Gripping a Shield

[sdsguy87]

Since I just picked up my Shield, I was dry firing and getting a good feel for the grip. Since I'm right handed, I noticed my left thumb sits about a 1/2 inch if not less before the muzzle with my usual grip (thumbs straight grip). Has anyone had to modify their grip? Kinda worried that at some point my thumb will end up either right infront of the barrel or just along side of the barrel or am I just being paranoid?

[pacrat]

Strong thumb [r] over support thumb [l]. Heels of both hands about flush frnt/back. Push strong, pull support.

If yer mitts are so big you're getting your thumb in frnt of muzzle, shoot support thumb up.

JM2c

[daybreak]

OP, my thumb is also half an inch away from the muzzle. I've never thought about it and I don't think I would accidentally sweet the muzzle with my thumb. You could always put grip tape where your thumb rests so you have a tactile feedback about your placement, like HopetownBrown suggested with the stippling.

[Capybara]

I have had to modify my trigger finger. I usually put the center of the pad of the trigger finger on the trigger. With the Shield, because it is smaller and thinner, I have better results putting the trigger on the first joint in the finger, rather than the pad.

[CK_32]

I think you are just being paranoid.

If that bothers you try thumbs up grip. But you need some LONG bowed out thumbs to shoot a thumb with a shield lol

[pacrat]

Weaver went away with Beverly Hills 90210.

"If I was gonna shoot a Weaver stance, which we all did back in the day when we didn't know anything".

"We got rid of it a long time ago".

"It's not even worth training for".

At about 4:15

I did not suggest he cross his toes, ankles, or knees. Didn't mention stance at all.

The question asked was about "thumbs".

If you would reference Mr M's notations re gripping at 10-15-and especially 16:30 min where he specifically mentions and explains how to "GRIP" the SHIELD with forward/back tension for better control. His advice echos my suggestion. He also mentions different grip techniques for different pistol platforms.

There is BTW, no "one size fits all" grip position. I have large palms but shorter slender fingers. Which grip works best for me, may well be awkward or uncomfortable for others. Some shoot best thumbs up, some down. I shoot a 1911 thumb up. But my Shield works best for me thumbs down. Diff strokes, diff folks.

The Weaver stance is a perfectly acceptable stable platform that many find comfortable. Just not as effective in speed shoot comp where tenths of seconds count on target transitions.

JM2c

[Legasat]

I put some talon grip tape on mine. Helped a lot!

[ElDub1950]

Never really thought about it so I went a got my Shield, my XDs and my Glock 27. Yep, my forward thumb and a half inch or so from the muzzle ... Nope, can't see how I'd get my thumb in front of the muzzle except for all the really bad reasons I might put my hand in front of any other gun.

[perpetual otter]

I put some talon grip tape on mine. Helped a lot!

I just did the same. Amazing difference!

[vliberatore]

Weaver went away with Beverly Hills 90210.

"If I was gonna shoot a Weaver stance, which we all did back in the day when we didn't know anything".

"We got rid of it a long time ago".

"It's not even worth training for".

At about 4:15

Yes, because there is clearly only one way to accurately fire a pistol.

[Click Boom]

Weaver does suck though

[pacrat]

Yes, because there is clearly only one way to accurately fire a pistol.

I see what you did there.

[vliberatore]

Well about every high level competitive and tactical shooter would agree with that statement.

How many are using the S&W Shield?