The Fighting Handgun Part 3 - Properly Gripping The Semi Automatic Handgun

[pfiberoptik]

My sigma40 has a nice trigger guard rest, but if i use it with my long fingers, my left index wraps around and tends to get in the way of my right index and makes it want to go in the trigger. I wish I could comfortably grip the outside of the guard with my left index, I feel it offers more control.

[machinegunmana]

some good advice, but thumbs should be low enough to maintain contact with the lower slide, watch competition shooters running transition drills for a good example. maximum contact with the weapon == maximum stability.

[Blk05titan26]

I Saw An Arrmy 2nd LT That Shot With His Middle Finger.

[1IdeaAhead]

I really like the intro and ending tune, where is it from? "Tweaking the Grip by Gomez-Training" is an interesting look at this subject. That said, Kiwi Ted said it best, if you can shoot well your way, why try and learn something that you shoot worse with?

[NOLATAC]

@1IdeaAhead Maybe because some people are not satisfied with "shooting well", and they realize that my trying new things, they may find something that works better, or their way to their individual best.

[jbadaluco]

story goes the great golfer jack nickalus started every new golf season, learning as if he had never golfed ever starting with basics and going from there. he was pretty good. i think i will start with the basics and review my tendencies.

[MrDistancenow]

Mhmm.... thumbs up grip? Never seen that, I'll try it next time up. I'm normally thumbs down.

[Miroku1226]

I was about 95% right with how I was gripping my pistol. It never hurts to reinforce the basics. Thanks for the vid, Miller.

[556DOS45]

Huh huh he said beaver tail :-)

[556DOS45]

I grip the pistol between my butt cheeks and squuueeeeeeze the trigger with my choad :-)

[BALJIT147]

@556DOS45 HAHA, I want to learn to do that.

[xSnuffedx]

With the thumb up position, just make sure you won't get whacked on the thumbnail or joint by the slide safety coming back with all that speed.

[ChromeFreak123]

I'm a left index finger around the trigger guard guy. Good video. : )

[dahartman88]

thats a very popular way to grip and handgun but i prefer to keep my thumbs down and away from the slide.

[Grizzly907LA]

Thanks for the no nonsense video. I know nothing about firearms so these finer points help.

[Spec0psGrunt]

What about Revolvers with wood grips?

[GlockDropNRoll]

If you do the same grip you showed but place your thumbs on the firearm (below the slide of course), wouldn't that provide more support and recoil management?

[webozzy21]

I own the 915 also. Its the most relaible gun I have.

[Floridainfidel]

Thats a nice smith

[AlfonsFromAtech]

Hey Miller,

One thing about the thumbs you have to put high. You said that you need the most contact with the gun but when you but the thumb high you have less contact that with the thubs forward grip.

[excelerater]

nice 915

[JoeDurobot]

Im using the same type of grip, but in most defensive shooting situation you wont have time to use your second hand on the gun.Your second hand will be used to block at attack, protect your face, grab someone etc ...

But for the few times you will use your gun with a two hand grip like for longer range use, that's a great solid grip.

[FullmetaljacketJ]

You should do a fighting shotgun series !

[TheLPsyche]

Video and graphic design hint: Don't use comic sans or papyrus font.

Still love your videos even if the font burns my eyes.

[jmmurdy]

Nice video good points

[JVARGAS513]

really good info.

[fuyingbro]

you may want to explain that you would NOT want to hold a revolver in the same manner. you can get shards or just plain hi pressure from the cylinder. and having your thumb up there like that would really be bad. have a good one bro.

[mrevolutionary]

@Solingen1000 thanks

[apocolypse1022]

For right handed shooters I think it works best to wrap the left thumb over the right and press on it holding the trigger hand in place even tighter...I never understood that straight thumb style, it doesnt max out the constriction on the guns handle.

[darkwriter77]

@apocolypse1022 That might work on a revolver, but on a semi-auto, it sounds like a good way to get your thumb smacked/broken by the slide as it flies back. Ouch.

[apocolypse1022]

@darkwriter77 I dont mean on the back side...I know what you mean and have seen new shooters do that and get their thumb cut up really bad....I mean on the left side of the gun covering your right hand....but, its fine....people do what is comfortable...

[45Blackjack]

@apocolypse1022 stacking the thumbs the way Miller is showing got popular in IPSC back in the 80s, good grip for large autos. The grip you suggest is good for small autos, its the way I grip my Walther PP clone, helps from getting bit by the slide.

[fuyingbro]

got an intro now huh. i like mine better :P lol anyhow good video man

[mrevolutionary]

Need help glock or xd 9 or 40 ??.?. Any opinions nice vid I liked

[Solingen1000]

@mrevolutionary Both are good..the real question is 40 or 9..if you shoot alot..I say 40...if you DONT shoot alot get a 9. However..any combo is a good choice! Just shoot it!! :)

[ristin59]

Excellent video. sir.

[7190pdog]

hey miller whats a fairly cheap reliable handgun for all around purposes

[Solingen1000]

@7190pdog im not miller..but I say a basic handgun thats common, simple and very reliable is a Glock. Glock 19...cant ever go wrong! CZ also makes good guns for the money...just MY opinion!

[apocolypse1022]

@7190pdog Try looking at a few used ones....rent a few first or find someone with some guns to try out if you can find friends with a collection. The Ruger P series seem to be a good value as Miller has shown on his channel...though I dont have one. If you are new to shooting, there is nothing wrong with a .22 to start, you will learn how to shoot much more readily with a .22, and it will always come in handy for target practice and survival later as you can stockpile .22 for very cheap.

[Solingen1000]

@apocolypse1022 no shame in a used gun! none at all

[apocolypse1022]

@Solingen1000 No there isnt, I picked up a barely shot Kimber from some fool for $300, he couldnt figure out that the magazines aftermarket caused some issues. I think it would be cool to have a beat up looking Gen 2 Glock or even a Beretta coming back from combat....clean it up, its got some character.

[Solingen1000]

@apocolypse1022 Indeed! I have and refinished my great grandfathers old winchester model 17, 20 guage. Its good to give those old guns a purpose besides rotting away in a closet.

[Solingen1000]

@apocolypse1022 remington..not winchester*

[fuyingbro]

@7190pdog hi point. not really for a conceal and carry but good for plinking and home defense.

[bldeagle10]

@7190pdog I'd suggest Kel-Tec PF9, really good quality, sub compact and they MSRP at like 384, in my area they are going for 200 bucks. really friggen great value, and if you shop around you can get cases of 9mm (thousand or so rounds) for a tad over 200 bucks. thats more than enough to break in the gun and get a lot of target practice in, get comfy with the gun then pick up some more suitable home defense rounds like hollow points.