question on proper handgun grip *update with photos*

I just started getting into handgun shooting and purchased a gen4 G17. I was down to the Glock and the XD and both seemed to fit me good so I went with the Glock because of its rep. Well, after watching a bunch of training videos I noticed that what is a comfortable way for me to hold the gun is not the correct way. The videos say to place the grip in the center of the web between the thumb and index finger, but when I do this I can't reach the trigger because of my short fingers, so I have to slightly rotate my hand to the side in order to get my finger on the trigger. Holding it this way puts the bottom of the trigger in contact about halfway between the tip of the finger and the first joint.
I shoot good this way( 3-4" 15shot groups at 17yds). but it kinda bugs me that I'm not holding the pistol the correct way. What would you experts recomend, since I'm shooting good should I just keep holding the gun the way I've been doing it and not worry about having a textbook grip or should I just sell the Glock and find a gun that allows me to hold the gun correctly? I really like this gun, but if having a textbook grip will make a noticable difference in my shooting I might be more open to get a different gun.

If you are shooting those kind of groups, at that difference and if your reason for owning a handgun is to enjoy shooting it, and for self-defense, seems you are good to go to me. That's some good shooting Tex, at 17 yards.

If you want to get more accurate than that, some might tell you you should hold it differently, or buy another gun or....whatever.

Don't Gen 4s have adjustable backstraps, etc.?

Sounds like you should get a smaller framed gun. Not bad shooting by any means but IMHO you should be able to hold in your hand correctly.

Part of the reason for the "correct grip" is that it helps mitigate recoil and muzzle flip, and allows for better control in rapid fire. When you fire a handgun, ideally, you want the recoil forces to push against the center web and into the large bones of your forearm. If your grip is askew, those forces can go into smaller, weaker areas like your thumb or hand bones. It can also increase the amount of force placed on your wrist.

Does this mean you should sell your G17 right now? No.

The G17 is a relatively docile pistol to begin with. 9x19 isn't a cartridge known for severe recoil, and neither is the low bore axis of the Glock.

IMO, "correct grip" is more important when shooting magnum revolvers as those guns tend to want to twist out of your hand, punch you in the face, break your arm, and steal your car.

In the meantime, stick with your Glock. Next time you're at a gun show, handle some other pistols and see if they feel better. If you're at the range, ask someone if you could try their pistol - most folks are more than happy to share, especially if you offer to let them try yours. If you find something that fits better, consider trading the Glock for it.

I have small hands too (mens glove size: small). I am comfortable enough with a slightly askew grip with my G26, and I'm even considering a G17 or G34 for competition. On my CZ SP-01, the grip is comfortable so long as the gun is in SA mode. However, the safety is in an awkward place for my short thumbs.

My 1911 is the most comfortable of them all and the .45 doesn't have noticeably worse recoil (IMO) than most 9mm pistols.

Your groups are good at that distance, but see how things go at 7 yards, three shots, rapid fire on a silhouette or IPSC target. If you're missing the target, or your hand hurts, the Glock may not be the right pistol for you.

thanks guys




yes they do, but I'm shooting it at it's thinnest setting without the backstraps added.

Understand that what is being presented with the ideal grip is just that....ideal. The key is to understand the principles as much as possible and to replicate them as much as your physiology will allow. Everyone won't be able to replicate every aspect of the ideal grip and will have to learn how to deal with what they've got. This assumes, of course, you aren't using the add-on grip panels on your G17, right? You want the smallest grip possible.

A key part of controlling the weapon is actually your weak hand grip.

The ideal grip really what allows you to shoot fast and accurate. Example, I've been a 1911 shooter for most my shooting life, I hold with that high 'ideal' grip which works great for a 1911. I started to shoot Sigs in competitions and I use the same grip. Problem with that grip is my slide never locks back. I'm not going to adjust my grip because I shoot quite fast and quite accurate. It's not worth it to me to lower my thumbs. I'd rather ensure a consistaint grip. With that grip a 9mm is like shooting a 22! It's what works for me and I know the problem with it aswell.

So either train around the problem so it's not really a problem or get a gun that fits your hand.

I decided to take some pics of my grip postion to give everyone a better idea of how I hold the gun




I know the placement of the trigger finger isn't ideal and could cause me to throw the shot off, but I like this gun and hate to give up on it because I'm not "textbook". I tried the idea given about doing triple taps at close range and seing how well I could control the gun. I wasn't getting groups that I was proud of, but they were good enough to fit in a torso sized target. I didn't have the best range conditions either though, temps were around -2 with the windchill being around -15 and I had the wind in my face. With the exception of the first 10shot group I fired to test some defense ammo, my shooting was kinda poor, too cold to be out and I found myself rushing and not using good form or follow through. I hate winter

I'm still pretty new at this, so I hope to get the speed thing down later.

Oh, and just so everyone knows, even though the mag is in the gun it is unloaded and was checked before the pics were taken.

That's much better than I was expecting.

Based on the admittedly limited data you have presented, I'd say stick with it.

Realize that everyone is built a little different. The high speed low drag tactical whizbang grip that works for guy A might be a disaster for guy B.

From what you have described, it sounds like you have your head in the game and are doing well for a new shooter. Keep working on the basics, grip, trigger control, sight picture, follow up, etc...

If you still are hung up on the matter, try and find access to a range that has rentals, and try another handgun or two out....just so you can see if another make, model, style of handgun just plain feels better to you.

I can relate to the short fingers issues....I carry a 1911 and a sig 229r, and on both, I have to shift the pistol in my right hand during reloads. It's not textbook, but it works and can work damn well if ya keep in practice.

Good luck, I am sure you will continue to have fun with that Glock!

ETA: Just saw your post about the triple taps, etc. I wouldn't get too worked up about your expanded grouping. Concentrate on getting used to your Glock. It's all fine and dandy to throw rounds at your target, but make them quality rounds. Fast is fine, but accuracy is final.

Make sure your weak hand provides about 60-70% of the grip on the pistol. The weak hand squeezes the dominant hand onto the pistol providing the majority of the grip. This allows you to not have to squeeze so hard with the trigger finger hand which can cause trigger finger issues. Squeeze hard with the trigger finger hand and feel the trigger finger tense. I didn't completely understand this concept until a TigerSwan instructor had me take my weak hand off while he used his hand to place over my trigger finger hand and show me the correct pressure/squeeze. It allows the dominant hand to loosen up which leads to better trigger control.

I purposefully rotate my hand out. I don't get as much front sight movement that way.

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