Q&A for How to Grip a Pistol

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I properly grip a revolver?
    Roger Judd
    Firearms Instructor
    Roger Judd is a Firearms Instructor based in Mesa, Arizona. Roger and his team at Concealed AZ have been teaching NRA, Arizona Concealed Carry, group and individual firearms training classes as well as promotional, corporate, TV & media machine gun events since 2008. As an NRA Instructor, Roger specializes in teaching people how to safely use rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
    Firearms Instructor
    Expert Answer
    When gripping a revolver, you need to be mindful of the gases that come out of the side of the cylinder when you fire. These gases can cause injury if your hand is far too forward, so your hand placement will be crucial. Think of it like you would grip a rubber hammer. When you swing a hammer, it hits the target and then bounces back, just as when you pull the trigger on a revolver, where there's an initial impact followed by a recoil. Use both hands for the grip: your dominant hand should wrap around the grip with fingers below the trigger guard and the thumb along the side of the frame, not over the cylinder. Then, support your dominant hand with your fingers below the cylinder and your thumb resting below your dominant thumb. Also, make sure that your dominant hand is positioned as high as possible on the backstrap of your revolver to reduce muzzle flip and improve overall control and accuracy. 
  • Question
    In one grip style, you say one problem is that shooters "muscle," or hold the grip too tightly. At the end of the article, you say, "Keep your grip tight. As a general rule, you will shoot better if you grip the pistol with as much strength as possible." Why the mixed info?
    Community Answer
    You want to hold the pistol very firm, but don't squeeze so hard that you start to shake or tremble.
  • Question
    I am a novice shooter. The other day I was shooting a Sig P226 Legion. 2x my thumbs while firing hit the mag release on the grip. How should I grip to avoid this?. #2) Shots pull left. Why?
    Knight-Sergeant Kelly18
    Community Answer
    Hold the weapon blow the grip so the recoil knocks your hand further down where it wound eject the magazine. Hold the weapon tight and keep elbows locked to compensate for recoil. The weapon may pull left due to a slight jerk in your hand. When you fire the weapon, focus on breathing whilst you pull the trigger to avoid "out of focus"shots.
  • Question
    What is your stance when shooting?
    Student07
    Community Answer
    When shooting any pistol, you want to stand in a balanced "athletic" stance. You do this by standing with one foot forward (opposite of dominate hand). At the same time you want to keep your shoulders relaxed and back straight. When extending your arms out to shoot, do not lock your elbows, keep a small bend in them in order to absorb recoil.
  • Question
    Some people may hold their breath while shooting. What is the best way to shoot as far as breathing is concerned?
    Jx4
    Community Answer
    You want to shoot at the bottom of your breath. So when you breathe out, it will be consistent every time because when you breathe in there are other variables that could throw you off target.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article