Diagnosing Pistol Grip Problems

Published on March 20, 2020
Duration: 2:49

This video from NRApubs, featuring Bryson at NRA headquarters, addresses a common mistake made by new shooters: inconsistent grip pressure during trigger manipulation. The instructor emphasizes that while holding the pistol steady is important, many new shooters inadvertently tighten their grip with both hands as they pull the trigger, negatively impacting sight alignment and accuracy. The core technique taught is to maintain a consistent, firm grip pressure with the support and firing hands, allowing only the trigger finger to move independently during the trigger press.

Quick Summary

A common mistake for new pistol shooters is tightening their grip with both hands as they pull the trigger. To improve accuracy, maintain a consistent, firm grip pressure with both hands throughout the trigger press, allowing only the trigger finger to move independently. This ensures sight alignment remains stable for a more accurate shot.

Chapters

  1. 00:12Introduction and Common Shooter Mistake
  2. 00:42The Problem: Grip Pressure During Trigger Pull
  3. 01:31Impact on Sight Alignment and Accuracy
  4. 01:48Tip for New Shooters: Consistent Grip Pressure
  5. 02:07Isolate Trigger Finger Movement
  6. 02:21Practice and Awareness on the Range

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common pistol grip mistake for new shooters?

A very common mistake for new shooters is tightening their grip with both hands as they pull the trigger. This inconsistent pressure disrupts sight alignment and can lead to inaccurate shots, as the entire hand is moving the gun during the critical trigger manipulation phase.

How should grip pressure be managed when shooting a pistol?

Grip pressure should be firm enough to manage recoil but not excessively tight. The key is consistency: maintain this firm grip with both hands throughout the entire trigger press, allowing only the trigger finger to move independently.

Why is consistent grip pressure important for pistol shooting?

Consistent grip pressure is crucial because any tightening or movement of the hands during the trigger pull will move the firearm. This movement directly interferes with maintaining proper sight alignment and sight picture, making it difficult to achieve an accurate shot.

What is the correct way to pull the trigger on a pistol?

When pulling the trigger, the focus should be on using only the trigger finger to apply smooth, rearward pressure. Your grip with the rest of your hand and fingers should remain constant and steady, ensuring the firearm does not move as the shot is fired.

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