In a two handed grip which is going to be your best bet in any situation, the first step is to place the gun correctly in your strong hand. For a semi auto pistol, the gun back strap should rest as high in the crook between your thumb and first finger as possible. This placement in the strong hand stays the same regardless of which type of grip you take from here.

The first and best type of handgun grip for a new gun owner and shooter is to grip the gun with the strong hand thumb wrapped around and touching the middle finger on the grip.

The support hand is wrapped around the strong hand with the thumb lapped over the strong hand thumb. When firing the gun the strong arm should be stiff, with the support hand pulling back slightly against the shooting hand. This push-pull action steadies the hands and wrists and gives a strong aiming platform for firing the handgun. This is an extremely strong style of grip and for non-competitive shooters it is a grip that will serve you well for life.

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The next type of handgun grip is typical of serious competitive shooters. It starts with the support hand thumb resting parallel with and just under the pistol slide (first picture at top of page).

The support hand is wrapped around the strong hand with the thumb lined up in front of the shooting hand thumb and pointing forward. This affords maximum control of the gun when moving from one target to another and enhances accuracy.

The forward point of both thumbs seems to assist in quickly lining up the sights on multiple targets. This handgun grip is harder to master than the first, but if you intend to compete or do any type of serious tactical shooting, it is worth the time it takes to work it out.

Also, among top shooters, this grip varies considerably. The real consistency is in the wrap of the strong hand and pointing of the thumbs forward. To master this, you'll want to make sure the placement of your hand and thumbs provides maximum enhancement for quick target acquisition.

Last, and sometimes necessary, whether in competition or in real life situations, is a one handed grip which is simply the first grip described without the support hand. The back strap of the handgun is placed as high as possible in the strong hand.

The hand is wrapped around the gun with the thumb touching on top of the middle finger on the grip. A firm grip and straight wrist is necessary to be effective. This grip is illustrated in the second picture on the page.

A Note About Revolvers

This becomes increasingly prevalent the larger the revolver you shoot.

For a correct two hand grip on a revolver, a strong lapping thumbs grip is always appropriate.

Trigger Control

All triggers on all guns must be sss….qqq….uuueeee…..zzz…eeddd. That’s “squeezed” steadily and not jerked. If you do everything else right and do not exercise proper trigger control, you will not hit your target. End of story. Sell the gun.

Below left is correct finger position on a semi auto - on the right a revolver.

Seriously, for all types of grips, you must mindfully make yourself press the trigger smoothly and slowly for your shooting to be accurate. This requires your grip to be correct and the first pad of your index finger placed firmly on the trigger. Get this right, and you will likely be an adequate to great shot according to how much you practice.

It's worth noting that a membership to the USCCA will give you continuous instruction, information and resources on handguns, concealed carry, and shooting. And it will provide legal protection for you in case you are involved in a self defense shooting. It's why I've been a member for over four years.

Next: Correct Handgun Sight Alignment

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