How to Grip a Pistol

Your grip is one of the most important parts of shooting a pistol. Even if you have perfect aim or the best firearm on the market, a poor grip can lead to missed shots, slow follow-ups, and even safety issues. Here’s how to grip a pistol.


Credit: Envato Elements/ Photology75

 

Grip Basics

  • The web of your shooting hand should be as high as possible on the backstrap of the pistol without interfering with the slide.

  • Both thumbs should point forward along the frame.

  • Your hands should work together like a clamp around the pistol. Any space between your palms and the grip means lost control.

  • Apply even, firm pressure from both hands. Your support hand does most of the gripping.


How to Grip a Pistol 

Step 1: Position Your Dominant Hand

  • Place the web of your dominant hand (shooting hand) high on the backstrap.

  • Wrap your fingers around the grip.

  • Make sure your trigger finger is outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.

  • Your thumb should rest along the frame, not wrapped around the grip.


Step 2: Bring in Your Support Hand

  • Place the heel of your support hand in the empty space on the grip panel (the part of the grip not covered by your shooting hand).

  • Your support-hand fingers should wrap over the front of your shooting hand fingers.

  • Your support-hand thumb should point forward, stacked slightly below your shooting-hand thumb.

Step 3: Apply Grip Pressure

  • Squeeze firmly with your support hand. About 60% of total grip strength should come from this hand.

  • Your shooting hand provides about 40% of the pressure and controls the trigger.

Step 4: Check Your Wrist Angle

  • Keep your wrists locked forward.

  • The pistol should feel like an extension of your arm.

  • Avoid limp wrists.

Dry Practice and Live Fire Drills

Repetition builds muscle memory. You can’t just read about a good grip. You need to practice it until it becomes second nature.

Start with Dry Practice:

  • Use a clear and unloaded firearm.

  • Practice drawing from the holster and establishing your grip every time.

  • Use a mirror or video to check for hand position, alignment, and thumb placement.

Follow Up with Live Fire:

  • Shoot slow, deliberate groups to focus on consistency.

  • Try failure-to-stop drills or Bill drills to work on recoil control.

  • If your sights are jumping left or right, revisit your grip and thumb alignment.


Final Thoughts

A proper pistol grip starts with high placement, full contact, and strong support-hand pressure. Practice regularly and avoid common mistakes like gripping too low or failing to use your support hand. 

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