Is my grip good?

Published on September 20, 2024
Duration: 6:44

This video explains how to assess your pistol grip by focusing on the gun's sight return pattern after each shot, rather than just the bullet's impact. Inconsistent sight tracking indicates an inconsistent grip or trigger press. Excessive firing hand tension can cause the gun to dip and bounce on return, which can be diagnosed with slow-motion video analysis. The key is to isolate trigger finger movement and maintain consistent grip pressure throughout a shooting string.

Quick Summary

Assess your pistol grip by observing the sight's return to the target after each shot. Inconsistent sight tracking, such as wobbling or dipping, indicates grip or trigger press issues. Excessive firing hand tension is a common cause, which can be diagnosed using slow-motion video analysis to identify unnatural gun movement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00How to Know if Your Grip is Right
  2. 00:26Assessing Gun Return on Target
  3. 01:17Common Grip Issues: Firing Hand Tension
  4. 01:48Isolating the Trigger Finger
  5. 02:01Observing Sight Tracking
  6. 02:30Focusing on Process, Not Results
  7. 03:54Identifying Wobble and Tension
  8. 04:08The 'Lift and Return' Phenomenon
  9. 05:05Flatness vs. Consistent Return
  10. 05:56Maintaining Grip Through Transitions
  11. 06:10Dry Fire Grip Consistency Drill

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my pistol grip is good without looking at my hits?

Focus on the gun's sight return. After each shot, observe if the red dot or iron sights consistently return to the same spot on the target. Inconsistent return patterns, like wobbling or dipping, indicate grip or trigger press issues, regardless of where the bullet lands.

What does it mean if my pistol 'bounces' or dips after firing?

A significant dip or bounce after firing usually signifies excessive tension in your firing hand or that you're pressing the trigger with your whole hand instead of just your trigger finger. This inconsistent movement disrupts sight recovery and accuracy.

How can slow-motion video help improve my pistol grip?

Using slow-motion video allows you to clearly see the gun's movement during and immediately after the trigger press. You can identify if your firing hand is too tense, causing the gun to lift and then bounce or dip unnaturally on its return.

Should I prioritize a 'flat' shooting gun or consistent sight return?

Consistent sight return to the same point is more important than a gun that appears 'flat' (minimal rise). A gun that lifts slightly but always returns to the same spot is indicative of a more stable and repeatable shooting process than one that has an erratic return.

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