How to Grip a Handgun

by
posted on February 14, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
handgun.jpg

An effective grip lets us squeeze the trigger without moving the sights. A steady grip will also help with a natural point of aim-one that doesn't require constant "tweaking" to keep the sights aligned. The best way to check your grip is with dry-firing practice, after double-checking that the gun is unloaded. 

Focus on the right thing: The most important part of your trigger squeeze during dry-fire practice is at the instant the gun fires. We're hard-wired to blink and/or jerk the trigger in anticipation of the noise, so dry-firing a few minutes each day helps develop muscle memory that can override this natural instinct. Like a slow motion camera, focus on what's happening during the last split second before the gun fires. If you don't see the sights, then hitting the target becomes a game of chance.

Grip Adjustment: If your sights jump to one side during dry-fire practice, try repositioning the tip of your trigger finger left or right on the trigger to achieve a straight line squeeze. Another way you might need to tune your grip is to reposition the backstrap for a natural point of aim. For me, the backstrap lies along the "life line" of my palm, as in the photo.

How hard should you grip? Err on the hard side so that the trigger pull doesn't move the gun. Most of the pros use a very firm grip, particularly to steady the gun during rapid fire. Putting a "death grip" on the gun may cause tremors or cause your hand to go to sleep, so strive for a happy medium.

Latest

Walther Pk380 Lede
Walther Pk380 Lede

Reviewed: Walther Arms PK380 Semi-Auto Pistol

Created for concealed carry, Walther's perfected its ergonomics to make it easy to for everyone handle and shoot.

Camo Kids: Little Bipsy Launches Realtree Collection

With layerable, buttery-soft fabrics and Realtree EDGE Shadows patterns, this fun collection will delight your NRA Family.

It's Time for MidwayUSA Foundation's Annual Hometown Challenge Sweepstakes

Supporting your favorite competitive shooting team makes you eligible for some amazing prizes this September!

Throwback Thursday: Wally Johnson, the Last Ivory Hunter

In 1937 Mozambique, elephants were so overpopulated that people were dying. There, Wally Johnson made his legend.

Home-Defense Minute: How to Use a Mossberg Nightstick "Firearm"

No, please do not shoot it from the hip like an '80s action hero. Shooting Illustrated's Kevin Creighton explains.

First Impressions: SOG Tactical Bushcraft Hatchet

Whether you call it a hatchet or an axe, it's likely to be the most useful tool in your pack. Why leave it to chance?

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.