MONDAY CONTINUING EDUCATIONS SERIES (PART 5):

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2. Proper Grip while shooting:

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4. In the previous discussion we discussed proper fit of the handgun to the shooter's hand. In this discussion we'll talk about how to properly grip the pistol during shooting. This is where proper fit becomes critical !

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6. As discussed during fitting, the web of the hand between the thumb and forefinger needs to be completely at the top of the grip where there is a small curvature on the backstrap just below the slide. This curve is known as the "beavertail". Leaving a gap between the web of your hand and the beavertail will allow the pistol to rock in your hand with the muzzle rising during recoil. This makes follow up shots more difficult and often causes the pistol (semi-auto) to jamb in what is known as a "stove pipe" jamb where the empty case is not properly ejected and gets trapped by the slide in the ejection port. Proper grip greatly reduces stove pipe jambs !

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8. With the web of the hand properly seated at the top of the grip, wrap the fingers of your shooting hand around the grip, with the second joint (next joint down from the knuckles) lying directly below the trigger guard. In a properly fitted pistol, this will leave a gap between the tips of the fingers and the rear of the grip.

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10. Make a "thumbs up" sign with your non-shooting hand. Follow the line from the tip of the thumb toward the wrist. Directly below the last joint of the thumb there is a slight bulge where te thumb and palm of your hand meet. Place this bulge into the gap left on the grip between the finger tips and rear of the grip and wrap the fingers of the non-shooting hand around the grip. The middle joints of the non-shooting hand falling naturally on top of the middle joints of the shooting hand directly below the trigger guard.

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12. Finally, rest one thumb on top of the other with the tips pointing toward the target. It does not matter which thumb is on top. It's a matter of personal preference here. Both thumbs should now be resting along the frame of the pistol between the trigger and the slide/cylinder but not high enough to touch the slide/cylinder. Note here: IT IS CRITICAL THAT BOTH THUMBS ARE ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE PISTOL or you will suffer "slide bite" when the slide moves rearward during firing and rakes the thumb crossing behind it. Again, both thumbs on the same side of the pistol ! At this point, your trigger finger is resting on the side of the frame right above the trigger and pointing toward the target area. (remember: we're not ready to put a hole in anything yet).

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14. Only after attaining sight alignment and sight picture (another discussion) do you bring the trigger finger to the trigger. The trigger finger should touch the trigger right where the fingerprint is. Between the tip and first joint of the finger. You are now ready to make your shot. PRESS, do not pull, the trigger rearward. "Pulling" the trigger connotes a jerking motion that will cause you to miss, and "squeezing" the trigger subconsciously causes the shooter to squeeze the grip harder making the pistol move and causing a missed shot.

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16. Of course this is all much easier to demonstrate than explain in text. As always, if you have questions or want to come see it in action feel free to ask !