How to Choose a Backstrap?

rdtompki

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My wife and I have just started shooting our M&P 9 and M&P 40, respectively. We also have an M&P 22. These are our first handguns so we've got a long way to go to become competent.

I can handle the M&P 22 reasonably well, but the grip is clearly too small providing little room for a proper weak hand grip (I have average-size hands BTW). We're getting a second M&P 22 and I'm sure there is a way to build the grip up a bit.

Regarding the M&P 40, what's the best way to select a backstrap? I believe the medium is my best bet: I recently discovered that my M&P 40 had the large backstrap installed, a possible explanation for my 8 o'clock rounds versus better shooting with my wife's 9mm. Did you base your decision on "feel" or on actual shooting performance? Even as a novice I can see that a consistent grip and trigger pull are extremely important; how about dry firing with both grip sizes using the penny or case on the barrel?
 
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Based my choice on actual shooting. The medium feels best to me, but I ended up using the small backstrap because I shot better and faster with the small.
 
I choose the grip insert size based on where my trigger finger contacts the trigger. With the web of my strong hand directly in line with the long axis of the pistol, my trigger finger should rest on the trigger in the middle of the first pad of my finger. It's personal choice but that's how I determine the size.
 
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