Grip technique!?

[jbirds1210]

As many of you know, I have just started shooting IDPA. I want to learn and become a better shooter...I realize that I need to change several things to improve my performance. I am so green at the sport that I really do not have any habits at all and would like to prevent bad ones before they start.

Alright, it is time that I admit......I do not think I am holding my handgun properly. I have read a great deal, watched videos, and observed other people who I believe to know what they are doing hold their gun while shooting and it looks nothing like what I have always done!

Is it common to wrap the weak hand around the strong hand, pressing the underside of the trigger guard while stacking one thumb on top of the other, both of them being pointed toward the target? I have never extended my thumbs so far along the slide and it feels really awkward! Once in this position I can definitely feel a better control of the weapon. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.
Jason

[RPBrown]

jbird,
There is an excellent article in the current American Handgunner that addresses this question. I tried the technique and it improved my shooting, although I have not been able to shoot IDPA, YET.

[therooster]

grip is very hard to explain through typing. the best example i can give you is this : http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... odd+jarret

[dws1117]

Hey jbirds, the video link that therooster posted is an excellent one. That video helped me dramatically improve my shooting. Plus it feels so much more natural.

[HighVelocity]

That is a good vid.

[Paladin]

That is a good video. I saw T. Jarret speak and do some demos at the NRA convention. Very impressive.

[jbirds1210]

Thank you! That is a wonderful video.....I do appreciate it!
Jason

[propellerhead]

I wish there was a 30-minute version of that video with more details.

[Paladin]

Jim Crews has a handgun manual with much of the same info. Although he recommends taking an actual training course.