Let’s Talk About Grip: The Foundation of Shooting Accuracy

[Michail98]

Let me open a can of worms and go down this rabbit hole. I'm new to the group and want to post one of the most over looked topic, so let me talk about it. They say the devil’s in the details, and when it comes to shooting accuracy, those details start with your grip. Here’s a stat that might surprise you: nearly 70% of shooting errors are linked directly to improper grip pressure or alignment. Think about that for a moment—before you even focus on sights or trigger control, your grip might already be working against you.

Why is grip so important? A solid, consistent grip does more than just hold the firearm—it keeps it steady during recoil and helps you maintain control in any situation. It’s not just a minor adjustment; it’s the foundation that every accurate shot is built upon.

Let’s get practical. The next time you’re at the range, try this: apply firm, even pressure with both hands and ensure your support hand is positioned high on the grip. This simple adjustment can significantly enhance your stability and control, leading to tighter groups and better overall performance.

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What’s your take on grip? Is it something you actively work on in your training, or do you tend to focus on other aspects? Have you found a particular technique that works wonders for you? Let’s share experiences and tips—what’s been your biggest challenge with grip, and how have you overcome it? I’m looking forward to learning from everyone’s insights!

 

[Bill Norris]

Let me open a can of worms and go down this rabbit hole. I'm new to the group and want to post one of the most over looked topic, so let me talk about it. They say the devil’s in the details, and when it comes to shooting accuracy, those details start with your grip. Here’s a stat that might surprise you: nearly 70% of shooting errors are linked directly to improper grip pressure or alignment. Think about that for a moment—before you even focus on sights or trigger control, your grip might already be working against you.

Why is grip so important? A solid, consistent grip does more than just hold the firearm—it keeps it steady during recoil and helps you maintain control in any situation. It’s not just a minor adjustment; it’s the foundation that every accurate shot is built upon.

Let’s get practical. The next time you’re at the range, try this: apply firm, even pressure with both hands and ensure your support hand is positioned high on the grip. This simple adjustment can significantly enhance your stability and control, leading to tighter groups and better overall performance.

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What’s your take on grip? Is it something you actively work on in your training, or do you tend to focus on other aspects? Have you found a particular technique that works wonders for you? Let’s share experiences and tips—what’s been your biggest challenge with grip, and how have you overcome it? I’m looking forward to learning from everyone’s insights!

The devil is definitely in the details here with grip or maybe the proper grip which is not a standard from one shooter to the other. What works for one individual may not work for another period. What I have found along with most other shooters I have talked to concerning grip or hold rather is consistency from shot to shot. And hold is made up of several aspects. The type of stock, point of contact on the stock , amount of pressure applied with hand and cheek, position of stock on the rest and bag, surface condition on both, amount of cant within the hold, etc. So many different aspects of the grip or hold. There is simply no blanket standard for it. But again consistency will deliver the best outcome for each individual shooter.

AND then there is "free recoil"

 

[JFrank]

apply firm, even pressure with both hands and ensure your support hand is positioned high on the grip

Are you referring to hand guns ?

 

[Straightshooter1]

Are you referring to hand guns ?

It appears he's talking about hand guns. Though some of what one learns about hand gun gripping can help with rifles too, huh?

 

[Michail98]

Are you referring to hand guns ?

Now, while my focus here is primarily on handguns, it’s worth noting that grip is just as critical when handling a rifle, especially when shooting from the shoulder. A proper rifle grip provides the stability needed for accuracy, allowing you to control recoil, maintain sight alignment, and manage follow-through effectively. Whether it’s a handgun or a precision rifle, grip plays a pivotal role in consistent shooting.

 

[SteveOak]

No grip is the best.

 

[jelenko]

You lost me at 'Foundation'. Even for offhand.
Perhaps the grip is actually the foundation for some types of offhand shooting, I don't think I would say it is for 'cross the course'; pretty sure three position small bore shooters would not say it is or would air rifle competitors.

 

[Chaotik]

Grip is pretty much not relevant shooting free recoil in Benchrest.

 

[Straightshooter1]

Grip is pretty much not relevant shooting free recoil in Benchrest.

Free recoil and a 2 oz. trigger.

 

[Fast14riot]

I find the less I touch the gun, the better.

 

[6.5 forever]

My 357 grip is high and very tight.
Nothing in that statement correlates to my rifle, where I want as little interference as possible.

Personally I feel they are not even close on execution. Again, that's personal

 

[3Sigma]

This reads like AI bullshit.

 

[Dgd6mm]

You want to know about grip on a handgun, ask Jerry Miculek.

 

[Fuj]

You want to know about grip on a handgun, ask Jerry Miculek.

For the revolver, Jerry is the best. Arguably, Rob Leatham for the
auto loaders grip wise. Jerry may be a tad faster working the over-
all problem. Then there's Doug Koenig.......

 

[brokeasajoke]

I wish I had some one close to me to teach me pistol shooting because I plain suck.

 

[jds holler]

Best advice I got for handgun shooting from a big dog in our local handgun club was, "Quit being a pussy, and start shooting your revolver DOUBLE ACTION instead of single action." I makes you learn gun and trigger control, instead of simply worrying about that wonderfully crisp 2 lb. trigger.

He was right, and it opens the door for many other fundamentals that pertain to grip, recoil recovery --- and on.

Have I mastered the art of the handgun -- NO! but I'm better than I was. jd

 

[K22]

I wish I had some one close to me to teach me pistol shooting because I plain suck.

Get a copy of the Army Pistol Marksmanship Manual, read it, and incorporate the instructions in your practice. If you were closer, I would love to coach you.

 

[K22]

In my opinion having shot precision rifle and pistol for over 50+ years and having competed for 30+ years in NRA precision pistol, mastering the fundamentals of marksmanship are the keys to expert performance. I am speaking about practical shooting, not benchrest shooting.

Grip, stance, breath control, front sight (or reticle in case of a scope) focus, trigger control, follow through, and calling your shots are all critically important to becoming an expert practical shooter.

I've always asserted that the most significant variable in practical shooting is the shooter. It is also the most difficult to master because it requires hard work. I believe that is why so many focus on cleaning minutia, inconsequential reloading issues, etc. believing that there is always an "equipment" fix to improve shooting when in fact, it's the shooter that needs fixed more than anything else. I know this is not a popular view so feel free to disagree but have observed this inconvenient truth my entire shooting career.

 

[jelenko]

It is also the most difficult to master because it requires hard work. I believe that is why so many focus on cleaning minutia, inconsequential reloading issues, etc. believing that there is always an "equipment" fix to improve shooting when in fact, it's the shooter that needs fixed more than anything else. I know this is not a popular view so feel free to disagree but have observed this inconvenient truth my entire shooting career.

This!!!!!

 

[Rtheurer]

You lost me at 'Foundation'. Even for offhand.
Perhaps the grip is actually the foundation for some types of offhand shooting, I don't think I would say it is for 'cross the course'; pretty sure three position small bore shooters would not say it is or would air rifle competitors.

Frank, I don't agree with this, At least not in its entirety. How you and your body contacts the rifle in sling shooting and how you GRIP the rifle is very important, Grip and contact pressure will actually change the point of impact, So it does not matter to me weather I shoot Prone, Sitting, Standing, or from a bench or off a Barricade, I try to be as consistent as possible with grip on the rifle and the same pressure into the shoulder. The more consistent you are in this area, the more consistent your Zero's will be for all the various yard lines.