How to Grip a Handgun

by
posted on February 14, 2018
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

Kimber 2K11 Melloni Review Lede
Kimber 2K11 Melloni Review Lede

Reviewed: Kimber 2K11 Pistol

Don't be fooled: Kimber's full-size, double-stack 1911-style handgun shoots almost as softly and accurately as a race-tuned .22.

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Colorado’s Excise Tax on Gun & Ammunition Sales

"We are pleased to join with other Second Amendment advocates in this lawsuit to protect and defend the fundamental right to keep and bear arms.”

Catch Big & Rich Performing Live at "NRA Show" in Atlanta

These staunch Second Amendment supporters headline our "Freedom Experience" concert at NRA's Annual Meetings & Exhibits this month.

No Fooling: Silencer Central Pays Tax Stamps Through April 15, 2025

“We wanted to do something for our customers to reduce some of the stress of tax time," notes Silencer Central CEO Brandon Maddox.

New Guns 2025: Savage Arms Stance XR Pistol

Smaller, smoother, and enhanced with safety features, this micropistol is a big winner.

Mossy Oak Announces 2025 Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp

All proceeds from stamp sales go directly to wild turkey conservation projects around the country.

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.