The barrel "inline" with your forearm was great, when everyone used the weaver stance. Not so good now, using the isometric triangle stance(isosceles). Your gun natural wants to point to the left this way. I move my strong hand slightly around the gun, to put it in a better spot for the triangle. This also helps you get more of your support hand on the grip, in a HIGHER, MORE FORWARD position. Which is perfect for recoil management. I also pull back on the front of the trigger guard, with the pointing finger, of my support hand. I used to miss left, until I changed to this grip. Try it!!!
Working on actual grip strength is a great piece of bonus advice. Another piece of “bonus” advice I would like to add is for the gun itself. Your trigger pull weight should be equal to the weight of the gun itself. When you have a high trigger weight, it ensures that more movement is introduced into the gun during firing, thus bringing it out of the target line. With polymer frames, usually much more so than with all-steel pistols. Here's an example: with a CZ 75 Shadow 2, the factory trigger weight in single-action mode is roughly equal to the pistol's total weight - the ratio is almost 1:1. With a polymer pistol, such as a Glock G17 with a total weight of about 700 grams and a trigger weight of about 2.1 kg, the ratio tips toward an unfavorable 3:1 factor. This is why grip is so important and further adds to Mr. Sajnog explanation of competitive shooters with heavy guns and light triggers not needing as tight of a grip. Beginners usually do better at targets with all steel guns for this reason.
My wife is getting into shooting so I had her watch this video first. We went to the range and her shooting and understanding increased immensely. We both shot better. Excellent video.... Basics! Basics! Basics! Thank you Chris
Excellent lesson. When my father taught me to shoot a handgun, he addressed most of these issues. I worked on my grip strength, and a consistent grip. When I paid attention to these key points, my shooting was consistent. By the time I was in my teens, I was able to shoot comfortably with one hand, and either hand. Keeping that gun steady is key, and a trigger pull that doesn't move the gun either. I am a can killer!!
Really good instructions, thank you sir. Showed me exactly how my grip has been wrong and why I’m constantly shooting low left. I will definitely apply the lessons learned here and get it right. Appreciate it!!!👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸
When you mentioned the empty space between the support hand and the grip if the support hand wasn't placed correctly, I knew that was one of the biggest detractors to my grip. Thank you for this video, it really helped!
Awesome Chris! I’m taking my Son to my indoor range today and having you as his first perfect practice grip instructor makes my exact same grip instructing a breeze. Thanks as always for your Service Sir! 🙌🏼❤️🇺🇸❤️🙌🏼
Chris, thank you so much for your video on proper pistol grip. After watching your video I practiced at home,dry firing, and then went to the range. I couldn't believe it! The guy next to me was like,"Dude! Your grouping is awesome!" I told him, "I know! I watched Chris Sajnog on RU-vid! " You have changed the way I shoot forever! Thank you!
I've been involved in training sessions (Police Academy and US Army) where several different methods were shown on how to hold and fire a pistol, however, this video is BY FAR THE BEST training I have ever experienced. I now have a much better understanding of why I should hold the pistol this way and what differences it makes to hold it any other way. Thank you for the information and thank you for an excellent video.
It is quite pleasant when a speaker is emanating experience and time--tried advice. No need for flashy lights, just pure knowledge. Bravo, Seal. USMC,US Army
I will definitely subscribe. The technique you show to eliminate shake is what i taught myself to train out my tremors. You are a smart guy with excellent means of knowledge conveyance.
So glad I found this video I could not for the life of me figure out why my shots kept pulling to the side! I watched this video and started practicing getting myself into that perfect grip. The next time I was out at the range my buddy said it was like watching a completely different shooter. I gave him the name of your channel and he should be checking it out soon! Thank you I appreciate the help!
I’ve been watching way too many grip videos and I’m getting all sorts of contradictory advice but intuitively, this grip seems to make the most sense and I will be trying it the next time I hit the range
You litterly fix my shot from 40 yards with just the fact of my thumb placement n having my grip canted! Best explanation of everything on this channel for trying to finess my shots thank you
Alot of people start shooting guns without real training from an expert. They learn from a friend who learned from a friend.. Etc... I'm a personal trainer, and the way you explained it was very common sense, as I do the same showing how to do exercises properly... Very good video
I've been wanting to get my own hand gun for self defense for a while now and just haven't gotten around to it. But a few days ago at a busy park we frequently go to someone took a picture of my 2 year old and ran off quickly while I was there alone and 7 months pregnant. This isn't the first time something like this has happened to me in my life and I'm not waiting anymore. Watching your videos help me feel more informed before I go out and practice shooting with my family. Thank you
The thing is . This makes perfect sense I’ve been shooting the same style weapon for over 25 years ( Sig Sauer P22x platform)) And this video gave me several areas to improve on Thank you And thank you for your service to our nation
Thanks, Chris. I have watched a lot of "how to grip pistols" videos and each time the same general rules are gone over, but each person says something new that someone else hasn't. In this one, it was the loosening of your lower fingers to check your grip, trigger finger and left thumb alignment, and not placing your trigger finger until you have your proper grip set up. I was taught differently about where my trigger finger should fall.
Wow thank you for this video. My instructor taught me well I guess. I watched a few videos and they all said "place your finger here on the trigger" "that part of the knuckle should be there" etc then I watch your videos and that's exactly what my instructor from last year taught me. Thank you!
Thank you for the tip! One pointer in your video about support thumb in relation to trigger finger made the clarification that no other videos did. For the first time using your grip I can pull double action trigger with absolute steady hand, barrel, and sight!
SIR, IT'S AN HONOR LEARNING YOUR MILITARY WAYS SO I CAN IMPROVE MY SHOOTING SKILLS. AND CONGRATS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY, THE GREATEST DECISION A MAN CAN TAKE. WE WANT TO BE WITH OUR FAMILIES AND SPEND EVERY MOMENT WITH THEM. GODSPEED.
Ran across this video and was pleased to see all of your successes and the TREMENDOUS positive impact that you have had on so many. Has been many years since you first arrived at BMC Panama City. CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!
Thanks Chris: I was using a .32 Ibar (old). Recently bought a 9mm SCCY. What a difference first time in range. I'm hoping your grip teachings will help me today. Thanks again.
You can definitely train me any day on handguns! Your such a dynamic and prolific teacher. I'm so blessed to have found you. I will be transferring to a Glock from my Revolver in May. You explain things in simple terms and you have so much patience. Thank you 😊 and God bless!
Excellent video!!!! Everyone who's about to purchase a sidearm should watch this. Gun shops won't take the time to explain some of this so non military personnel have no idea what they may be doing wrong and just get frustrated at the range and probably won't be confident with the sidearm.
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. Thanks Brother In Arms. The Front Sight Video Was Also Amazing. It Really Works. I'm 60 and it changed my whole way of shooting. Wish I was 18 again. Lol.
thank you for the very basic pointers on how to properly handle a pistol. just bought my first hand gun today and cramming in all info in you tube to safely use a gun before hitting the range.
Dont know why there are thumbs down for a veteran who was trained by our government , especially Navy Seal............. Thanks Chris. you have my thumb up.......
Because he may be saying or doing things that someone does not agree with and may feel it is not helpful. ALL SOF dudes are trying to make a buck, good on them. But each preaches their philosophy or poo-poo others techniques, etc. What makes this guy thee authority?
Chris now's what he is talking about I bought his book I was in the army since I have been using Chris's info I have improved a 110 percent it has got rid of a lot of my bad technics I was doing listen to him and practice practice practice ty chris for helping me and my family become a better shooter
Everything he is saying is spot on I’ve been shooting for over twenty years after doing all his videos shooting ten fold better.thank Chris God Bless Be Safe
I just got my pistol license. I’m so glad I came across your page!! great explanation on how to grip gun!! Can’t wait to watch all your other videos! Thank you for making these videos!!
Chris, I really appreciate how you make so much sense with you instructions, easy to understand and not condescending. I'm going to teach my 16 Y.O. daughter about guns, safety and shooting. This video will go a long way in doing that successfully. Thank you
I know I had watched this video some time ago. Went to the range and had a bad session. Didn’t press it so I left and I looked up this video. Bingo! After watching again, I now know where I was having issues…my grip. Especially, my left hand. Thanks again for the info!
Excellent points Chris. A good check on the placement of your support hand, especially thumb placement, is natural sight alignment. A sidearm should be a natural extension of your body and once you can master grip placement the sights become irrelevant especially in close combat. The ability to put a bullet in a vital area that will neutralize the attacker should be as natural as walking. This also requires a sidearm that fits the shooter instead of the shooter adjusting to the sidearm. Great video!
Thank you! I’ve been using full-size pistols for years, now training with compacts. It’s hard for me to get the sites lined up. After watching this, it became simple.And THANK YOU For saying finger position on trigger doesn’t matter. I’ve been arguing with people for years on this. God bless and thank you for your service sir!
CHRIS: In 2016 I returned to airgunning. I started researching techniques to shoot both my pistols and rifles more accurately. I realized that videos of real steel/powder burning 'experts' would have techniques that I could transfer to my own field. I have to say that this is the most informative (and correct) of all the videos I've watched. Including those made by competition shooters. Not only did you explain (in easily understandable words and examples) the proper way to grip, but also what happens when you don't grip properly. I was also pleased to see that you were 'shooting' with both eyes open. I learned, and practices that, even before I had my cataract operation. And now that I've had it, and continue that method, my accuracy has improved to what it was (or better) when I received my awards in the Canadian Cadet Corp as a youth. I look forward to more of your videos (and downloading & sharing them). This one will be shared with the many air pistol groups I am with on FB from around the world. DOC
This was the best block of instruction I heard on pistol grip. I have been taught by academy instructors but for some reason this was more detail and thorough. Thank you!
Chris this is awesome instruction! I have been shooting a long time and still I've learned a lot from you. Thanks for posting, and Chris Thank You for your service! God Bless America!
Great video. Alot of this hit home for me. I'm always shooting low and left. Definitely gonna work on my grip. Really enjoyed the video and gonna remember what you said next time I go to the range!
Great video Chris. Old guy here (68) with weak, developing arthritic hands. All you say here makes perfect sense for alignment and keeping on target. I am one of those shoot everything to the right guys (left hand shooter) and I think your explanation, and my practice is going to get rid of that. Your front sight focus video has already helped me immensely. Subscribed
Awesome! Can I give you some advice? 1. Stop telling yourself you're old. 2. Stop saying you're weak. 3. Start telling yourself the story you want to live!
Thanks for the advice; you're absolutely correct. Just a few days working on my hand strength and grip has already improved my group centering and reduced its size. Helped my confidence also. 👍🏻
Got some range time in front of me, after enough dry fire practice, I can shoot MOA with just about any rifle, not so much with a pistol. This video helped!! Thanks!!
Thanks you for these videos I am a first time gun owner and safety is my first concern. You instill confidence in me with your instruction and calm manner. Also ..Thanks you for your service as well Subscribed, liked and looking forward to more !
Phenominal, Thank you for this wonderful instruction...My groups changed dramatically after studying this video and tweaking my mistakes, amazing disciplines.
I last shot a pistol in Vietnam. I took up pistol shooting several years ago and didn’t get half the learning that I got from from you. Thanks for your teaching and service.
HI....thanks for this video. I haven't used a pistol in years but about to buy one for self defense. I forgot proper grip technique but this video explains it clearly and will watch again & practice once I purchase my pistol.
You are awesome!! I learn from understanding and your explanation of the mechanics and physics of why goes on makes so much sense to me that when I put it into practice it’s almost second nature!! Keep these videos coming !! I’ll be supporting you for sure!!
I was in military academy when I was much younger these are the very same techniques taught. Noodle wrist is a nickname I didn't get or ever wanted... Felt like I was back in class great video +Subscribed
This actually makes me feel better. I was being told constantly that at least your first joint should be on the trigger. So my 19 was starting to feel weird.
Not to take away from any of the people who teaches how to grip a pistol, but this I have watched a lot! I mean a lot! Out of all of them this video is the best at explaining how one should grip the pistol properly.
In 2009, I came home from a deployment and my oldest son, who was 3 or 4 at the time, wouldn’t eat for almost 2 weeks... Being a father I was obviously concerned, so I asked him about it and his answer really hit me hard… He said, “Dad, if I eat I’ll grow up and if I grow up I’ll become a daddy. And if I become a daddy, I’ll have to leave my family.” My boys barely knew who I was and I couldn’t let them grow up without a father... I realized at that moment my family needed me a lot more than the Navy needed another SEAL. So I put in for retirement the next day… Back then I knew I wanted to be with my family more than anything, so I made changes in my life that allowed me to be at home. We all want more time to spend with the people we love or doing the things we love. That’s why I’m here to help! That's why I am giving you my top 3 training videos (for FREE) to help you learn how you can stay at home, and save time and money while you improve your shooting! I really want you to watch them so you can see how it is helping thousands of people just like you! So click the link now and go see what all the fuss is about: snip.ly/lxwei1
Chris, That is powerful...Glad to see you doing well. I am glad you had the ability to leave the Navy and spend more time with your kids. Our society needs more guys like you that put family first. God Bless Brother!
Such a powerful story. Reminds me of my late neighbors kid who asked over and over when dad was coming home and that “they were not a family anymore”. Glad you made this choice and thanks for your service!
My boys (from my 2nd marriage) were born after my daughters were grown & left home. Some new boys in the neighborhood were over & commented about me being my son's grandfather. My son explained that I'm their father, not grandfather. The neighborhood boy froze, looked at me then my sons several times. Finally he asked, "Does he play with you?" For this child, & most likely many others, spending time & playing was obviously the most important quality. Thanks for your service & videos.
For the LIFE of me could not figure out what I was doing wrong pulling low left. The 1 handed grip to check which way it's pulling was my answer! Idk how many videos I've watched and tried to diagnose this but that simple trick did it for me, thank you so much! I wasn't wrapping my strong hand enough around the grip (Smaller backstrap helped too) and my dry-fire is straight as an arrow, can't wait to get out to the range :), sub earned
Basically same thing they taught at the academy 20 years ago. Funny how most cops (formerly myself included) couldn't hit a bull in the ass with a snow shovel. Same old story: while live fire range time is important, the fundamentals are so much more important. I've revisited the lessons of my training more often with renewed focus on the details like this. It's made all this difference. Thanks!
I've also seen great shooters use the Weaver stance and lock the shooting hands thumb under the weak hand thumb for a extremely ridged grip, steady as a rock but not ideal for rapid shooting as the gun often does not recoil straight back.
