[erdocdd]

Been having some problems with my grip lately.
I am Right handed.

When I hold a handgun, both of my thumbs are on the left of the gun.

Usually have my Left thumb over my Right.

Have been watching the pro's place the Right thumb over the Left, pointing straight forward.
This is supposed to be a great grip. However, I find I have less control and the gun sort of jumps up from my grip when fired.

Anyone else have this problem or any advice?

Or should I just stick with what works already.

Thanks!

 

[SwampRat]

Here's an article that explains both.. http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/combatg_100306/ I typically teach both in my classes and 9-10 newbies choose the locked thumbs or convulsive grip over the straight thumbs or thumbs forward grip..The convulsive grip or locked thumbs is interchangeable between revolver or semi-auto..the thumbs forward is not..the wrist articulation of the thumbs forward grip is the hardest for new shooters to grasp...Most everyone here knows Brownie..he shoots with thumbs locked down convulsive grip..so does Mas Ayoob....I shoot with thumbs forward mostly due to high thumb on my 1911 riding the safety..much like Enos and Leatham..both have different mechanics at work with the trigger finger also..one the trigger is placed on the pad of the finger, the other the trigger us usually on the first joint...One grip has handshake pressure, the other has crushing pressure....Whatever your good at..stay with it..

 

[erdocdd]

Thanks!

The article referred to "camming the wrists" to reduce muzzle flip.

What is that exactly?

 

[SwampRat]

Thanks!

The article referred to "camming the wrists" to reduce muzzle flip.

What is that exactly?

And that is exactly what I was referring to in my previous post..even when demonstrated live, it is hard for new shooters to understand it..These guys can explain it much better than I can on here.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa50-plo48 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQgLmQl1zDw&feature=fvw

 

[Tic26]

I sent that to my wife....Maybe if she hears someone else saying it she will believe me....lol

 

[Standby]

Here's an article that explains both.. http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/combatg_100306/ I typically teach both in my classes and 9-10 newbies choose the locked thumbs or convulsive grip over the straight thumbs or thumbs forward grip..The convulsive grip or locked thumbs is interchangeable between revolver or semi-auto..the thumbs forward is not..the wrist articulation of the thumbs forward grip is the hardest for new shooters to grasp...Most everyone here knows Brownie..he shoots with thumbs locked down convulsive grip..so does Mas Ayoob....I shoot with thumbs forward mostly due to high thumb on my 1911 riding the safety..much like Enos and Leatham..both have different mechanics at work with the trigger finger also..one the trigger is placed on the pad of the finger, the other the trigger us usually on the first joint...One grip has handshake pressure, the other has crushing pressure....Whatever your good at..stay with it..

Damn good explanation. I read this 3 times trying to find something to add..........You explained it about as well as it can be explained!:thumsup

 

[Rvrctyrngr]

Great info, SR. The Todd Jarret video is one of my favorites.

I shot thumbs locked for years. Due to arthritis in my hands/wrists, I switched to thumbs forward a few years ago. I don't think the grip is as strong, but it helped me immensely.

 

[SwampRat]

Damn good explanation. I read this 3 times trying to find something to add..........You explained it about as well as it can be explained!:thumsup

Well, we could add that both techniques ultimate goal is to isolate the trigger finger..both are successful in doing so, just different methods attempting to achieve the same results..

 

[Cthulhu]

'Camming the wrist'...turn your wrist like the hand on your gun is on a doorknob, and you're trying to rotate that knob counterclockwise (without moving your forearm...or the gun!). What should happen, with your thumb pointed towards your target, is that the 'line' from the top of your thumb and up your forearm should be straightened a bit. This often also has the added benefit of making your support elbow drop instead of sticking out like a wing.

Here are a couple of really quick pictures I had my daughter take..

Very little-to-no wrist cam:

With wrist cam:

A couple of other things that helped me with this grip:

• After getting a good grip with your strong hand, take a look at the uncovered portion of your grip. The palm heel and thumbpad of your support hand should occupy the remaining space, so the grip is essentially completely encircled by your hands.
• You should be gripping more with the support hand than your strong hand. This keeps the gun from jumping out of your support hand and also helps keep you from milking the grip as you pull the trigger, eliminating some of the tendency of your other fingers moving when your trigger fingers move. I've heard people quantify it as "60-40". 60% of the grip comes from the support hand, and 40% from the strong hand.
• If your wrist is properly cammed forward, when your trigger finger is indexed on the frame, the trigger finger and support hand thumb should be opposite each other on either side of the gun's frame, both pointed the same direction.

Sorry the pictures aren't clearer. I literally took them and posted them in the middle of typing this up.

-JT

 

[Mac45]

I got to this thread late, but in my limited experience, I have found the locked thumbs grip easier to master and use. The straight [or high thumb] grip requires more practice to master as it produces a looser grip on the firearm and places the thumb in closer proximity to the moving slide and weapon controls. It does have the advantage of allowing for slightly faster autopistol reloads, which competitors favor. For practical defensive applications, I don't think that it matters very much. It is largely a matter of taste. As SwampRat said, stick with what you are used to.

 

[Cthulhu]

I got to this thread late, but in my limited experience, I have found the locked thumbs grip easier to master and use. The straight [or high thumb] grip requires more practice to master as it produces a looser grip on the firearm and places the thumb in closer proximity to the moving slide and weapon controls. It does have the advantage of allowing for slightly faster autopistol reloads, which competitors favor. For practical defensive applications, I don't think that it matters very much. It is largely a matter of taste. As SwampRat said, stick with what you are used to.

I never really had a problem with what I call the "thumbs forward" grip. The majority of the grip's strength for me comes from my support hand fingers, and I can crank down on the gun pretty good. The thumb doesn't touch my slide at all.

It's easier for me to consistently get that grip. Weaver was way too inconsistent for me, and the recoil control was nowhere near as good as the thumbs forward grip.

But YMMV.

-JT