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!!!