Gripping the Subcompact (step by step)

[D_Fence]

I figured I would illustrate how I grip my subcompact. It is pretty much the "combat grip," but some folks might find it interesting. Also, for those unfamiliar with the subcompact, it might give them an idea of how it fits in average-sized male hands measuring 8 inches from wrist to the tip of the middle finger. Note the Pearce extension on the 10 capacity magazine.

Keep in mind that these are only steps for illustration purposes. The goal is to practice them until it becomes one smooth motion.

Step 1:

Grasp the grip with the trigger hand. The right thumb should be pointing up to make room for the heel of the support hand on the grip. Also, having your thumb in this position keeps the grip safety disengaged while unholstering the gun. Always remember to grip with the trigger finger down the side of the frame until you are locked onto a target and ready to shoot.



Step 2:

Place palm of support hand onto the side of the grip. The palms of both hands should face each other...neither being much higher or lower than the other. This creates symmetrical support all the way around the grip.




Step 3:

Wrap the fingers of the support hand over the fingers of the trigger hand. Note how the support hand index finger is all the way against the trigger guard.




Step 4a:

Relax thumbs to finish grip. Support hand thumb will be on or just below the take-down lever. The relaxed trigger hand thumb will rest on the heel of the support hand thumb AWAY FROM THE SLIDE (see next photo).




Alternate View:

Note how the trigger hand thumb rests away from the slide. Keep those thumbs relaxed to avoid putting pressure on the side of the gun. Putting pressure on the frame with your support hand thumb might feel right while your trigger finger is on the other side of the frame to even things out. But, as soon as you lower your trigger finger to shoot, the gun will push right (for right-handers) due to the pressure now being uneven.

Again, note how both hands/palms are facing each other and are equally high. The hands completely and evenly wrap around the grip. Thie reduces any tendency to push unevenly on one side of the gun, and also reduces recoil.

[Tungsten]

Well done on the photos and step-by-step instructions. This is similar to how I grip all of my handguns as well and has done fine for me in years of shooting.

Thanks for putting this together. I'm sure it will help many folks to come! Perhaps the moderators will consider making it a sticky.

[BoomerBSG]

i have the 4 inch service, so i'm able to extend my left thumb a bit more and keep my wrist locked a little more firm. i generally keep my finger under the take down lever. would it cause any probs to actually rest it on the take down lever?

cheers

[D_Fence]

Originally Posted by BoomerBSG

i have the 4 inch service, so i'm able to extend my left thumb a bit more and keep my wrist locked a little more firm.

Keep in mind that the gun was not chin-high when I took the photos. It was closer to my lower chest. My wirst locks out slightly more the higher I raise the gun. But, yes, a larger gun does give you more room to extend.

Originally Posted by BoomerBSG

i generally keep my finger under the take down lever. would it cause any probs to actually rest it on the take down lever?

I don't see why it would. My thumb is slightly below it, but still clearly touching it. It isn't squarely on top of it.

[tenring]

That grip looks good. Exactly how I hold my Sub as well. I always have to remember to keep the thumbs relaxed, as well as the trigger finger so the finger movement doesn't turn the gun.


Just a question about your arms. Do you put offsetting pressure on the frame? push forward with the right hand, against the left? I have tried a few variations on how to stabilize the gun this way, and the flat thumbs grip you show did alot to improve it, but I am still working on the overall stability of the grip.

[Boeydafunk]

I think this is the gripping instruction that I've been looking for

[Ed Ely]

Good job!

Ed

[Yuppicide]

Damn..........I thought you were gonna show us how to get one of those blasted rubber GRIP SLEEVES on!!!!!!

[Kiel_Everett]

Originally Posted by Yuppicide

Damn..........I thought you were gonna show us how to get one of those blasted rubber GRIP SLEEVES on!!!!!!

Air hose my friend...

Great pictures and explanation. I always seem to deactivate the slide lock when I shoot my 40SC.

[ichy_trigger]

Thanks,
I see so many people at public ranges using crappy grips and their shooting suffers misserably.

I saw this lady at the range one time who was trying to shoot and a male friend was trying to teach her. Her grip was misserable. I asked her if she would be interested in spending 5 minutes with me on learning to grip the gun properly. After that, she was was showing HIM.