Question on thumbs forward - Page 2

semperfi.45 · February 22nd, 2008, 09:29 PM

Get a Grip - Dave Spaulding

The Combat Grip - Duane Thomas

Get a Grip - Kevin Michalowski

markp · February 23rd, 2008, 06:11 PM

Thanks all for the posts,

Great info.

To me it seems like all these guys are gripping that way for a reason, so I'm probably missing out on a better technique than the death squeeze.

I'll ease off the thumb pressure and try a few different types. So far just when I draw and point, thumbs forward seems to point more accurately and quicker but I'm not accustomed to getting into this grip position at first.

Thanks again,

agentmel · February 24th, 2008, 03:19 PM

Yeah, I got the standard thumbs down (appropriately named) training in the military and shot well that way. The very first time I switched to a proper thumbs forward grip, it completely revolutionized my shooting. Quicker following shots, tighter groups, etc. I highly recommend it, just make sure you're locking your non-firing wrist.

Mel

retsupt99 · February 24th, 2008, 05:37 PM

Strong hand holds the weapon and pulls the trigger (very little pressure)...weak hand applies the pressure and both thumbs are forward...this did improve my control...

Raider39a · February 24th, 2008, 11:03 PM

I second the recommendation on Todd Jarrett's stuff in youtube. Great primer on shooting fundamentals.

needknees · February 25th, 2008, 03:34 PM

Firearm grip is a very personal thing. What's best for one person may not work exactly the same for another. I've found the thumbs forward grip to work very well, here's how I feel comfortable with it:

Get as high up on the gun as you can with both hands. Really get that support hand high on the trigger guard. I use fairly equal pressure from both hands on the side of the gun and don't grip as hard as most people do. The gun is always going to recoil, why fight it so hard? It tracks more naturally for me this way.

The best way to find out what works for you is try slightly different variations on a theme and get out there and shoot :)

detroit9mm · March 28th, 2008, 02:25 PM

When I switched from thumbs down (as I had been taught) to thumbs forward my shooting ability dramatically improved. Not only did overall accuracy improve but also my ability to quickly get on target and perform follow-ups. I can now quickly get on target and completely unload my G19 in very quick fashion with all good upper torso and head shot at 10 yds consistently. Prior to the change I would always end up with a few fliers.

Grip is a personal thing though. My father has always used a thumbs down grip and he spent several years as a reserve LEO where the guys were taught to shoot that way.

February 22nd, 2008, 09:29 PM	#11
semperfi.45 VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Over here now! Posts: 2,431	Get a Grip - Dave Spaulding The Combat Grip - Duane Thomas Get a Grip - Kevin Michalowski __________________ Luck may or may not be on your side. But ability is 100% within your control. Skilled at arms...or do you suck?

February 24th, 2008, 03:19 PM	#13
agentmel Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: FL Posts: 256	Yeah, I got the standard thumbs down (appropriately named) training in the military and shot well that way. The very first time I switched to a proper thumbs forward grip, it completely revolutionized my shooting. Quicker following shots, tighter groups, etc. I highly recommend it, just make sure you're locking your non-firing wrist. Mel __________________ "I am suspicious of all the things that the average citizen believes." - H. L. Mencken "Any government that employs three million people, most of them armed to the teeth, ought to be distrusted to an enormous degree." - Lew Rockwell

February 24th, 2008, 05:37 PM	#14
retsupt99 VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 13,277	Strong hand holds the weapon and pulls the trigger (very little pressure)...weak hand applies the pressure and both thumbs are forward...this did improve my control... __________________ "That I cannot do." "Give this to, uh, Clemenza. I want reliable people, people who aren't going to be carried away. After all we're not murderers in spite of what this undertaker thinks." *********************************** McCain/Palin 2008 NRA Life Member

February 24th, 2008, 11:03 PM	#15
Raider39a Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CT Posts: 167	I second the recommendation on Todd Jarrett's stuff in youtube. Great primer on shooting fundamentals. __________________ "embrace the suck" - our warriors in the sandbox... it implies that do the best you can in impossible conditions. "no plan survives intact upon contact with the enemy" - wisdom of the Grunts.

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February 23rd, 2008, 06:11 PM	#12
markp Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 55	Thanks all for the posts, Great info. To me it seems like all these guys are gripping that way for a reason, so I'm probably missing out on a better technique than the death squeeze. I'll ease off the thumb pressure and try a few different types. So far just when I draw and point, thumbs forward seems to point more accurately and quicker but I'm not accustomed to getting into this grip position at first. Thanks again,

February 25th, 2008, 03:34 PM	#16
needknees New Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 5	Firearm grip is a very personal thing. What's best for one person may not work exactly the same for another. I've found the thumbs forward grip to work very well, here's how I feel comfortable with it: Get as high up on the gun as you can with both hands. Really get that support hand high on the trigger guard. I use fairly equal pressure from both hands on the side of the gun and don't grip as hard as most people do. The gun is always going to recoil, why fight it so hard? It tracks more naturally for me this way. The best way to find out what works for you is try slightly different variations on a theme and get out there and shoot :)

March 28th, 2008, 02:25 PM	#17
detroit9mm Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 80	When I switched from thumbs down (as I had been taught) to thumbs forward my shooting ability dramatically improved. Not only did overall accuracy improve but also my ability to quickly get on target and perform follow-ups. I can now quickly get on target and completely unload my G19 in very quick fashion with all good upper torso and head shot at 10 yds consistently. Prior to the change I would always end up with a few fliers. Grip is a personal thing though. My father has always used a thumbs down grip and he spent several years as a reserve LEO where the guys were taught to shoot that way.