Backstrap size?

[JCase]

Just got my M&P 9L Pro CORE, first striker fired gun so the whole concept of interchangeable back straps are new to me.

What is the best way to determine which back strap is the correct one to use?

What is the ideal fit to your hand that you use to determine?

Thanks,

 

[Muss Muggins]

Just got my M&P 9L Pro CORE, first striker fired gun so the whole concept of interchangeable back straps are new to me.

What is the best way to determine which back strap is the correct one to use?

What is the ideal fit to your hand that you use to determine?

Thanks,

I use the size of the group on the paper . . .

 

[Whitwabit]

Try all three .. shoot 50 rounds using each backstrap and let your group size and location be the judge of which is right for your hands ..

My hands are on the small size .. I wear small size gloves but shoot my 40 Compact the best using the large backstrap ..

So I would recommend you try all of them and then decide ..

 

[CBStuard]

My first goal would be does it feel good to you. Second would be to see if the different back straps affect how your finger fits onto the trigger. Research some to see what is recommended and see which one gets your trigger finger placement the closest to that.

 

[Granite Stater]

I have trouble with adjustable grips, I tend to go back and forth changing backstraps. An example is the med on my M&P is faster coming out of the holster and getting on target but the large produces better groups. One drill that helped me decided was closing your eyes and coming out of the holster to see where you sights align, or better yet try drawing in the dark with NS. The large backstrap was more consistent for me.

 

[gwpercle]

Shooting with each will tell the tale. Give each a good try , one will stand out as your favorite.

 

[Motorsporting]

I grip my 1911, notice where things reach/touch, and then put the backstrap on that looks and feels the same. I've never noticed a difference on paper when shooting, but there is a difference in feel.

 

[TacticalReload]

The medium "feels" better to me, but the large is a much better fit, if that makes any sense.

We are used to grabbing hold of things that are made to fit our hands... hammer handles, screwdrivers, remote controls, door knobs, etc. I find that when I grip a gun -- especially with only one hand -- the smaller the grip, the more secure it feels. This means that the closer I can come to having my thumb make contact with the tips of my fingers, the more solid the thing feels in my hand.

The big problem, however, comes when I'm trying to fit that other hand onto the grip. Based on the description above, there is little to no room left for my support hand palm to make solid contact with the left side of the grip. Once I switch out to a grip that is slightly larger (and doesn't "feel" as good in the hand), suddenly I'm able to fit that other hand properly and get a solid, two-handed proper grip on the gun.

Use this information as you will. Personally, the starting point would be to put the grip that best corresponds to your hand size and work from there. Make sure the reach to the trigger is as good as you can get it... too much and you can't reach the trigger properly... too little and you'll end up with too much finger through the trigger guard (or awkwardly bending your finger).

It's quite possible that you won't notice a difference when slowly and deliberately firing the gun, but if you start shooting rapidly then the gremlins will start to pop up.

 

[Smoke]

Just got my M&P 9L Pro CORE, first striker fired gun so the whole concept of interchangeable back straps are new to me.

What is the best way to determine which back strap is the correct one to use?

What is the ideal fit to your hand that you use to determine?

Thanks,

Very first time I picked up an M&P9 I think it had the medium sized straps on it and it just didn't feel right in my hand.

The counter guy said let's try the small and I have never felt a gun that fit my hand so well in my life.

When I qualified with the M&P40 at work I stepped up to the line and they handed me a random M&P40, again I think with the mediums on it, and I hated it.

I qualified with it (expert) but I despised it. The recoil sucked my hands hurt afterwards and I decided based on that one experience never to buy an M&P40 of my own.

I took the gun home, cleaned it and put the small grips on it. About I week later I took it to the range to try it with the smalls and Oh.My.God the difference was night and day.

That gun shot like spreading warm butter on a pancake.

I'm currently saving for my M&P40.

I think I need to stick with the smalls

 

[OKFC05]

The correct grip is the one when you draw the gun in a firing grip, your trigger finger is correctly placed to pull the trigger straight back, and the gun is an extension of your arm. Pushing the trigger sideways or crabbing around the grip interferes with fast accurate shooting. Anything works if you take all day, but the handgun should come out properly placed to shoot without fiddling with hand position.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I think I need to stick with the smalls

Given my experience over the years, most shooters attempt to fix their grip issues with larger stocks. It rarely works. My agency just recently switched to Gen 4's (after I retired). I knew it was coming, and told the instructors to put the smallest backstrap on every pistol before issuing it. I've heard they haven't changed any since . . .

 

[McE]

Natural point of aim when drawing from a holster.
Close your eyes, draw (unloaded gun), open eyes, see how sights allign.
Too small typically aims left for a right hander.

This assumes you have decent skills to have a consistent draw and grip, but you probably do since your gun says PRO on it.

 

[JCase]

Natural point of aim when drawing from a holster.
Close your eyes, draw (unloaded gun), open eyes, see how sights allign.
Too small typically aims left for a right hander.

This assumes you have decent skills to have a consistent draw and grip, but you probably do since your gun says PRO on it.

PRO on it, thanks for the words of encouragement, LOL