How To Grip a Pistol

Step 1: Strong hand (shooting hand)

1. High on the backstrap

   • Drive the web of your hand (between thumb and index finger) as high as possible under the beavertail/backstrap.

   • This reduces muzzle flip and improves recoil control.

2. Straight line with the arm

   • The barrel should line up with your forearm.

   • No “bent wrist” or gun twisted in the hand.

3. Finger placement on the trigger

   • Use the pad or first joint area (depends on your hand and gun) so you can press straight to the rear without pushing left/right.

4. Grip pressure

   • Firm but not white-knuckle.

   • Think ~30–40% of total grip with your strong hand.

Step 2: Support hand

1. Fill the gap

   • Rotate your support hand forward and place the palm into the empty space on the grip left by the strong hand.

   • The heel of the support hand should contact as much of the grip as possible.

2. Wrap the fingers

   • Support-hand fingers wrap over the strong-hand fingers on the front of the grip.

   • No gaps – more skin on the gun = more control.

3. Thumbs forward

   • Both thumbs point generally forward toward the target, stacked or slightly offset.

   • Thumbs rest along the frame/slide (not behind the slide).

4. Support-hand pressure

   • About 60–70% of the total grip pressure should come from the support hand.

   • Strong hand: controls trigger.

   • Support hand: clamps the gun and controls recoil.

Step 3: Wrist and arm position

1. Locked or firm wrists

   • Slightly push the gun toward the target and “lock in” the wrists so they don’t bend when the gun recoils.

2. Elbows slightly bent

   • Not fully locked out; a small bend helps manage recoil and keeps you from “hinging” at the elbows.

3. Shoulders slightly forward

   • Lean into the gun a bit.

   • Nose over toes, not leaning back.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Low grip – leaving a gap under the beavertail, causing extra muzzle flip.

• Thumb behind the slide - risk of slide bite and poor control.

• Crushing with a strong hand - over-gripping with the trigger hand causes shaking and trigger jerk.

• Loose support hand - just “riding along” instead of doing most of the work.

• Finger on trigger too early - huge safety issue; fix this habit immediately.

60 second video from the "GRIP DOCTOR"