The TDSA Tip
The Grip

This tip is for information purposes only and is NOT intended to be instruction or training, and is NOT a substitute for actual instruction or training. For proper training, visit the TDSA Courses page.

As have many handgun shooters, I've gone through several iterations when it comes to stance and grip technique.  I began just holding the gun and trying to be steady with one hand, such as bullseye shooters use.  From there I moved to the "saucer and teacup" method.  Then to the Weaver stance.  And now I utilize the isosceles stance. 

For safety's sake, triple-check to make sure your weapon is empty.
 

1. Grip the handgun in your strong hand as usual.

2. While pointing your weapon at your target, point your weak hand thumb at the target. Yes, I said, point it at the target! Lay it alongside the frame of the weapon so it is parallel and touching, overlap your weak hand's fingers over the strong hand's fingers.

3. Both thumbs should be more or less parallel to the slide of the weapon. Your strong hand thumb should be relaxed and basically doing nothing (or resting on the thumb safety - depending on the gun). Your weak hand should be applying pressure to the fingers of the strong hand, basically holding the strong hand in its grip on the weapon.

9. Extend both arms equally out from the body to eye level with your torso square to your target. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, with your weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels.  Bend both elbows so that they are comfortable. Do not lock them. Your weak arm elbow will be slightly straighter than your strong arm. 
It should look like this:



 

Notice the recoil control on this .45

Four things will help to control recoil and maximize accuracy. Your locked weak wrist; the pressure applied to the weapon by your weak thumb; the heel of your weak hand against the grip/frame of the weapon.  All of these things help to dampen recoil. The 60-40 grip helps to allow your strong hand to relax, and this allows your trigger finger to run the trigger without causing your whole hand to grip the weapon too strongly. The 60-40 grip enhances accuracy. 

This grip can be enhanced by applying skateboard tape to the grips of the weapon, and to the point on the weapon (the frame) where your weak hand contacts the weapon. I have this on all of my Glocks, and the rougher surface definitely aids in controlling recoil. And yes, I have it on my carry weapons also.

Without this technique you simply cannot control recoil effectively. With proper technique, it appears that the slide simply cycles back and forward, back and forward, with practically no muzzle rise. Imagine what this can do for your accuracy and speed? You don't lose your sights, your shot splits decrease, your accuracy improves. All plusses in my book.

Disclaimer: without proper training in this grip technique, it will be next to impossible for you to master it.  It takes trained feedback, thousands of rounds and hours of practice. But I guarantee you - If you take the time to learn it and approach the technique with an open mind, you will learn to shoot much better than you ever have before.  The Advanced Pistol I course at TDSA will teach you every detail of this technique, along with several other key elements to improve your shooting dramatically.  Remember, without proper training and feedback, you might be practicing the WRONG techniques.