Most of us would think that if we created an explosion, we were doing something extremely wrong, possibly harmful. Well…..if you’re a fan of our blog, then chances are you’ve undoubtedly created several hundred if not thousands of explosions!!! Webster’s Dictionary defines an explosion as the following: a rapid increase in volume and release of energy in an extreme manner, usually with the generation of high temperatures and the release of gasses. Sounds eerily similar to what happens when we shoot our firearms!! Today we want to tell you guys a little about the best way to manage this explosion when shooting your handgun.
Every time you move the trigger to the rearmost position, you are in essence creating an explosion within the machine that you are holding in your hand. Albeit a controlled explosion, an explosion all the same. The pistol’s recoil is simply that explosion looking for a way out.
In looking for a way out, the recoil finds the path that presents the least resistance. Try this….the next time you’re at the range, grip your pistol with your dominant hand, only, with as good a single handed grip as you can. Take a shot and watch how the recoil expresses itself. Now, try the same with your support hand only and watch how the recoil expresses itself. You can even try to drop the webbing of your dominant hand to an inferior than ideal position on the back-strap and watch the results. You will notice that the side of the pistol that has no resistance (or grip pressure) is where the recoil expresses itself.
How you grip your pistol determines how the explosion finds its way out. Ideally, you want the pistol to recoil straight back. Not off and to the right or left, and not even back and up. Straight back. In other words, proper grip techniques will maximize the resistance that you are able to apply to all sides of the pistol. When you do this you will be able to get back on target quicker and back into the fight!
For more information about proper pistol grip techniques click here.
*** 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!!!