Custom Grips

Extracts from John Dreyer www.bullseyepistol.com

Introduction:

In much the same fashion that a champion long distance runner values well-designed shoes, the competitive pistol shooter must consider the grips on his pistol. Recognise that the grips are the direct link between a shooter and his weapon, and grip design is critical if maximum control is desired. No shooter can be successful unless he can take a firm, yet relaxed grip on his pistol that is identical each time. Likewise, he must be able to hold directly on target without any movement while pulling the trigger through its break and then be able to quickly recover after recoil. Well designed and fitted custom grips encourage this process to become automatic.

The Mechanics of Anatomical Grips:

A key attribute of anatomical grips is the ease in taking an identical hold on the pistol every time. This is a huge factor in consistency and proper technique in every stage of the game. This feature, control of the placement of the web of the hand, is easily achieved by two separate elements of the grips, the palmrest and the thumb cutout. If the grips are fitted properly, one gets the impression that his pistol is merely an extension of his hand. Another primary function of anatomical grips is to allow you to "clamp" your hand to the gun, and yet allow your trigger finger to operate independently. This is particularly important with pistols that are muzzle or top heavy. Two elements, the palmrest and the middle finger support, are instrumental in this endeavour. Hand contact with the rear of the palmrest and upward contact by the middle finger help offset the forward balance of the muzzle providing increased stability with less strain.

Proof why you need anatomical grips:

After a shot has been fired, the effects of recoil come into play. Various angles of force effect the direction of the recoil and these must remain very consistent in order to achieve small groups. Likewise, the recoil affects your grip and the slightest roll or movement can change the angles of force effecting the recoil for the following shot. Unless you compensate consciously, or subconsciously for this difference, you might get a shot placement other than you expected, or a "flyer." As the shot breaks, the upward climb of the barrel in recoil, or muzzle jump, is limited by the overhang on the rear of a pistol. But that is not sufficient because the overhang is quite close to the "pivot point" of recoil. This is another task for the palmrest, whose function now is not only to keep the hand secure between the overhang and itself, but also by making contact with the little finger, limits the upward pivot of the muzzle.

The Psychological Advantage of Custom Grips:

While an accurate pistol is an important part of the equation of becoming a great shooter, overcoming the common fundamental errors is far more significant. Most shooters do not shoot to the capabilities of their target pistol, regardless of its make or model. When one reaches a certain level of competence, pistol shooting becomes more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Your mental state greatly affects your performance at the competing levels and is certain to be affected by your subjective feelings about your equipment. If you can possibly blame your equipment and its functionality, there will be an adverse effect on your confidence and performance. However, if you have the utmost confidence in your equipment, you will perform to your best ability. If your pistol's grips fit you like a glove, then of course you will have confidence, thus eliminating worry over a vast many fundamentals. Even the aesthetics of your equipment can contribute to your performance.

Extracts from John Dreyer www.bullseyepistol.com