Grip same for big revolver as big semi-auto?

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Prof Young

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So discussion in a thread I started about my super blackhawk 44 mag has lead me to this query:

When shooting a larger caliber revolver would one's grip be the same as with a larger caliber semi-auto?

I've not really thought about it before but am taking both to the range with me next time I go to see if I do things the same or differently.

Thoughts and comments?

Life is good.
Prof Young
 
It depends on what grip you use for semi-autos. If you use the "both thumbs forward" grip favored by most competition shooters and many trainers today, then you have to be careful with revolvers, because with that grip the support hand thumb is likely covering the barrel-cylinder gap, and you're at risk of flame cutting the tip off your thumb.

I don't shoot "thumbs forward." I use the same grip for both revolvers and semi-autos, and my strong hand grip doesn't have to shift at all if the support hand is removed. I borrowed this photo from the M1911.org on-line magazine, but my shooting grip is basically the same. This grip also works for revolvers because the thumbs are well clear of the barrel-cylinder gap.

IMG_1546.JPG
 
My grip has evolved over time into what looks kind of like the "thumbs forward" so popular today. Can't do the thumb over thumb anymore due to arthritic thumbs. Here's a picture that I took trying to capture muzzle flash. The gun is a 2.75" S&W M69 (L Frame .44 Magnum) loaded with 240gr JFP and 24gr WW296. I shot this way for I don't know how many thousands of rounds with no problem.

11%20FS%20PGS%20IMG_0782_Moment.jpg


FWIW,

Paul
 
I try to hold all guns the same, as much as possible; grip as high as possible with the strong hand, and get the thumb up and out of the way to increase the amount of space available for the weak hand.
With a DA revolver, that results in the tips of my thumbs against the recoil shield.

This isn't a great pic, but you can see my thumb is high, not curled down or riding below the cylinder (as it probably would if my hands were smaller).

DSC_0849_zps22ab8874.jpg
 
"...would one's grip be the same..." No. Your grip should not be the same on a pistol as it is on a revolver. Different things.
1728 x 1152 pixels is TOO BIG!
 
Grip same for big revolver as big semi-auto?
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When I think of big semi-autos, I think of the Desert Eagle, Auto Mag, Wildey, and LAR Grizzly. :D

No. Your grip should not be the same on a pistol as it is on a revolver.
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I don't know about should, but your grip won't be the same, as the grips have a completely different shape. I don't grip an SA revolver the same way I do a DA revolver either. Also don't have the same grip on DA guns with small grips as I do on those with large grips.

yes, there are similarities, (I've only got the two hands, :rolleyes:) but each different shape and size of gun is a different grip, the way I look at it.

I don't use the same grip when shooting a Contender, either. The hand positions are my usual, but I don't try and control the recoil, (there's no point) so I'm not "gripping" the gun the same way I would for a DA revolver.

I don't shoot anything with my thumbs in the air. It may be what the experts recommend these days, but it doesn't feel "right" to me, some of the guns I shoot will BITE if you do it, and I don't shoot speed competition games, so I've got no incentive to change, rather quite the opposite.
 
I use a thumbs forward grip for both. Works for me and I have had no issues with being burnt by gas escaping the cylinder gap. Of course if you have thumbs like Uma Thurman in Even Cowgirls Get The Blues, you might be at risk.
 
My grip is pretty near the same for both.

For SA revolvers with a "plow handle" grip, I tuck my pinkie under the grip.

Hot stuff comes out of the front of a revolver cylinder, not the back.
 
On most any handgun, I try to grip as high up as possible, especially DA revolvers and autos, but the SA grip is different...there I need to get my pinkie finger under the grip to facilitate cocking and to maintain uniformity of grip from shot to shot.

The support hand position with a SA revolver is also different, in that I use the support thumb to cock the hammer; crossing it over the gripping thumb and behind the hammer when firing. It's a good arrangement for me in that I'm as accurate with a SA revolver as I am with a good (read S&W) DA/SA.

I'd comment that the thumbs forward grip that's currently in vogue with action pistol participants, may allow the support thumb to be sprayed by hot gases and bullet particulates if it's abeam the cylinder/forcing cone gap. In magnums this can result in severe injury to the thumb. I'd not risk it under any circumstances.

HTH's Rod
 
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No, the grip is different.

My grip has evolved over time into what looks kind of like the "thumbs forward" so popular today.
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That was how Jeff Cooper taught it, it is hardly "new".
 

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Cooper put his weak thumb over his strong thumb.
I shot that way for years, but changed to the "currently in vogue", two-thumbs-forward grip over twenty years ago. :)
 
Stop looking for what's "in vogue" , what " instructor XX " uses , etc.
Look for what is best for you ! We now have autos that have interchangeable parts [finally ] , custom grips or make your own grips . The size and shape of your hand must work with the gun !! :)
 
I would agree that what is popular isn't necessarily best or even right for everyone. Of course weapons and tactics continue to evolve, and dismissing new and improved as the flavor of the month is a mistake. A very high percentage of the best shooters use a thumbs forward grip. You may not like it and it may not work for you, but dismissing it as a passing fad is nonsense.
 
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I don't know about should, but your grip won't be the same, as the grips have a completely different shape. I don't grip an SA revolver the same way I do a DA revolver either. Also don't have the same grip on DA guns with small grips as I do on those with large grips.

yes, there are similarities, (I've only got the two hands, ) but each different shape and size of gun is a different grip, the way I look at it.
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The grip has to match the gun. Different guns = different grips.
 
Thumb over thumb for either revolver or pistol for me. Small hands allow me to get away with it. Now, with the Broomhandle Mauser, I get hammer bite. That's with the small ring hammer too and not the earlier spur or large ring hammer.
 
While I didn't get hammer bite, the Broomhandle Mauser (without the stock) was the most painful 9mm I ever shot.

The awkward shape of the grip, very high bore axis, and that large metal slot for the stock combined to make it hurt me more than a S&W .44 Magnum (with factory stocks).


Btw, did you know that "Broomhandle" is the English nickname, and the German nickname was "Kuhfuss Pistole" Because it was ugly as a "cow's foot". :D

I have handguns that range in size from the Jennings .22 through the Desert Eagle and up to 14" barrel Contenders. While I do use the same hands, I can't hold all of them exactly the same way, and I don't need to.

I met one fellow who was adamant that the "right" grip (for everything) was thumbs up. He even went so far as to inform me that I should be shooting my SA Ruger with my thumb ON the recoil shield (to counter the "natural tendency of the SA to shoot to the side....:confused:)

Any way,. when I repeatedly rang the 200yd gong on the rifle range, off hand, one handed, and NOT using his "correct" grip, he finally left me alone...

If it works for you, there is no "wrong" grip. Maybe a different grip might work better, maybe not. If you hit your target at point of aim (and the gun doesn't fly out of your hands, or bite you), I don't see anything "wrong" with what you're doing.
 
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