Re: Proper Grip
Kilogulf59;
This is great stuff and always seem to bring out good thought and statement from others. We can all learn a lot from these posts and the subsequent replies.I have been instructing for over 30 yrs and still learn something new on a regular basis from many places.
I have been fortunate to have attended courses taught by the most read about instructors in the 20th century and still add to their base of knowledge whenever and wherever I can.
As to the grip as I said I still feel it is the cornerstone of pistol handling and accuracy. True we must always keep in mind the many idiosyncrasies that make up an individual shooter and try not to put everyone in the same mold. What is good and will work for one will need tweaking in order to work for another even though shooting the same gun. So tweak we must, but the basics are chipped in stone if we want overall success.
Many years ago I was fortunate to spend some time with the late col cooper and I have cherished those minutes, hours and the memories.
The man explained to me WHY this grip is so important, especially when wrapped around a 1911 style pistol.
Remember those safeties?
Two things; A. this grip places the absolute most flesh of your hands against the pistol as is possible. If you want the most control of your handgun, get as much of your hands against the frame as possible. B. Especially or in particular with the 1911 your thumbs are above, actually riding on the safety to prevent the inadvertent bump of the safety to the safe position at the most inopportune time. No, your thumbs do not and will not impede the function of the slide, period.
He pointed out how easy it is to bump this safety if your thumbs are below and if so how costly it could be in a competition or during a fight for your life either place where mere portions of a second could cost yo dearly.
Personally, it made sense then and I have never looked back.
Delta13soultalker;
Right on my friend and interesting you bring up the placement of the booger finger of the support hand. I have helped several police departments who were at the time transitioning from revolver to semi auto. Some of the lads thought it was cool to wrap their finger around the front of the trigger guard. (after all some of the manufacturers have actually indented this area just so your finger will fit, right) Wrong. You actually lose a modicum of control when wrapping said finger as such. Get that puppy back where it belongs, tightly wrapped around the fingers of your primary grip. Then as mentioned use the push/pull presentation to the target.
I had so much trouble with one department or with one of their instructors that I took the time to film (him) shooting his new Glock 22 in 40 S&W. When I showed him the daylight between his booger finger and the front of the trigger guard during recoil, he began to see it my way.
Guys, we are striving for the absolute most in control off our handguns whatever we choose to shoot. Getting the grip correct will make a huge difference immediately and cause a lot of heartache until you do.
As for the old cup and saucer, it will give your magazine base a warm, fuzzy feeling, but do nothing to improve the control of your pistol or your accuracy, IMHO.
For those who turn your thumbs downward to lock them around your grip. If I could be with you for about 30 seconds I would give you a very simple, physical example that would change this for you forever. I just don't think I could explain what I need you to do in order to feel the difference in the two. Perhaps another time.
I have been fortunate to work with students 7 days a week for many years and I actually get paid for doing something I enjoy so very much. Watching the response from someone who gets it right creates a satisfaction all of its' own. Helping people with their shooting activities has been for me a lifelong dream come true.
I am now retired but still watch over my crew of excellent instructors at my range and they still make me a part of what they do. But watching and learning and once in a while sharing here and on other forums is now something new and yet enjoyable in its' own right. So my thanks to all and I sincerely hope in spite of our soon to be elected officials, we will be able to share for many more years.
Keep up the good work. To all, stay safe, always.
UF
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