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Grip is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—fundamentals in pistol shooting. This article breaks down how proper grip mechanics create a flat-shooting pistol, why the support hand does the real work, and how focused reps build consistency shot after shot.
At Valiance Firearms Training (VFT), the most common issue we correct with new students isn’t gear, stance, or sight alignment.
It’s grip.
Specifically, what we see most often is a low and loose grip that creates unnecessary movement in the gun. A gun that should track predictably instead snaps upward and off target because recoil isn’t managed effectively.
This shows up quickly with students, regardless of experience level.
The Problem We Commonly See
Many students build a grip almost entirely with the firing hand, while the support hand contributes little meaningful pressure or frame contact.
The result is consistent:
- The support hand sits too low on the frame
- The support hand barely engages the gun
- Open space is left on the sides and back of the grip
When the shot breaks, recoil escapes through that unused space. The gun snaps upward, sights lift aggressively, and follow-up shots slow down.
The gun often gets blamed—but in reality, the shooter’s grip is creating the problem.
The Tip: Build the Grip From the Support Hand
At VFT, we teach grip with a strong, primary emphasis on the support-hand side.
The support hand should be angled downward at roughly a 45-degree angle, forcing the meaty portion of the palm high up into the exposed frame on the support side of the gun. This rotation fills unused space and creates meaningful contact where recoil is best controlled.
From there, the support hand must apply enough strength to maximize frame contact and manage recoil effectively. Proper position comes first, but it must be reinforced with purposeful pressure to keep the gun stable through the firing cycle.
The goal is to take up as much frame surface area as possible so recoil energy is driven straight back into the shooter, not up and away.
The firing hand’s role is simple:
- Maintain alignment
- Press the trigger cleanly
The support hand does the work.
A strong support-hand grip:
- Rotates downward to drive the palm high into the frame
- Locks the heel of the hand into the grip panel
- Applies inward pressure from the sides
- Provides the majority of grip pressure
When this is done correctly, the gun tracks flatter, returns faster, and behaves consistently from shot to shot.
That’s a flat-shooting pistol.
Getting this right takes reps. A lot of them.
Consistency in training matters, and having ammo on hand removes one more barrier between you and productive range time. Ammo Squared makes it easy to stay stocked so your training sessions are ready to execute as you build and reinforce a proper grip.
Don’t let past frustration slow your progress. Get ammo. Get your grip right. Be ready for what comes next.
This article kicks off a fundamentals series focused on the skills that matter most.
-Nate
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22 Comments
The article highlights that a low and loose grip is the most common issue with new students, which creates unnecessary movement in the gun and affects accuracy, I’ve experienced this myself and it’s crucial to focus on grip mechanics to improve shooting skills.
I had the same issue when I first started shooting, but after adjusting my grip, I noticed a significant improvement in my accuracy and overall performance.
I’ve found that having a strong support-hand grip is essential for consistent and accurate shooting, as it provides the necessary stability and control to manage recoil and maintain a smooth firing cycle.
It’s interesting to note that the support hand plays a more significant role in managing recoil than the firing hand, as it applies inward pressure from the sides and provides the majority of grip pressure.
I’ve noticed that many students, including myself, tend to build a grip almost entirely with the firing hand, while the support hand contributes little, this article has made me realize the importance of balancing the grip between both hands.
The article’s focus on the importance of grip mechanics and technique is a welcome change from the usual emphasis on gear and equipment, as it highlights the often-overlooked fundamentals of shooting.
I’m concerned that some shooters may struggle to develop the necessary strength and technique in their support hand, but with practice and patience, it’s definitely achievable.
I agree that a strong support-hand grip is essential for a flat-shooting pistol, and I appreciate the article’s emphasis on the importance of proper technique and practice in achieving this goal.
The tip to build the grip from the support hand, with a 45-degree angle, is a game-changer, as it fills unused space and creates meaningful contact where recoil is best controlled, I’ll definitely try this out in my next training session.
The article’s emphasis on the support hand’s role in creating a flat-shooting pistol is well-taken, as it’s often the unsung hero of proper grip mechanics and technique.
The article mentions that getting the grip right takes reps, and a lot of them, I agree that consistency and practice are key to developing muscle memory and improving shooting skills.
The article states that consistency in training matters, and having ammo on hand is essential for productive range time, I agree that Ammo Squared makes it easy to stay stocked and focused on training.
The fact that the gun tracks flatter, returns faster, and behaves consistently from shot to shot when the grip is done correctly is a testament to the importance of proper technique and practice.
I’m curious to know more about how the authors of the article developed their approach to teaching grip mechanics, and what specific drills or exercises they recommend for improving technique.
The statement that the support hand must apply enough strength to maximize frame contact and manage recoil effectively is crucial, as it directly affects the gun’s performance and the shooter’s overall safety.
The fact that the gun often gets blamed for shooting issues, when in reality, the shooter’s grip is creating the problem, is a valuable lesson, as it highlights the importance of proper grip mechanics and technique.
I’m excited to try out the technique of rotating the support hand downward to drive the palm high into the frame, as it seems like a simple yet effective way to improve my grip and overall shooting performance.
The role of the firing hand, which is to maintain alignment and press the trigger cleanly, is often overlooked, but it’s crucial to remember that the support hand does the majority of the work in managing recoil and maintaining a stable grip.
I’ve noticed that many shooters, including experienced ones, tend to neglect their grip mechanics, but this article has reminded me of the importance of regularly checking and adjusting my grip to ensure optimal performance.
The goal of taking up as much frame surface area as possible to drive recoil energy straight back into the shooter makes sense, but I’m curious to know more about how this affects the shooter’s overall stance and position.
I’m skeptical about the emphasis on the support hand, as I’ve always been taught to focus on the firing hand, but I’m willing to try this approach and see if it improves my shooting.
The importance of maximizing frame contact and managing recoil effectively cannot be overstated, as it directly affects the gun’s tracking and overall performance, I’ll make sure to focus on this in my next training session.