3 fundamentals of the ideal shooting grip - W/USPSA Grandmaster Mark Smith

This guide details advanced rifle recoil control techniques as demonstrated by USPSA Grandmaster Mark Smith. Key principles include establishing a consistent rifle connection, proper buttstock placement, head and shoulder engagement, and precise support hand pressures using a 'grip and hang' method. It also covers stance adjustments for mitigating both lateral and vertical recoil, emphasizing a solid connection to the rifle for predictable and durable firing.

Ben Stoeger, a USPSA Champion and professional firearms instructor, explains how grip pressure needs to be adjusted based on firearm weight and frame material. Lighter polymer guns like Glocks may require more pressure, while heavier metal-framed 2011s benefit from a lighter touch for faster trigger manipulation. Grip tape can enhance control with less force. Shooters must adapt their input to their specific equipment.

This guide details a three-step grip testing protocol for firearms, as demonstrated by a USPSA Grandmaster. The method focuses on assessing grip consistency and tension during live fire, particularly under aggressive shooting conditions. The goal is to ensure the firearm returns to the point of aim with minimal effort by maintaining stable hand pressures throughout a shooting string.

This video details a two-shot rapid fire drill focused on achieving consistent sight alignment for faster follow-up shots. Ben Stoeger, an expert competition shooter and instructor, emphasizes minimizing hand input to allow natural gun recovery and maintaining consistent grip pressure. The drill aims to train the shooter to perceive the sights back on target before the second trigger press, crucial for accuracy in speed shooting.

Instruction from Joel Park, a seasoned firearms instructor and competitor, addresses building speed in USPSA. He emphasizes that speed and accuracy are not mutually exclusive, debunking the myth that increased speed must lead to more C-zone hits. Park details common time-wasting habits during stationary shooting, movement, and target transitions, offering practical techniques to improve efficiency. The integrated approach of dry fire for habit building and live fire for testing and refinement is highlighted as crucial for continuous improvement.

This video, featuring competitive shooter Ben Stoeger, explores the necessity of high-volume live fire for achieving elite proficiency. Stoeger argues that while dry fire is crucial and can lead to Grand Master status, competitive success at the national level often requires significant live ammunition expenditure (20,000-40,000 rounds/year) to achieve marginal gains and build confidence. He emphasizes that dry fire is more efficient for specific drills, but a combination of both is optimal.

This video demonstrates an advanced self-defense technique for surviving an armed robbery. The expert instructor highlights the importance of de-escalation and compliance as a distraction, followed by a rapid defensive counter-draw from a concealed appendix (AIWB) position. The simulation showcases neutralizing a threat at close range using a concealed firearm, likely in a Glock platform, emphasizing the effectiveness of a well-executed draw from a high-retention holster like those from Tenicor.

New concealed carriers often make critical mistakes like choosing inadequate holsters or belts, wearing inappropriate clothing, opting for guns that are too small, and carrying with an empty chamber. Selecting a secure, comfortable holster and a supportive belt are crucial. Clothing should allow for a smooth draw without printing. Prioritizing shootability and capacity over extreme concealability is key, and carrying with a round in the chamber, once training allows, enhances readiness.

This video debunks the myth that appendix carry is inherently unsafe, drawing on 25 years of personal experience. It emphasizes proper technique, particularly during reholstering, and highlights the benefits of appendix carry like accessibility and concealability. The presenter details safe reholstering methods, including using a muzzle wedge and body tilt, and discusses the importance of a strong safety mindset over rote rules.

This video emphasizes the critical importance of the four universal firearms handling rules, stating they are 'written in blood' and not suggestions. It details each rule: always treat guns as loaded, never point at anything you're not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until sights are on target, and be sure of your target and what's beyond it. The content also distinguishes universal rules from range-specific protocols and introduces gun states (secure, ready, on target).