10m air pistol - now tightly do you grip pistol

[RobinC]

Having been around International shooting for more years than I want to remember (perhaps I can't remember now!) and I can assure you there is no right way, its what suits you!
I have seen everything at top level from the Gorilla vice grip to the soft holding a very ripe peach grip, and they all work for the person using it.

Thumb pressure can (note only CAN) disturb the hold but not necessarily, if a top level shooter tells you what they think is best its because it works for them, another one will do the opposite, and tell you that's best, and they all will shoot similar scores!

For the record when I shot top level pistol (not now I'm afraid!), I with an air pistol, held firm ish with three fingers, (but no more than holding an egg), but with the thumb relaxed, but the hold was my preference, it does not mean its the best way of doing it, I'd attach a picture of a Korean Girl shooting in a World Cup if I could handle the techy stuff, I'll email it to a couple of you and perhaps you're clever enough to attach it. She has the Gorilla grip and thumb locked down, and its not doing her any harm!

Have Fun
Robin

[BigEars]

I've seen the photo. It's not possible to judge the pressure of the fingers, only their position. Can't see any signs of white knuckles , Robin.

[Discocom]

I’m now applying a small amount of (straight back) pressure with the middle two fingers, with thumb up, seems to be working.... so far

I found with a very lose grip, I was struggling with the trigger squeeze as it felt I was applying a lot of pressure (almost like taking up the slack in my grip) whereas applying a small amount of pressure as above makes the trigger squeeze easier.

[zooma]

I dont shoot 10 meter air pistol as often as I used to as the arthritis in my hands can make it a painful experience and it also gives me some problems when trying to judge the grip strength as some of the sensitive feed-back feeling is lost, but I did pick up a Steyr LP2 the other day just after I put my rifle down and shot an almost perfect card with it (49 ex 50) - but I was still wearing my rifle shooing jacket !

Maybe having arthritis in the pistol hand and wearing a heavy rifle shooting jacket is an especially good combination?

The rifle jacket is probably illegal in air pistol competitions .....but as far as I know the arthritis is still a legal option

[I. J.]

The rifle jacket is probably illegal in air pistol competitions .....

I do admit to struggling in my straight jacket.

Personally the the grip I use depends on the pistol Im using. Most require a gentle but firm grip with the thumb and little finger being surplus to requirements. Others, like the S.A.M, I hold very gently, almost balanced on my hand. As previously stated - its what suits you. Try different grips until you find the best one.

HTH
Ian

[StayOnTarget]

Thanks Discocom for this question ive just got into air pistol shooting and had the same problem looked more like i was using a shotgun than a pellet gun anyhoo my groups have improved tons and thats down to you and the kind people who spared their time to answer your question.

oh BTW i now hold my pistol like and English gentleman drinking tea little finger pointing straight out and thumb at a relaxed 11 o'clock position.

Cheers!!!

[Bjacobs571]

When I was trained as a pistol coach I was told not to apply any force with the middle finger as this affects the trigger pull.
If you press your middle finger against your thumb as if you are doing the "OK" gesture and then try to move your trigger finger you will feel resistance in your trigger finger. If you then press the next finger down against your thumb you will feel little or no resistance in your trigger finger.
When you pick up the pistol you should push it into the web of your hand so the springiness of your skin will keep the pistol in place with little or no grip. Doesn't work as well once you start getting old.
In my opinion the little finger needs to be in place wrapped around the grip but with no pressure on it.
Your thumb needs to be in a comfortable natural position or it won't be repeatable. I wouldn't recommend applying any pressure with it but I always have it resting on the grip.
Repeatability is the name of the game every shot just like the last how you hold it is less important than doing it the same every shot.

[Discocom]

Thanks Discocom for this question ive just got into air pistol shooting and had the same problem looked more like i was using a shotgun than a pellet gun anyhoo my groups have improved tons and thats down to you and the kind people who spared their time to answer your question.

oh BTW i now hold my pistol like and English gentleman drinking tea little finger pointing straight out and thumb at a relaxed 11 o'clock position.

Cheers!!!

Thanks for the kind comment and likewise, all the comments and advice much appreciated, I'm going to start a new thread on stance and head position, as thats the next area I'm experimenting with