New XD owner - ?? on grip (Stressfire vs. Enos) - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

**Bycyclist** · 08-19-2006, 09:32 PM

I'm pretty new to the whole gun ownership - just got an XD-40 Service three weeks ago, and looking forward to getting my XD-9SC in a couple of weeks as well.

I've been doing a ton of reading lately (Saurez, Ayoob, Mroz, Stamford, Enos book on the way) and have already gone through "beginning" training with an instructor. Which grip is better - Stressfire's thumb over print (thumbs down) or Leatham/Enos thumbs straight towards target?

I've been trying both, and have recently tightened up my 5-shot groups to <5" at 10 yds. using Enos grip, yet it doesn't feel as comfortable or strong as Ayoob's Stressfire grip. My interest training-wise is primarily for CC and self-defense.

Is this one of those things that its up to personal preference and just stick with one until I "learn" it well? It seems like there are very capable tactical firearm instructors/practitioners on both sides (Bob Huzienga - Stressfire grip, Andy Stamford - Enos grip).

Your folks insights would be appreciated.

The Knight Of Light · 08-19-2006, 09:44 PM

You really need to read Brians book. And shoot what ever is comfortable for you. Get out to some IDPA matches if you want nothing but CCW. Once you start competing you will learn what works for you and what doesn't. Ever since I have started shooting IDPA I have been a better shot, Faster, and more accurate. There is a lot to be said for Gun Games. Anyone that says otherwise is not a confident shooter or is a Zen master.

drewesque · 08-19-2006, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Knight Of Light

Anyone that says otherwise is not a confident shooter or is a Zen master.

Young grasshopper, you shall learn to be a confident shooter who really doesn't care. Then you, too, shall be a Zen master gunner.
I can see the Zen questions:
What is the sound of recoil?
If a gun fires in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? And whose fault is the discharge?
etc.

tzakrzewski · 08-19-2006, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewesque

Young grasshopper, you shall learn to be a confident shooter who really doesn't care. Then you, too, shall be a Zen master gunner.
I can see the Zen questions:
What is the sound of recoil?
If a gun fires in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? And whose fault is the discharge?
etc.

LOL....whose fault is the discharge.... excellent followup.

Paul · 08-19-2006, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tzakrzewski

LOL....whose fault is the discharge.... excellent followup.

Indeed, but levity will probably not dispose of the BG.

You will find both sides of the grip coin here. I was convinced I needed to do the thumbs crossed and down until I had an epiphany moment at my USPSA safety class. Thumbs pointed at target now. Certainly thumbs down and crossed will give you a stronger grip if it turns into a wrestling match. Differing points of view on how hard to grip also.

Experiment and do what is best for you. Just make sure it works. Join in the fun of gun games. You will meet some fine people, have a good time, learn about yourself and your gun, and you can learn from some good shooters.

**Bycyclist** · 08-20-2006, 10:37 AM

great, thanks all. yes, planning on doing our club IDPA matches - we have them first Saturday of every month. Probably go see what Sep. looks like, get a little more consistent, then start joining the fun.

okgr8outdrs · 08-20-2006, 05:55 PM

With thumbs forward, the takedown lever makes an excellect ledge to help control recoil. However, I have to be careful to keep my right thumb away from the slide release, or it fails to lock back after the last shot.

**Bycyclist** · 08-20-2006, 06:44 PM

Going tomorrow to the range and trying both on fixed 10yds, 5shot groups, slow and rapid fire to decide once for all!

**Loves2Shoot** · 08-20-2006, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okgr8outdrs

With thumbs forward, the takedown lever makes an excellect ledge to help control recoil. However, I have to be careful to keep my right thumb away from the slide release, or it fails to lock back after the last shot.

If you have the left hand high enough, the right thumb can't hit the slide release (see the videos on my website for reference.)

**Bycyclist** · 08-20-2006, 08:28 PM

excellent videos on grip and very convincing, thanks much!

08-19-2006, 09:32 PM	#1
Bycyclist XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NorCaliforneeya Posts: 1,847	New XD owner - ?? on grip (Stressfire vs. Enos) I'm pretty new to the whole gun ownership - just got an XD-40 Service three weeks ago, and looking forward to getting my XD-9SC in a couple of weeks as well. I've been doing a ton of reading lately (Saurez, Ayoob, Mroz, Stamford, Enos book on the way) and have already gone through "beginning" training with an instructor. Which grip is better - Stressfire's thumb over print (thumbs down) or Leatham/Enos thumbs straight towards target? I've been trying both, and have recently tightened up my 5-shot groups to <5" at 10 yds. using Enos grip, yet it doesn't feel as comfortable or strong as Ayoob's Stressfire grip. My interest training-wise is primarily for CC and self-defense. Is this one of those things that its up to personal preference and just stick with one until I "learn" it well? It seems like there are very capable tactical firearm instructors/practitioners on both sides (Bob Huzienga - Stressfire grip, Andy Stamford - Enos grip). Your folks insights would be appreciated. __________________ =============================================== BYcyclist - the worst day on a ride (or at the range) is better than the best day in the office ===============================================

08-19-2006, 09:44 PM	#2
The Knight Of Light XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska(sublocated at a Sandy location far, far away) Posts: 8,874 Blog Entries: 13	You really need to read Brians book. And shoot what ever is comfortable for you. Get out to some IDPA matches if you want nothing but CCW. Once you start competing you will learn what works for you and what doesn't. Ever since I have started shooting IDPA I have been a better shot, Faster, and more accurate. There is a lot to be said for Gun Games. Anyone that says otherwise is not a confident shooter or is a Zen master. __________________ No Matter Where You Go, There You Are. USPSA #L3077 What a great number!!! http://theknightoflight.blogspot.com/ Creator of TOP 'O' THE PAGE!!! Moose Fight

08-20-2006, 10:37 AM	#6
Bycyclist XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NorCaliforneeya Posts: 1,847	great, thanks all. yes, planning on doing our club IDPA matches - we have them first Saturday of every month. Probably go see what Sep. looks like, get a little more consistent, then start joining the fun. __________________ =============================================== BYcyclist - the worst day on a ride (or at the range) is better than the best day in the office ===============================================

08-20-2006, 05:55 PM	#7
okgr8outdrs XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 156	With thumbs forward, the takedown lever makes an excellect ledge to help control recoil. However, I have to be careful to keep my right thumb away from the slide release, or it fails to lock back after the last shot. __________________ Preparing the Way...Straightening the Path! Jeff

08-20-2006, 06:44 PM	#8
Bycyclist XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NorCaliforneeya Posts: 1,847	Going tomorrow to the range and trying both on fixed 10yds, 5shot groups, slow and rapid fire to decide once for all! __________________ =============================================== BYcyclist - the worst day on a ride (or at the range) is better than the best day in the office ===============================================

08-20-2006, 08:28 PM	#10
Bycyclist XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NorCaliforneeya Posts: 1,847	excellent videos on grip and very convincing, thanks much! __________________ =============================================== BYcyclist - the worst day on a ride (or at the range) is better than the best day in the office ===============================================

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode