Proper grip?

[aj78523]

Hello everyone,

I own an XDm 9mm 4.5".

I am a right handed shooter and have a normal grip with my right hand. Index finger over the trigger, right thumb resting in the groove on the frame above the mag release. No problems there. My problem appears to be with my left hand. My natural instinct when I pick up the firearm is to place my left index finger pretty firmly on the outside of the trigger guard, my left thumb on the frame just below the slide, and my left palm over my right fingers.

I know that might be hard to visualize, but I am not able to provide a picture at this time. I am concerned that this is not the proper way to grip and fire my gun, primarily because of my left index finger on the outside of the trigger guard. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there a right/wrong way to grip this gun when firing? Thanks.

[vaderdaman]

Your weak hand fingers should all be under the trigger guard and over your strong side fingers. Do a google/youtube search and you should see plenty of examples.

[chb119]

When you say outside the trigger guard do you mean, on the side, or your index finger in front of the trigger guard with the rest of your fingers below it?

[aj78523]

Originally Posted by chb119

When you say outside the trigger guard do you mean, on the side, or your index finger in front of the trigger guard with the rest of your fingers below it?

It's in front of the trigger guard with the rest of my fingers below it.

[ArmyGuy45]

Travis Haley on Handgun Grip (napisy PL) - YouTube

Travis Haley on Handgun Grip (napisy PL) - YouTube

[spyderman2k4]

Originally Posted by ArmyGuy45

Travis Haley on Handgun Grip (napisy PL) - YouTube

Ive watched this about 100 times, and its still one of the best, easy to understand explanations ive seen. The videos from springer precision are fantastic as well

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 2

[chb119]

Did a little searching and apparently this is not uncommon. I am sure the “pro’s” will tell you it is not the right way, but if that is the way the gun feels natural in your hand and your happy go with it.

[Visionz]

Originally Posted by chb119

Did a little searching and apparently this is not uncommon. I am sure the “pro’s” will tell you it is not the right way, but if that is the way the gun feels natural in your hand and your happy go with it.

I actually had this problem as well.
I wouldn't say go with it though. It took me about two weeks and 100 rounds to develop the muscle memory to never do it again.
The reason I say dont go with it, is in a panic self defense scenario the OP can much more easilly grip the gun too high with his support hand and get it in the way of the slide which can cause a FTE.

[DGH]

Originally Posted by spyderman2k4

Ive watched this about 100 times, and its still one of the best, easy to understand explanations ive seen.

Ditto. Excellent vid, thanks to the poster!!

[sschrick]

weak hand index finger on front of the trigger guard used to be a commonplace thing. . .it was rather accepted

but now, with thumbs forward and the Travis Haley video above, that location for index finger is not really thought of as most efficient grip these days. . .