with a slight palm swell that naturally fills my hand when I pick up the gun. I should not have to squeeze tightly or shift my hand to feel all of the grip. The back strap should be slightly rounded and again, touch all of my hand without having to squeeze of shift hand grip. When I hold the gun with my trigger finger lightly along the side the trigger should fall right at the crease.