GRIP and RECOIL

GRIP

A proper 2-handed pistol grip has several key functions

1. STABILIZES:  It holds the pistol steady and consistent  and doesn't change shot to shot. The grip stays the same before, during and after each shot.

2. ALIGNMENT:  To hit the target the pistol must be aligned with the target and then not moved until recoil takes place.  The proper grip always aligns the weapon with the center-line of your body.  This is the natural position that we hold all objects.  We always hold our cell-phone on our center-line.  Same as a book or tablet, a knife or anything that's in both hands, even a coffee mug.  Your grip aligns the weapon with your body regardless of the target.  Your body aligns itself with the target. (see page on Stance and Posture).  This natural alignment, that we were never taught, will be what you do in a high stress environment whether you try to or not.

3. POINTING: It allows both hands to point the pistol naturally in line to the target. Pointing with both hands will create a natural symmetry that will keep the weapon pointed at the target while you are naturally concentrating on the target and their actions.  You starring at the target is whats going to happen! 

4. RECOIL CONTROL: It has maximum friction to control and minimize weapon movement.  This is NOT squeezing the gun to death.  The goal is not to have the gun not move during recoil.  That's impossible.  The goal is to keep your grip exactly the same before, during and after each shot.  No adjustments necessary.  Then the weapon will return back to the shooting position without you inducing a movement that doesn't return the gun to the proper position.   Applying to much pressure or over-gripping may make the weapon shake, may cause you to squeeze all your fingers when you decide to shoot and isn't countering the actual force of recoil.  Remember that the recoil force is back and up.  That's it.  So any force applied other than countering back and up is wasted and will most likely translate to weapon movement.  If your weapon is shaking or your applying a strangling force in all directions, your gripping to hard.  If your support hand moves AT ALL during shooting and you have to make readjustments between shots then your not gripping hard enough.

DOMINANAT HAND:   The “V” between the thumb and forefinger is placed high on the pistol backstrap. Wrap the thumb and fingers around the pistol. Place your trigger finger along the frame parallel to the barrel.   

The dominant hand only does 2 things!   

1. The palm is a backstop to control the backward force of the recoil   

2. The index finger moves the trigger  rearward without moving the gun until it fires

Your entire dominant arm from the shoulder all the way through the wrist should be a solid brace. Once fully extended it doesn't push forward or move at all.

SUPPORT HAND:     Place your support hand palm on side of the pistol.  This will require you to raise your dominant thumb.  Bring the heel of your support hand firmly against the heel of your dominant hand.  Lower your dominant thumb on top of the support hand thumb. This will allow more of your support hand to make contact with the side of the pistol causing more friction allowing better recoil control.  Wrap your support hand fingers around the dominant hand.   Lock your support wrist as far forward as possible with the support thumb way forward on the pistol frame just below the slide.   Your support thumb should be a mirror of your trigger finger on the other side of the frame. This helps in two ways:   

1. As soon as you achieve your proper 2 handed grip from a holster draw before full extension you can point with your trigger finger and support thumb to the target. We always point the gun before we use any sighting device.   (See Pistol Aiming Page)

2. With your wrist locked and thumb forward the remaining 4 fingers of the support hand form a wedge at the base of the front strap of the pistol helping control the muzzle flip as the gun rotates up.   The support hand is the strong gripping hand. It does 4 things.   

1. Firmly locks the pistol into the dominant hand   

2. Allows you to point with your support thumb   

3. Causes a wedge at the base of the front strap reducing muzzle flip   

4. Controls the torque or twist of the weapon.      

POINTS OF CONTACT:   You should practice your grip and memorize where contact points between your pistol and hands are. You should feel these every time you achieve your two hand grip.   

Dominant Hand:   

1. Web of dominant hand as high as possible on the backstrap   

2. Where does my trigger finger rest on the side of the frame   

SUPPORT HAND:   

1. How does my support hand palm touch the side of the pistol grip and mate up with the heel of my dominant hand    

2. Where does my support thumb touch the frame   

3. Where does my support index finger touch the bottom of the trigger guard and my dominant hand   

4. Where does the bottom of my support wedge (pinky) contact either the frontstrap or my dominant hand       

Please contact Viper Weapons for any questions, advice or to add your techniques. email: ViperWeaponsTraining@gmail.com