Being able to maintain a proper grip on your handgun is an extremely important aspect of effective shooting.  In firearms training it is a good idea to imagine your firearm as an extension of your hand and thus achieving a proper pistol (or revolver for that matter) grip is essential.  Either positively or negatively, your grip will substantially affect your sighting tendencies, your ability to operate your firearms’ controls, and your ability to absorb the recoil.  ***There are some slight differences between the proper grip for a revolver and that of a semi-automatic gun (this discussion will concentrate on semi-automatic pistols).***

1. Ensure that the webbing of the firing hand is as high on the back-strap (back of the pistol) while the index finger is parallel to the frame, and the thumb is in the forward position.
2. The bottom three fingers of the firing hand should wrap around the grip, getting as high and tight under the trigger guard as possible (ensure that the trigger finger remains parallel with the frame and the thumb is forward).
3. With your support hand, hold all four fingers together and again point your thumb forward.  Wrap these fingers around the fingers already around the grip and place your thumb along the frame ensuring that it is forward of your firing hand thumb.

The pictures provided below are good illustrations of a proper grip on a pistol.  Notice the placement of the hands more especially the thumbs, trigger finger, and support hand fingers.  Ideally, the entire grip of the pistol will come in contact with either of the two of your hands.  This ensures proper purchase of the pistol and lends toward an appropriate amount of pressure being applied while shooting.

In self-defensive situations if at all possible it is recommended that you use a proper two handed grip.  However, PSA instructors try to impress upon our students that training with both the dominant hand as well as the support hand ONLY is just as important as training with two handed grips.  If for some reason your dominant hand or support hand is taken out of the fight, your training will allow you to stay in the fight.

***  If you are unfamiliar with firearms and/or their accessories, and want to learn more, PSA strongly suggests that you find, enroll, and attend a comprehensive and reputable firearms safety course. Firearms safety is all of OUR responsibility.  

We want to thank you for taking out the time to stop by our lane at the shooting range!!  We hope that you enjoyed your stay and hope that you stop back by early and often to catch up on all PSA updates!  We truly hope that we were able to hit the target, and if you ever have any questions please don’t hesitate to shoot them our way!!  We look forward to shooting the breeze with you soon again!!

And as always….remember to watch your six and stay low!!!