What's with the revolver handle angles?

[CAnnoneer]

Many S&W's as well as the Ruger Redhawk and Ruger Alaskan have this kink at midlength in the handle. I am accustomed to semi-auto handles and cannot understand the ergonomics argument in this shape.

If you hold the handle very low, so that the axis of the index finger is aligned with the barrel, the lever length is so long that kickup is very strong. If you hold you the handle high up, then the pinky and ring finger do not wrap around completely while the index finger axis points acutely downward. Either way, the grip is no good and the felt recoil is unnecessarily high. I bet the revolvers would be far more ergonomic with a Model 10 type of handle or even an auto handle like the Beretta 92FS.

What gives?

 

[R.W.Dale]

I am accustomed to semi-auto handles

You answered your own question, I for one prefer a revolvers grip over any autoloader, Excluding Lugers and Ruger MkII's

 

[cortez kid]

I think a major difference in grip and opinion is that most revolver shooters like the feel of the weapon to etend from the finger tips ,whereas a semi-auto slides across the top of the grip and feels like an extension of a fist. That being said, I love shooting semi's and own a few.
kid

 

[Nightcrawler]

Try a different set of grips? The nice thing about revolvers is that there are countless options for altering the grip available.

 

[MCgunner]

Too much is made of grip angle. I can shoot anything. I prefer some shapes to others, but there's not a handgun I can't shoot just as well as any other with some practice. I own single action revolvers, DA revolvers, and DA and DAO autos and I HAVE owned 1911s. My least favorite grip is the 1911, but I can shoot it just fine! It just doesn't fill out my hand well. Fatter grip panels do help.

I learned on revolvers, but I've adapted to autos. I still carry revolvers. If you don't like a hump or this or that on a revolver, you can change it with different grip panels. I've even TOTALLY changed one of my Blackhawks with a set of wrap around finger grooved grips that fill in behind the trigger guard. Man, those things are SWEET to shoot with, though they don't look very traditional.

With any revolver you can change the grip's shape and angle with new panels. The best idea I've seen is the Ruger style, as with the GP100/SP101, where there is only a small grip extension from the frame for the grip panels to attach to. This makes grip shape and angle just about limitless. You don't get that with an autochucker.

 

[Standing Wolf]

This makes grip shape and angle just about limitless. You don't get that with an autochucker.

In general, yes, but if you're willing to spend the dollars on custom stocks, you can, indeed, change both the grip angle and general shape on a semi-automatic pistol.

Many S&W's as well as the Ruger Redhawk and Ruger Alaskan have this kink at midlength in the handle.

If we're talking about the same thing, the "kink," also known as the "hump" or "tang," is what keeps the revolver from recoiling upward in a semi-circle in your hand. If you try a single action, you'll notice the gun rolls upward with recoil. The vast majority of double action revolvers don't, which is why they're generally preferred by target shooters. The over-hanging frame of the average semi-automatic pistol likewise keeps the gun from rolling upward under recoil, or at least, minimizes the roll.

 

[MCgunner]

If we're talking about the same thing, the "kink," also known as the "hump" or "tang," is what keeps the revolver from recoiling upward in a semi-circle in your hand. If you try a single action, you'll notice the gun rolls upward with recoil. The vast majority of double action revolvers don't, which is why they're generally preferred by target shooters. The over-hanging frame of the average semi-automatic pistol likewise keeps the gun from rolling upward under recoil, or at least, minimizes the roll.

I like that roll on recoil in a heavy caliber outdoor handgun. My hot .45 colts are easy to shoot in my Ruger, but the Contender is rather punishing.

Not what I'd want in a self defense gun, but of course I'm not going to carry a single action revolver for self defense, unless I'm afield hiking in lion/bear country or something.

In general, yes, but if you're willing to spend the dollars on custom stocks, you can, indeed, change both the grip angle and general shape on a semi-automatic pistol.

What sort of grips will change the angle of the auto's grip? I'm not debating here, asking for information, an example. I've used thicker grips on a 1911, for instance, to help fill out the profile of the grip. I know the arched main spring is supposed to give a little different angle on the trip of a 1911, but it's a minimal effect at best compared to what can be done with a revolver.

I don't really wanna change the angle of my autoloaders, though. I like 'em the way they are. I've got Hogue finger groove grips on my P series rugers, feel great to me and index my hand well on the draw.

I reckon changing trip angle would be a little tough on a Glock, eh? Or, is there a slip on that can change the angle a bit? I got a Handall on my P11 Kel Tec, but it doesn't change the angle. Sure makes the grip more comfy, though.

 

[maskedavenger]

I've seen an old magazine article about handgun combat matches that had one shooter saying it was getting more popular to carve on glocks with a dremmil tool to fit it to their hands. Since then a company poped up to do it for you, they offer different mods for different hand types and refinish the plastic with a rough finnish I think. Also filled in the hollow section behind mag well so they could cut into that area.
Houge "Hand-all" slip ons make some difference, and houge grips are the only way I even like to pick up a ruger p-90.
They really change the feel of revolvers too.