hand positioning on snubnose/J-frame revolvers
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 9:02 pm
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.
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?
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.
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?
