HK VP9 - how do you grip it, esp. supporting thumb

[Creampuff]

Last week I posted my opinion on the VP9 compared to the p320. At first I thought I didn't have the right grip configuration as I found my grip would shift just slightly after firing.

I switched to a small backstrap today, but now I realize what the real issue is. On all my other handguns, I will use a two thumbs forward grip, where my supporting thumb rests lightly against the frame, just slightly under the slide. Even with Piccatiny rails, there usually is enough flat surface area to rest the thumb.

But take a look at the VP9.



The frame bevels sharply where I normally rest my thumb, and above the Piccatiny rails, there is not much flat surface area. So every time I fire my thumb will slip off that small area. I tried resting it on the rails itself, but that got too scratchy. I lowered it against the trigger guard, but I've never rested my thumb that low before and it felt weird. Any lower and I would be tea cupping it.

So I'm curious, how are you gripping your VP9. And where is your supporting thumb resting?

This is where I normally would rest my thumb. Notice there is much more flat surface area than the vp9.

[nealo]

Pretty much right where you circled it. It works for me.

Now if only HK could put "Grip Zone" on their pistols, that would help everybody out.

[bwhited]

I sounds like you want your thumb touching the frame.
Do not understand why this is desirable.
Just let the thumb float in the air pointing to the target.

[96chevjumps]

^^^ agreed, thumbs are for pointing not mitigating recoil. Wrists and elbows are much better shock absorbers than thumbs. Trying to grip the gun with your thumbs can only lead to shot dispersion.

[dogcatcher]

Put a tac-light on that rail, problem solved.

[Creampuff]

^^^ agreed, thumbs are for pointing not mitigating recoil. Wrists and elbows are much better shock absorbers than thumbs. Trying to grip the gun with your thumbs can only lead to shot dispersion.

Sorry I should clarify the above. No pressure is placed against the slide. It just is a place for my thumb to rest against. And when my thumb loses its original place and I just end up moving my thumb back up and I am not readjusting my entire grip. But it does lead to one more unnecessary motion.

Just wondering if anyone else has this problem. But looks like : no.

[scootle]

Your thumbs/hands must be bigger than mine... In a thumbs-forward grip, my support thumb lands just in front of the takedown lever. I have more trouble keeping my firing hand thumb off the slide stop.

Obviously everyone is different, so you'll just have to try different grips to figure out what works!

[Creampuff]

Your thumbs/hands must be bigger than mine... In a thumbs-forward grip, my support thumb lands just in front of the takedown lever. I have more trouble keeping my firing hand thumb off the slide stop.

Obviously everyone is different, so you'll just have to try different grips to figure out what works!

Forgot to say. I'm a south paw so I have less stuff cluttering my support hand.

[scootle]

Forgot to say. I'm a south paw so I have less stuff cluttering my support hand.

Well the slide stop on the VP9 is ambi, so it's the same for you... no takedown lever for your support thumb, though. You probably have longer thumbs if you run out of real estate and hit the rail!

[96chevjumps]

*Creampuff* im sure your not on the slide. Additional pressure from your support hand thumb even on the frame can push your shot around. Touching is ok but never give and pressure just feel it dont push it. If your gun is moving so much you feel like your having to reposition your grip then learn to lean into it while locking your wrists out. Pointing the elbows away from each other and not tword the floor can do alot for locking the range that the wrist can move during recoil.

I have found that my vp9 fits so well that ive never had to readjust my grip. Its actually the first thing I noticed. Very accurate pistol also. Eats steel at 90 yards.

[Creampuff]

One of the things I have noticed is all my other semi auto's have flatter grips. I am using the small backstrap with medium side panels. This does leave the grip somewhat round compared to my other handguns. I can see how the rounded grip is canting my supporting hand inwards and probably causing my thumb to lean into the frame more than I usually would.

I might try a small side panel to see if the flatter grip keeps my supporting thumb from leaning in.

[deephouse]

I have more trouble keeping my firing hand thumb off the slide stop.

I have a similar issue when I shoot my PPQ M2 which has much longer and bulkier slide stops on both sides (I'm a lefty).

[tbc]

My thumbs are small so I'm GTG with the VP9.

Is it ok to use my support thumb to align the sights and sight picture? Reading the above posts, I guess not.

[Nrai2020]

After I started to use my support thumb the way the OP described... my accuracy and speed improved dramatically... everyones different.

O yea... I put a deposit down on a VP9 this morning

[Fenr1r]

After I started to use my support thumb the way the OP described... my accuracy and speed improved dramatically... everyones different.

O yea... I put a deposit down on a VP9 this morning

There is different styles of shooting that's for sure but according to one of the posters I did take "proper training" and was taught to place your thumb on the frame to help stabilize the gun.

This was a defensive handgun course rather than a target shooting class but my speed and accuracy improved dramatically too.