mas

thanks, Dave....it's funny b/c i can see how the tension negatively affects my performance. I'm pretty darn accurate when shooting groups, but the problems in trigger control arise when shooting at a faster pace for sure. to me, that's the hallmark of technical difficulties.

I've been pondering what this word means quite a bit lately. When I first read Brian's book, I read "no tension," so I stood up to the line with noodle arms and watched the gun go flying! I then went to the opposite extreme....very uncomfortable. Then I read about using "positive forward tension," and noticed that it seemed to help a little. Examining my own technique, I notice tension in the support hand arm, little, but positive, tension in the shooting arm, and lots of tension in the forearms (and at times, the shoulders). My guess is that that's a lot of tension! So, what is meant by losing one's tension? Rather, what does it mean to you?

haha, thanks man, i appreciate it. well, i'm still shooting with some problems....if i tighten up on everything, then there's minimal muzzle flip, but it's fatiguing and trigger control is obviously harder. I've re-read this thread and will be trying again on Wed. One thing I've been wondering: is it possible to *over-cam* your support wrist?? I ask because during an intensive session of dry-firing, I hurt my wrist a bit. It's tender today, so I'm guessing I've been over-doing it a bit.

Hey, good news! Got the grip figured out...or at least I now know that I've made it to the right path....for *me*, the trick was to simply push down a bit with my thumbs, like a golf grip. I can't explain it any further than that, but it REALLY controls muzzle flip. The gun returns so quick to target that I don't have the time to prep. I also now understand what too much tension does. I've got to back off the tension and see if that helps produce a consistent sight path during recoil. Thanks again for all the help!

My problem is actually the opposite. The index finger of my support hand actually slips down and away from the trigger guard (not due to palm slipping upwards, either). I spoke to M. Burkett and he informed me that I may simply gripping with too much pressure. He also encouraged me to continue trying to get "behind" the gun as much as possible. I'll be working on both of these things this week....I noticed that the more I focused on getting behind the gun, the less muzzle flip there was!! It's a *start* in the right direction.

I'm starting to "get it." I'll continue working on it and report back when I think I've got it taken care of....I'm realizing that my hands are a little big for my size, which is causing me some difficulty getting behind the gun with ease. I really have to wedge it back there, but the result is promising. Thanks again for all the help, and big thanks to Smoney for coming up to shoot and for giving me some tips.

thanks for your observations! I'll be trying them out today.

well, I put on my old grips that came with the pistol....they're not pretty, but they're darn grippy! We'll see how they do at the range tomorrow. I'll be sure to report back for those who have been kind enough to lend suggestions.

yeah, I DO have double diamond grips.....could it be *just* that?? I'll have to get out to the range and see what happens. Thanks for the tip!

PM right back at ya.

heya Smitty, Yeah, I thought so too, so I've also spent range sessions where I REALLY tighten up on the gun...others where I've barely held the gun....and everywhere in between! The only way that it *doesn't* happen is when I do a push/pull thing, which I hate because it's fatiguing and not as accurate.....among other things. As far as loads go, I primarily use factory ammo (federal red box and winchester white box; both 230 gr). I am not a competition shooter, but if I can get this grip thing figured out, I'd love to start training for it! I'm in Morgantown, WV....wanna visit? Hell, at this point, I'm ready to pay for someone to come over and whip my ass into shooting-shape!

hello, yeah, I've spent lots of time over the past month focusing on grip...it doesn't seem to get worse the more I focus on it, just stays the same. When I shoot, everything is relaxed with the exception of a little tension in my shoulders (just from lifting the gun up) and in my forearms (from applying a little pressure to the pistol). When I pull the trigger, I see the front sight go up and I see the top of the slide (not straight up, just a bit) in my peripheral focus. As the sight returns and the gun is ready to fire, I notice that my strong hand is still where it was before, but my support hand has slipped/loosened such that there is probably an inch of space between the bottom of the trigger guard and my support hand index finger. It happens this way just about every time.....the grip, at this point, is substantially weaker and although I could fire again like this if I choose to, I will typically get my support hand readjusted and back *on* my strong hand and gun. This is, without a doubt, a fairly consistent pattern.

about my grip: my support hand is so high that my strong hand thumb is just perched on top of my other thumb. I'd be happy to take a photo or two of my grip if that will help you to help me!

it appears that I'm having the grip problem with the 1911....could be the way it fits my current grip, or it could be difference in caliber....but I don't *think* it's caliber. I asked this guy standing next to me if I could shoot his HK .45 just to test this out....no grip problems. I am not sure if I'm afraid of the pistol. I don't flinch in my musculature (have tested this out several ways) but do occasionally close or blink my eyes (I'm working through this - trying to keep my eyes open and focus on the sights). I'd love to go to some shooting school or get instruction, but don't have the money to travel and don't know of anybody around these parts (West Virginia) that could help. I'll keep trying to get relaxed...I'll tell ya though, when I'm really relaxed, the muzzle really climbs and I couldn't ever imagine getting fast this way....I guess I really have a lot to learn.

well, yesterday I went out and shot 50 rounds where I was barely gripping the gun and just shooting in a relaxed fashion (I can do this with my 1911, but not my Glock as it apparently will have limp-wrist related problems)....is there something I may be missing?

First off, hello....I've been lurking here a little while and really have enjoyed the threads. I've really been needing help with my grip...BAD! It's getting to the point where I actually come home from the range unhappy. Here's the problem: as I am shooting, my weak hand (right hand...I'm a leftie) loosens up and I need to readjust between shots...sometimes it comes off the gun by an inch or so. I've read Brian's book, Matt Burkett's book, and have watched Matt's entire video series. I've tried having more experienced shooters diagnose the problem. They all say that the grip "looks" right (of course, we all know this means little b/c the grip has to function). I have grip tape on the front strap, checkered grip panels, and a 30 lpi mainspring housing, so it's not for lack of grip as far as I can tell. I've experimented with lots of little adjustments, but none seem to keep my darn weak hand solidly on the gun and strong hand. What I *think* is going on is that as the gun is travelling rearward, it's simply coming out of the weak hand. *ANY* help or feedback would really be appreciated. Thanks in advance and I'll be looking forward to your replies.