Grip Technique

[Dennis]

I know there are more than a few accomplished shooters on here. I would place myself at the opposite of that. I'd like to hear about grip technique and perhaps the steps you went through to refine and develop your's.

The push pull technique helped me the most in settling down my groups. After watching this video www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2_7WvZ5fFw I realized that there are many ways to skin this cat.

What have you done? What would you teach to help a new shooter?

[Barang]

i was going to give you my two worthless cents but when you say "accomplished shooters", i'm out!

[Carl88]

youtube has a million videos on proper grip and they all basically say the same things

[XDJYo]

Here's an older thread with a few YT videos along with some tips and tricks thrown in by some excellent shooters here.

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1886830

Personally found the 2nd video in post 22 pretty informative (Modern Samurai).

[static2126]

There really is no one size fits all. Mine works for me but def isn't standard. I apply based much pressure as I can both hands.


Best thing you can do is lift heavy things

[Captiontom]

This is the technique I use, bob vogel. Basically grip high on the pistol, grip hard and fill all the gaps on the frame with your hand. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=45Qhpv...ZvZ2VsIGdyaXAg

[Zenderfall]

Right off the bat, I'm going to say there's a lot of people that shoot better than me. There are people I've taught that now outclass me since I also compete (and RSO) regularly. I consider myself just a bit above average, meaning, I don't consistently place first, second or third all the time. I'm usually 4th to upper third.

After volunteering for a club, so many years and over a hundred students (I stopped count after 100), I'd say Static2126 has it about right. There is no "one size fits all," and there really is a lot more than just "grip technique" although that is a factor. Trigger control is a huge one. steadiness is another, breathing, eyesight, etc. Many of the problems I see are from people jerking the trigger, and shots landing far left, or far right if they're left handed shooting, although I've seen others like squeezing the gun to the point of almost choking the gun to death, or closing eyes right before breaking the shot, what I call, "recoil scare".

I've come to the conclusion that while a few people are naturally apted to shooting well, a good majority need to have someone there and showing/demonstrating what their issues are. A solid, well defined shooting program helps in that regard. Youtube videos about "how to shoot like me!" are nice entertainment, but not what I consider to be all you need to be number one, even though a few people in the world probably got there that way.

To answer your question though, someone (an amazing shooter you may know who I'm not going to disclose the name) taught me and now I teach what I learned.

Good luck, and hope this helps.

[dave85620]

I'm still trying to figure it out myself.

So far, I like Doug Koenigs advice the best. He recommends a 50/50 grip pressure, and to hold the gun with the same firmness as if you were swinging a hammer. The only thing I do differently with my grip than Douglas is that I don't touch the gun at all with my thumbs.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iDzC6djUQxM&pp=ygUVRG91ZyBrb2VuaWcgdGVjaG5pcXVl

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vqFy3Y6Q4u4&pp=ygUVRG91ZyBrb2VuaWcgdGVjaG5pcXVl

[sitruc]

I have developed a mish-mash of techniques over the years to get to where I am today. Dozens of youtube videos including two of the ones linked in this thread and about half-a-dozen trainers whose classes I have taken helped provide input to form my grip today.

While I disagree with the isometric tension grip based on my understanding of physics, there are GM shooters who still use said grip effectively.

The basics I convey to newer shooters or shooters who ask me for advice are:
1. Two hands on the gun, non-dominant hand wraps around dominant hand.
2. Thumbs out of the way (up or forward, it doesn't matter).
3. No daylight on the grip of the gun (your hand meat should block out the sun).
4. Grip as high as possible.
5. Grip as hard as possible without compromising your ability to actuate your trigger finger.
6. Send a few thousands of rounds and figure out where to make adjustments.

Beyond that, I tell people to take classes from reputable instructors. Go to competitions and watch the veteran shooters and see what they are doing.

[Romeo_alpha01]

Everyone is different, but I've found that using my forearms to clamp down on the gun versus relying on the strength of my hands gave me more control of the handgun after each shot.

So picture this: with the handgun up and ready, push out as far as you feel comfortable, and then make sure your wrists are stable. Relax your shoulders and retract the handgun so your shoulders aren't pronated. Then just bend the elbows a little bit, and withdraw your elbows inward towards the centerline of your body. Now you don't have to rely so much on your hands to both grip the gun and manipulate the trigger. Your arms are viced inward to control the side to side play of the handgun, while your dominant and support hand are controlling the front and rear of the grip. You should notice you don't have to employ much strength to control the gun now, and that frees you up to control your trigger pull better.

It looks awkward because I look all bowed out when I do it, nor does it look all high speed or anything. My grouping got much tighter doing it though, and that's in a static or dynamic range.

[Dennis]

Here's an older thread with a few YT videos along with some tips and tricks thrown in by some excellent shooters here.

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1886830

Personally found the 2nd video in post 22 pretty informative (Modern Samurai).

That was very helpful. Thanks for the link. The Modern Samurai's videos are always helpful. I used his grip style on a range trip today. Huge difference for me.

There really is no one size fits all. Mine works for me but def isn't standard. I apply based much pressure as I can both hands.

Best thing you can do is lift heavy things

Strength training is something I always say I'll do, but never seem to do it with regularity. Thanks for reminding me of the importance. I removed my Ironmind egg and gripper from the drawer to remind me to actually use them.

This is the technique I use, bob vogel. Basically grip high on the pistol, grip hard and fill all the gaps on the frame with your hand. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=45Qhpv...ZvZ2VsIGdyaXAg

He admits that his style cuts into the web of a hand. I'm not sure I'm ready to try what he's teaching.

Right off the bat, I'm going to say there's a lot of people that shoot better than me. There are people I've taught that now outclass me since I also compete (and RSO) regularly. I consider myself just a bit above average, meaning, I don't consistently place first, second or third all the time. I'm usually 4th to upper third.

After volunteering for a club, so many years and over a hundred students (I stopped count after 100), I'd say Static2126 has it about right. There is no "one size fits all," and there really is a lot more than just "grip technique" although that is a factor. Trigger control is a huge one. steadiness is another, breathing, eyesight, etc. Many of the problems I see are from people jerking the trigger, and shots landing far left, or far right if they're left handed shooting, although I've seen others like squeezing the gun to the point of almost choking the gun to death, or closing eyes right before breaking the shot, what I call, "recoil scare".

I've come to the conclusion that while a few people are naturally apted to shooting well, a good majority need to have someone there and showing/demonstrating what their issues are. A solid, well defined shooting program helps in that regard. Youtube videos about "how to shoot like me!" are nice entertainment, but not what I consider to be all you need to be number one, even though a few people in the world probably got there that way.

To answer your question though, someone (an amazing shooter you may know who I'm not going to disclose the name) taught me and now I teach what I learned.

Good luck, and hope this helps.

It does help. I'm shooting more often now than I've ever have before. I'm trying to develop a strong foundation to grow upon. My old eyes were the first hurdle needing to be crossed. I went shooting today with contacts for the first time. Big difference just with that. Adding some grip adjustments also made a big difference. I feel like I'm starting to float up from the bottom of the barrel. Thanks for your input.

I'm still trying to figure it out myself.

So far, I like Doug Koenigs advice the best. He recommends a 50/50 grip pressure, and to hold the gun with the same firmness as if you were swinging a hammer. The only thing I do differently with my grip than Douglas is that I don't touch the gun at all with my thumbs.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iDzC6djUQxM&pp=ygUVRG91ZyBrb2VuaWcgdGVjaG5pcXVl

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vqFy3Y...cgdGVjaG5pcXVl

I feel like his trigger finger advice would be more suitable for a full size pistol. I planned on paying attenion to what I was doing today with my finger. That always feels like the one thing I'm never sure about with my P365. I ended up focusing more on the grip today. Next time...

I have developed a mish-mash of techniques over the years to get to where I am today. Dozens of youtube videos including two of the ones linked in this thread and about half-a-dozen trainers whose classes I have taken helped provide input to form my grip today.

While I disagree with the isometric tension grip based on my understanding of physics, there are GM shooters who still use said grip effectively.

The basics I convey to newer shooters or shooters who ask me for advice are:
1. Two hands on the gun, non-dominant hand wraps around dominant hand.
2. Thumbs out of the way (up or forward, it doesn't matter).
3. No daylight on the grip of the gun (your hand meat should block out the sun).
4. Grip as high as possible.
5. Grip as hard as possible without compromising your ability to actuate your trigger finger.
6. Send a few thousands of rounds and figure out where to make adjustments.

Beyond that, I tell people to take classes from reputable instructors. Go to competitions and watch the veteran shooters and see what they are doing.

I think your mish-mash style will be what works best for me as well. I'm trying to find what works and what doesn't. I like the Modern Samurai grip and the nut cracker support. Those two things worked well for me today. Few thousand rounds down range, well thats just perseverance. I haven't kept a round count but I'm off to a good start.

Everyone is different, but I've found that using my forearms to clamp down on the gun versus relying on the strength of my hands gave me more control of the handgun after each shot.

So picture this: with the handgun up and ready, push out as far as you feel comfortable, and then make sure your wrists are stable. Relax your shoulders and retract the handgun so your shoulders aren't pronated. Then just bend the elbows a little bit, and withdraw your elbows inward towards the centerline of your body. Now you don't have to rely so much on your hands to both grip the gun and manipulate the trigger. Your arms are viced inward to control the side to side play of the handgun, while your dominant and support hand are controlling the front and rear of the grip. You should notice you don't have to employ much strength to control the gun now, and that frees you up to control your trigger pull better.

It looks awkward because I look all bowed out when I do it, nor does it look all high speed or anything. My grouping got much tighter doing it though, and that's in a static or dynamic range.

I put a lot of focus on using the nut cracker style today. Especially focusing on my shoulders. Two Shoulder surgeries and lots of PT has taught me the importance not pronating. I found it challenging to have a forward body while keeping my shoulders back in my lats. It was doable but required a lot of attention. I ended up firing two shots and refocusing on grip and body position.

Todays experience cemented the importance of focus and discipline. Not to mention conditioning. I need to get back to my once a week schedule.

Kind regards

[XDJYo]

That was very helpful. Thanks for the link. The Modern Samurai's videos are always helpful. I used his grip style on a range trip today. Huge difference for me.


Strength training is something I always say I'll do, but never seem to do it with regularity. Thanks for reminding me of the importance. I removed my Ironmind egg and gripper from the drawer to remind me to actually use them.


He admits that his style cuts into the web of a hand. I'm not sure I'm ready to try what he's teaching.


It does help. I'm shooting more often now than I've ever have before. I'm trying to develop a strong foundation to grow upon. My old eyes were the first hurdle needing to be crossed. I went shooting today with contacts for the first time. Big difference just with that. Adding some grip adjustments also made a big difference. I feel like I'm starting to float up from the bottom of the barrel. Thanks for your input.


I feel like his trigger finger advice would be more suitable for a full size pistol. I planned on paying attenion to what I was doing today with my finger. That always feels like the one thing I'm never sure about with my P365. I ended up focusing more on the grip today. Next time...

I think your mish-mash style will be what works best for me as well. I'm trying to find what works and what doesn't. I like the Modern Samurai grip and the nut cracker support. Those two things worked well for me today. Few thousand rounds down range, well thats just perseverance. I haven't kept a round count but I'm off to a good start.


I put a lot of focus on using the nut cracker style today. Especially focusing on my shoulders. Two Shoulder surgeries and lots of PT has taught me the importance not pronating. I found it challenging to have a forward body while keeping my shoulders back in my lats. It was doable but required a lot of attention. I ended up firing two shots and refocusing on grip and body position.

Todays experience cemented the importance of focus and discipline. Not to mention conditioning. I need to get back to my once a week schedule.

Kind regards

Congratz! I think you're well on your way as the first step in improving is to study and apply what you learn. Many people, myself included, will watch endless YT videos, read endless posts on the topic and never do anything about it. Too often, it's just plain fun to sling lead downrange and not practice. I used to be a much better student of the gun, but the last 4 or 5 times I've taken my guns out was to clean and keep them oiled, not to shoot them. I haven't been to the range in almost 2 years, but that's a whole different subject.

Finding what works for you is part of the fun! Keep it up. Happy shooting and stay safe.

[tokuno]

I'm a lousy shooter, but I became a little less lousy when I realized that my tight strong-hand grip affected my trigger fine motor control. I traded less in my strong hand and more in my off-hand, and gained a lot better trigger control.

[bcsquare]

I liked this video with JJ Racaza and what he focuses on in his grip.

Things I picked up was the pressure from the little finger on the dominant hand and how high up the non-dominant hand is placed on the frame.

https://youtu.be/T17kx0yHiNA?si=5fKTxplDYw8CmQhz

[Dennis]

I haven't been to the range in almost 2 years, but that's a whole different subject.

Finding what works for you is part of the fun! Keep it up. Happy shooting and stay safe.

Thanks for the kind words. I think there was a period of over ten years that I never touched anything. Life happens.