Handgun Grip - Support Thumb on Slide

[jr0xas]

Hi Jason!

First of all, thank you very very much for being so willing to help, and for your in-depth replies in this section of the forum. I have learned so much.

I have been following your RedbackOne posts I have noticed that you grip your handgun with your thumb resting on the slide. I've been trying to imitate this for the past few months, and I have noticed a significant improvement in terms of recoil control and a much closer grip to the bore axis.

I have always been taught to place my support thumb on the frame, and I am very curious to hear your rationale for using this grip, as well as some pointers for employing this technique, if you don't mind.

Thanks again!

Here are some photos of what I am referring to:

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6096/79594574336942669091718.jpg

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/540/55531846296713371356588.jpg

[Jason Falla]

No worries brother,

The position of the thumbs when shooting handguns has been a contentious issue over time for sure, as has the fundamental of grip as a whole.

In RB1 methodology we use the term Combat Grip. This refers to the grip technique used for the following weapons; pistol, carbine and shotgun. Elements of the grip technique will change with the weapon system being employed and some may stay the same.

The intent of the 'Combat Grip' is to aid the shooter in the ability to present the weapon naturally at the target increasing the speed of sight alignment as well as assisting the shooting in the management of recoil.

The RB1 Combat Grip is based on symmetry in the shoulder girdle and a forearm angle that is parallel to the axis of the bore when shooting with a two handed grip. (Strong/Support Hand Only grip sees the elbow angle angle change due to lack of symmetry).

The thumbs follow the axis of the barrel to provide the shooter with a crude method of aiming during rapid close range engagements and assist the shooter in acquiring a rapid sight package.

Having more body above the line of the bore provides increased recoil management. The positioning of the thumbs against the slide has no effect on accuracy and is more about personal preference. Some shoot with thumbs touching the slide, others have them clear the slide.

The biggest consideration is whether you are influencing the weapons control features with this grip. After market parts such as a modified slide stop/release cannot be used with the grip as the slide will most likely not lock on the last round and may lock the slide prematurely while shooting.

During high ambient temperatures and high round counts, the slide heats up considerably, radiating against the thumb and can be quite uncomfortable for some shooters. Conditioning or using a gloved hand will prevent this.

Hope that helps.

[mizer67]

How do you rest your support hand thumb on the slide while firing without inducing a malf?

I understand the thumbs forward grip rationale, I must be missing something.

[Jason Falla]

How do you rest your support hand thumb on the slide while firing without inducing a malf?

I understand the thumbs forward grip rationale, I must be missing something.

'Resting' the thumbs is the key word. If you forcably place your thumbs against the slide you will not only impeed the progress of the slide but will decrease accuracy due to unnecessary movement.

[jcgUSMC]

"After market parts such as a modified slide stop/release cannot be used with the grip as the slide will most likely not lock on the last round and may lock the slide prematurely while shooting."

Jason, I have this issue (slide not locking back on an empty magazine)--what after-market slide stop/release would you suggest?

[Jason Falla]

"After market parts such as a modified slide stop/release cannot be used with the grip as the slide will most likely not lock on the last round and may lock the slide prematurely while shooting."

Jason, I have this issue (slide not locking back on an empty magazine)--what after-market slide stop/release would you suggest?

The only part that I recommend is the Factory Glock Standard Slide Stop. I don't see a need for extended slide stops on the Glock Platform.

Apart from the non-factory extended magazine release button, I use all factory Glock internals.