general compact 'hold' question

[Ranger17]

hi all, been reading this forum for awhile as I will be getting a 9c soon, will be my 1st 9 (though i've shot others). My only real handgun experience are .22's with my Buckmark and a 50's era Colt Challenger, been shooting them a bit over a year now and am used to how the BM feels from a hold standpoint as well as putting the sights on the target.
My question to those who shoot multiple handgun styles and sizes. As every gun will fit and feel different in the hand, do you just adapt to the gun's grip and change your hold, or do you hold every pistol the same and make it work?
Just sort of curious, now that my "dont worry honey i'll only have 1" inventory seems to be slowly growing on how others get used to shooting the varying styles. thx!

 

[Khurrle]

My grip changes very little based on the firearm. Full size, compact, single stack, double stack. I pretty much always use the same basic grip.

 

[CB3]

I use the same grip principles, one handed or two handed, but many of the critically important subtleties of grip change with each gun.

You cannot use the exact same grip with a short, compact gun that does not allow all your fingers to be on the grip.

You cannot use the same grip with a single stack as a double stack. The gun will not point correctly without an adjustment. You will need to adjust your wrist/forearm lateral alignment.

You cannot use the exact same grip if the grip angle on the gun is different. You will need to adjust your wrist to forearm vertical angle.

You will not use the same amount of grip pressure on a gun with aggressive grips vs. smooth.

You will not use the same amount of pressure on a small, lightweight gun vs. a larger, heavier gun. Smaller guns need to be held tighter to avoid "limp wristing".

You may need to adjust your grip to adjust to the placement of controls on the gun.

The grip for a revolver is different than for a pistol because of the rotating cylinder and shape of the grip.

IOW, yes, there are a lot of factors that will make you adjust your actual grip on different guns. The goal of holding the gun in the most secure, safe, accurate and consistent way doesn't change, but the execution does.

 

[gm272gs]

I hold all pistols in my right hand. Sometimes I put my left hand over the right hand, to steady it.

 

[TucsonMTB]

Factors like aiming and steadying the pistol do not change much. You will find that you readily adapt to the various shapes. Human beings are remarkable that way.

However, you will have to spend enough range time with any new acquisition to work out the details and become skilled enough to shoot it accurately. Plan on shooting several hundred rounds and take your time. It will come.

In my experience, if you are fortunate enough to have a friend who shoots well and is patient, a mentor to watch what you are doing and offer encouragement, as well as tips, often helps. Most of us need to be reminded of the fundamentals from time to time.

The right second person present at the session can also help make the experience pleasant and help keep you focused.

Best of luck, sir!

 

[shakyshoot]

Do whatever feels comfortable. You might need a little firmer hold with the 9mm, but it doesn't take a "death grip." If you're used to a 6 o'clock bullseye sight picture, you'll probably find that a dead center hold is more accurate with the combat-style sights.

 

[Ranger17]

thanks guys for the info/feedback. It all makes perfect sense, now if only ammo for a 9 was as cheap as the .22 is for my BM, i'd spend hours at the range each time lol but yes i do plan to not only take the 9 each visit but make sure i use both guns to both get used to the new one and to keep working overall on my technique.
That and it's just plain fun to shoot anyway

 

[MSG Glenn]

Don't hold it any tighter or stronger than you would shaking hands with someone. (Not someone you're having a peeing match with, though, lol) A nice firm grip with stiff arms on both hands.

 

[Saudade]

I've noticed my grip does change slightly depending on which pistol I'm shooting. Grip size/angle, sight picture have an effect. My strong thumb rides over the safety on my 1911. Over my weak thumb shooting my SP2022.

It changes a lot when I shoot my GP100. I change from a thumbs forward grip on the pistols, to an overlocking thumbs grip on the revolver.

I had to really think about these changes when I first got each one. It didn't take too many rounds for the change up to be automatic.

 

[Rastoff]

This is an interesting question and it does deserve some thought.

For me, the grip doesn't change. It's always the same no matter what type of pistol it is. Double or single stack, the alignment is still in line with my forearm as much as possible.

I always use the finger extension with my compact. However, even if I didn't have the finger extension, I'd still use the same grip. The pinky should be relaxed. So, yes, it will feel different because the pinky is in air, but the rest will be the same.

Grip angle is an issue. If I practice with an M&P for self-defense, then switch to a Glock, my natural point of aim will be different. So, for a defensive gun, I want to practice with what I'll carry. If I'm just using it as a range gun, the grip angle is not such an issue.

 

[Ranger17]

i think on one hand, not really starting to shoot handguns until a year ago (and already being over 50), i didnt have a lifetime of habits and expectations in how I held allowing me to be a bit more "adaptable" to each gun and it's needs. Flip side to that, is not only making sure i can get comfortable with anything i shoot but maintain some consistency as well. I'll still shoot my BM the majority of the time (just love that piece), but i'll make sure that every trip to the range the 9 goes with and at least a couple mags worth are ran thru in it. More practice with it of course before i intend to ever consider carrying.
I have to laugh, for decades living in WI with all my in-laws being avid hunters/shooters I had plenty of chances to take up the sport, just never did. Now i can carry a dang aarp card and i'm finally realizing how much I enjoy this lol.

 

[Ranger17]

thought i'd pop back in, after getting my 'new to me' 9c and taking it to the range the 1st time today while visiting family back in WI. Took a bit to get used to the hold, the trigger, etc when near all my experience has been with my Buckmark and old Colt .22's (have only tried a 9 a couple times in the past). But at the end of the hour, and after some great advice given from the range worker on stance, grip, and esp trigger work; I was able to get a decent feel for the gun and hit the box I was aiming at lol. Pic is from 7 yds. Not as accurate with this as I am my BM, but I really enjoyed shooting the 9c and looking forward to return trips to the range.