What's a Grip Index?

Published on October 27, 2017
Duration: 9:02

Justin Opinion introduces the 'Grip Index,' a metric to assess handgun fit by multiplying trigger reach by grip thickness. This index aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how a pistol will feel in hand compared to trigger reach alone. The video demonstrates the measurement process using calipers on various handguns, including the Sig Sauer P220, P227, and M&P Shield 45, highlighting how thickness significantly impacts the overall grip feel.

Quick Summary

The Grip Index, introduced by Justin Opinion, is a metric for handgun fit calculated by multiplying trigger reach by grip thickness. This measurement accounts for both the distance to the trigger and the overall girth of the grip, offering a more practical assessment of how a pistol will feel in hand compared to trigger reach alone.

Chapters

  1. 00:14Introduction to Trigger Reach
  2. 00:50Limitations of Trigger Reach Alone
  3. 01:34The Importance of Grip Thickness
  4. 02:01Measuring with a Soft Tape vs. Bones
  5. 02:41Measuring the Sig Sauer P220
  6. 04:04Measuring P220 Grip Thickness
  7. 04:52Calculating P220 Grip Index
  8. 05:07Measuring the Sig Sauer P227
  9. 05:33Measuring P227 Grip Thickness
  10. 05:54Calculating P227 Grip Index
  11. 06:11Grip Index as a 'Shoe Size' for Guns
  12. 06:46Measuring the M&P Shield 45
  13. 07:04Measuring Shield 45 Grip Thickness
  14. 07:25Calculating Shield 45 Grip Index
  15. 07:47Grip Comparison: Shield vs. P227
  16. 08:28Conclusion: The Grip Index

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Grip Index and how is it calculated?

The Grip Index is a metric developed by Justin Opinion to assess handgun fit. It's calculated by multiplying the trigger reach (distance from the grip tang apex to the trigger apex) by the grip thickness. This provides a more comprehensive measure of how a pistol will feel in hand than trigger reach alone.

Why is grip thickness important for handgun fit?

Grip thickness is crucial because a hand wraps around it differently than a thin grip. While trigger reach measures the distance to the trigger, thickness affects how much of your hand is utilized, influencing finger placement and overall control. Bones cannot conform to contours, making linear measurements important.

What tools are recommended for measuring handgun ergonomics like trigger reach and thickness?

For accurate measurements of trigger reach and grip thickness, calipers are recommended over flat measures or rulers. Calipers allow for precise determination of the shortest distances and snug fits without disturbing the firearm's components, ensuring reliable data for metrics like the Grip Index.

How does the Grip Index compare different handguns?

The Grip Index provides a numerical comparison for handgun fit. For example, a Sig Sauer P220 has a Grip Index of 3.628, while a thicker P227 has a higher index of 4.245. A compact M&P Shield 45 has a much lower index of 2.538 due to its thinness.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Justin Opinion

View all →