hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Gun, shooting and equipment discussions unrelated to CHL issues

Moderator: carlson1

Post Reply
yerasimos
Senior Member
Posts: 472
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:02 pm

hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Post by yerasimos »

For those of you who like to shoot short-barreled revolvers: how do you like to position your hands relative to the stocks/grips? In particular, what are your suggestions for thumb and finger placement? What are the most important things to remember for getting and keeping a solid grip on these beasts for consistent shot placement?

I am working with a Centennial J-frame, and have been experimenting mostly with high thumbs (above/behind the cylinder release) with some degree of success, but the recoil/muzzle flip eventually bites the inside of my thumb. Admittedly, my calluses need some more work. :oops: Cranking the thumb down hard, below the cylinder release, did not seem very secure because it seemed to pull my hand further down away from the bore axis and my shots seemed to disperse more---not to mention the extra unnecessary tactile "input". Indexing the thumb close to/against the knurled cylinder release seems like a recipe for tearing up the thumb further, so I have avoided this.

Upon first blush, the "high-performance grip" (support-side hand cammed forward, hands as high as possible relative to the bore axis, ~60/40 support/strong side pressure distribution, etc) that is recommended for use with flat-sided semi-automatics does not seem like a great fit with the smaller revolver, due to the revolver's more irregular surfaces, rotating cylinder, hot gases venting past the cylinder face, and lack of a tang where the thumb-index finger webbing can be pushed, among other reasons. Is there a "Tao" for gripping a snubnose revolver that is generally accepted---much as most top competition shooters shoot their semi-automatic pistols using essentially the same technique?

I have read that trigger control is truly the core skill associated with mastering double-action revolvers, but I would like to get my grip correct before accumulating more reps on the trigger control aspect.

I am seeking more of a "software" answer than a gadget solution, though I also realize that beggars cannot be choosers.

Any suggestions or ideas?
User avatar
Skiprr
Moderator
Posts: 6458
Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2006 4:50 pm
Location: Outskirts of Houston

Re: hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Post by Skiprr »

Here are some thoughts from "Mr. Wheelgun" himself: http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/MIC ... ulek2.html.
Join the NRA or upgrade your membership today. Support the Texas Firearms Coalition and subscribe to the Podcast.
I’ve contacted my State Rep, Gary Elkins, about co-sponsoring HB560. Have you contacted your Rep?
NRA Benefactor Life Member
User avatar
jbirds1210
Senior Member
Posts: 3368
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2005 5:36 pm
Location: Texas City, Texas

Re: hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Post by jbirds1210 »

FWIW I found that Miculek's recommendation for gripping the little j-frame worked very well for me on a 642....locks that little thing in like a vice. I never practiced with it enough to apply the grip automatically.

I traded the gun. In all fairness....I hate all revolvers equally. :biggrinjester:
NRA Life Member
TSRA Life Member

"No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child."
DMG
Senior Member
Posts: 232
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2005 1:39 pm
Location: Spring, TX

Re: hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Post by DMG »

Jason, you certainly know how t hurt a guy! David G.
User avatar
jbirds1210
Senior Member
Posts: 3368
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2005 5:36 pm
Location: Texas City, Texas

Re: hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Post by jbirds1210 »

DMG wrote:Jason, you certainly know how t hurt a guy! David G.
David-

I stand corrected. I like your revolver (so long as you are shooting it) :cheers2:

Jason
NRA Life Member
TSRA Life Member

"No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child."
TxD
Senior Member
Posts: 690
Joined: Tue Sep 26, 2006 2:29 pm
Location: Friendswood Tx

Re: hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Post by TxD »

DMG wrote:Jason, you certainly know how t hurt a guy! David G.
It's OK, David.
Jason is just a tad grumpy 'cause "Little Nick" whomped him
at PSC last month. :razz: :razz:
Last edited by TxD on Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Black Rifles Matter
User avatar
The Annoyed Man
Senior Member
Posts: 26885
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:59 pm
Location: North Richland Hills, Texas
Contact:

Re: hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Post by The Annoyed Man »

I hold my 642 high on the grip like that. It works pretty well for me, and I found it much easier to control the gun and get it quickly back on target when I started holding it that way. I also shoot it more to point of aim when I hold it high up.
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.”

― G. Michael Hopf, "Those Who Remain"

#TINVOWOOT
User avatar
jbirds1210
Senior Member
Posts: 3368
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2005 5:36 pm
Location: Texas City, Texas

Re: hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Post by jbirds1210 »

TxD wrote:
DMG wrote:Jason, you certainly know how t hurt a guy! David G.
It's OK, David.
Jason is just a tad grumpy 'cause "Little Nick" whomped him
at PSC last month. :razz: :razz:
:rolll
Image
NRA Life Member
TSRA Life Member

"No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child."
CompVest
Senior Member
Posts: 3079
Joined: Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:17 pm

Re: hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Post by CompVest »

I thought Jason's gun ( a glock) whomped him!
Women on the DRAW – drill, revise, attain, win
Coached Practice Sessions for Women
TxD
Senior Member
Posts: 690
Joined: Tue Sep 26, 2006 2:29 pm
Location: Friendswood Tx

Re: hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers

Post by TxD »

CompVest wrote:I thought Jason's gun ( a glock) whomped him!
Yowbut, I would never kick a man when his gun is down. :biggrinjester:

On a more positive note, this is a great example of why it is a good idea to
occasionally shoot IDPA with your carry equipment. Things happen under the stress
of competition that don't necessarily show up in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Back to topic. Another benefit of a high handhold on a revolver is that it positions the trigger finger to rotate the trigger around the trigger pin in a more efficient manner.
Black Rifles Matter
Post Reply

Return to “General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion”