Handgun Techniques: How to Grip a Handgun
Your hand position on the grip of a handgun is vital to hitting the target. Although the grip configurations of the revolver and the semi-automatic pistol are different, the gripping procedure is the same.
- For a right-handed shooter, the right hand is the "shooting" or "strong" hand and the left hand is the "support" or "weak" hand. For a left-handed shooter, the shooting and support hands are reversed.
- Hold the handgun high on the grip so that the recoil is directed back to the hand and arm in a straight line. This allows better repeat shots and more accurate shooting.
- With a semi-automatic, the rear extension of the frame limits how high your hand can be placed.
- With a revolver, your hand might be able to hold onto the gun quite high.
One-Handed Grip
To grip a handgun properly:
- Grasp the gun under the frame and trigger guard with your support hand. Do not cock the gun, and do not touch the trigger.
- Open your shooting hand so that your thumb and index finger form a V.
- Place the V as high on the frame as possible so that the grip of the gun rests firmly in the palm of your shooting hand.
- Curl your fingers around the gun's grip with your index finger extended along the side of the gun and off the trigger.