How to Grip a Handgun. Robert Vogel, Field Notes Ep.50

SureFire Field Notes is a multi-segment informational video series with tips and techniques from subject matter experts of all backgrounds. In this episode, Robert Vogel of Vogel Dynamics discusses the proper technique in gripping a handgun for fast and accurate shooting.
If you have an idea on a suggested topic, be sure to drop us a line in the comments section!
Robert Vogel is a professional marksman, competition shooter, and National/World champion. He is the only Law Enforcement Officer ever to win World and National Championships in the Practical Pistol Disciplines of IPSC, IDPA and USPSA.
www.vogeldynamics.com/
www.surefire.com/

[@dipsetny9291]

I never thought about Twerking the hands inwards when gripping a handgun. No one I heard ever said that. So I went to the range and did just that and my groups at 15 yards were pretty much close together. I was geeked up about it. I swear that’s a technique that nobody has mentioned, but Mr.Vogel.

[@rodymonster]

Dude I went to the range after I saw this video and I had a revelation. BY FAR TO ME! the best explanation of gun grip I've ever seen.

[@marcinhachaj8525]

Thats how I feel right now

[@pieceofmind8421]

100%

[@dipsetny9291]

The twerking the wrist inward was new to me. I never did that and when I did implement it. The S&W M&P 9mm I was shooting didn’t move at all in my hands. It’s a technique that no one really talks about.

[@gabrielfelixmunoz739]

this video has to be the best. I've watched hundreds of videos from former SOF guys, and none of them are this concise yet explanatory

[@JustDefense]

Reached out to Bob once (can’t remember how I managed to do that), and he was very responsive and polite. Humble, down to earth, not full of himself. Thanks for posting.

[@kmarshall131]

Best Explanation of correct grip on the internet.

[@kw2519]

I’ve linked it to so many people. I’ve watched it dozens of times.

[@m4rvinmartian]

But it isn't though. Everyone is just copying everyone else without putting any intellectual thought into it. Not one person that has told you how to hold a gun, knows a damn thing about hands and fingers. This is a stupid way to hold a gun.

[@Noah-mk8wf]

@@m4rvinmartian I guess an 11 time national shooting champ knows nothing about grip😂😂🤡

[@rossriley2719]

3:55 That holster was so clean.

[@StoonRay1]

I have scoured KZbin for shooting instruction. Lots of good stuff out there… But this made so much sense to me!. It’s the best video on shooting grip I’ve ever seen!!

[@rundmm]

Mostly because this guy is a master at what he does.

[@attakconsulting]

This is the be all- end all discussion on grip. Frankly, Bob should be involved in modifying the gen 6 Glock if they want to tout “perfection” Get rid of the stupid “import” relief divot where the support hand gets almost all of its pressure and move or position/protect the slide release so you can grip higher and still get slide lock! When I spoke with Bob during a class, for his IDPA mags he would put longer springs to get them to lock open when empty .

[@jam00723]

I have been having a hard time trying to figure where to put pressure with the grip to drive the gun. This video explained this very well!

[@ralphyboy3856]

Freeeeee training right here basic, from one of the BEST SHOOTERS IN THE COUNTRY

[@TariqKhan-xt5qs]

I have been watching video after video on youtube about this topic and this is hands down the best video. 1. He is actually informative. 2. He is demonstrating what happens when the grip is wrong 3. He demonstrates what happens when the grip is correct. 4. He even shows you those micro-signs or movements that you might not think of to diagnose if you are holding your gun incorrectly. Too many videos on KZbin are just a bunch of guys going BLAH,BLAH,BLAH. this video is truly informative and helpful

[@Gaverny]

This is gold!

[@gritsguitar]

Most helpful video on this topic I have found on KZbin. Thank you for your attention to detail how to grip the firearm.

[@alpha2957]

Respect! Thanks for this video. Between you and JJ Racazza's informative videos, I've improved my marksmanship tremendously. It's day and night when it comes to using proper Grip technique with proper trigger manipulation. Thank you!!!! 💯💯😁😁👍👍

[@ibfishy3878]

Bought my first and second pistols this year and this is the information I was looking for. Well done.

[@williamwinn948]

Honestly this changed everything for me.

[@chrisdiceart]

Finally somebody explains the "Snatch Grip"! Now I just need a week or 10 of dry fire to make it permanent . Thank you Robert Vogel! :)

[@sulatlalaki]

Superb. Plus, you show how badass lethal/accurate you are...PROVING that what you are teaching/doing cannot be argued against.

[@michaellane7991]

Just wanted to say thank you very much for sharing for everyone to learn from!

[@mikewapex781]

Best explanation on the matter period.

[@pjc4425]

This left handed 92fs-M9A1 Compact user thanks you. For many years I've straight thumbed all good until picking up a Beretta. My support thumb always drifted on trigger bar making for very uncomfortable range session. Using your technique resolved issue being had thanks again.

[@jayryan2900]

Holy crap I had know idea . Thank you very much!

[@disco4535]

If you a vice for a grip, it doesn't matter how you pull the trigger because the sights can't move if the gun is locked in place. Grip is more important than trigger control

[@Broachpopper]

You watch this over and over and you take something new depending on your progress each time.

[@tdotson66]

Outstanding video. Thanks for posting. 👍👍

[@terrybaird3122]

OK Bob, you have convinced me. I am going to try to put this into practice but it will not be easy. Thinking about the small details is a sure way to psych myself out, but it is also the only way to change. I am actually pretty happy with my shooting as is, but I am never really satisfied if I think I can do better. I have been dry running it, but today we will do some shooting. Maybe this old dog can learn a new trick.

[@bach1958]

Bob is so right I just stared doing torqueing like that and it makes a huge difference. Also gets the chest muscles involved.

[@JohanlastZa]

This is how I was taught to hold and shoot a handgun by my dad. Grip strength is key for shooting on target all the time.

[@jackroyaltea5034]

Well that and making sure that your trigger pull is center and doesn’t sway your gun one way or the other. There is a difference between squeezing and pulling but it’s subtle. Before my dad ever let me fire a round he loaded up a magazine with those red “dry fire” bullets. They have no charge or projectile but they give the gun a similar to loaded weight and something about the firing pin for repeated dry fire. Anyway he made practice over and over until I would rapid fire without me moving the tip of the gun. I was young so he only let me practice supervised. When I got to the range none of the other people there believed it was my first time shooting a gun. I wasn’t hitting bullseyes but my grouping was tight. My dad has that target framed. I still have it. All 15 rounds fit inside a folded dollar bill. So it’s a square. Because he did that I fell in love with shooting because I saw a reward for my hard work. I was a kid so my grip strength couldn’t have been stellar. I was ten or eleven. As I got older and started collecting guns I found that I loved rapid fire challenges at different vectors. You should try it if you haven’t. It’s a blast.

[@abrahamvargas3858]

I have figured out that just like a golf club I can over grip a pistol. If I go more than 50% grip my sights move in weird directions rather than up and down.

[@peters303]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@kingqbert6819]

Really helpful info and easy to follow.

[@pieceofmind8421]

Thank you so much for the awesome explanation!!!

[@lu77xiaojun37]

Thank You for Posting This.

[@dondacarter776]

Exquisite video of knowledge and advice

[@cia290]

Will always remember my class with you!!

[@RS-js9cr]

How was the class, was it priced high?

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

THANKS FOR THE TUTORIAL MAN!

[@ralphyboy3856]

many videos on grips but this right here is ON POINT, that wrist canted foward is a little uncomfortable but with more practice and more wrist workout it can be done.

[@mikeholman4284]

Excellent video. I learned more about the dynamics of grip than I knew, for sure. One of my worries is the my supporting hand's thumb will rest so high on the side of the gun that the slide will cut it when I fire. That seems to be mitigated by reaching as far forward with my thumb as I can. It's not about being able to grip it if you've got time. It's about being able to grip it properly when you don't have time. I chose the Taurus G3C, and I'm trying to learn every dimple on that gun, by feel. Bottom line? No substitute for many hours of practice. Great videos like this are an absolute godsend.

[@JSledge825]

This was way better thoughts put into shooting that I’ve seen out of SO MANY people all saying just to point your thumb forward. That turning of the hand inwards makes more sense than the “thumb” method. I always considered the shooting hand is doing most of the work. But to torque your hand inwards nearly death gripping it makes sense.

[@mcooper3530]

Great video!

[@nopro5433]

“WOW” What a Difference I always try to grip it as high as possible have the Q5 match and that is extra important because of a higher bore.Tried this and actually lines my HS507K up better on Target on natural Draw.Thanks for sharing that’s probably a $300 1 Day class🇺🇸🍻🎯

[@umami0247]

Have his trigger it's excellent. And have been using this grip tech and it works.

[@polaris30000]

This is awesome to know. I am a beginner with handguns and have been working hard to correct my shot groupings.

[@user-pv9pv4xf9c]

My best advice is watch Lucas Botkin from Trex arms or Larry Vickers for shooting tips and advice. IMO it's almost impossible to really understand what Bob is actually doing. It's probably one of those things where you have to have him instruct you and see what you're doing wrong in person. But Lucas has some awesome videos that I think anyone can understand. This is a GREAT vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raKvfKCMrcdnjbs

[@Rustebadge]

Great video and info. Been shooting for a long time and its nice to see more instructors paying attention to a "working" grip. I learned a lot about recoil management in a firearms instructor guidebook titled "Beyond the Muzzle" by a retired police fight/firearms instructor named Bettis. There are a lot of ways to "skin a cat" and they all have merit. Since my world is fighting and not competitive shooting, the book was more direct to my needs. The book is really about being a better firearms instructor but I picked up a lot from it. Not sure where I got it but a search should find it. Again, fun video - clear and concise. Great shooting too.

[@packer492]

Great stuff

[@squirtreynolds2853]

This dudes info is so helpful. I can’t stop seeing the coach from the Friday night lights show when I see him tho lol. That or David arquette.

[@footba11fan41ife]

Lmao coach Taylor

[@dennisconner2472]

Holy shit! You are spot on with coach Taylor!!! Now I can’t see anything else

[@NaturalEnquirer]

Great video

[@nighthawk7667]

Great video, thanks man. 👊😎🇺🇲

[@ScottAT]

Be advised, with a revolver do not allow your support hand’s thumb to be past the cylinder, or you might regret it. With a .38, no biggy, slight burn but with a .454 Casoull you might need to go to the hospital from the small gas seep blowing past the cylinder front (example).

[@BrassStacks]

Mythbusters did an experiment about this and it's pretty impressive. They stitched some chicken together to simulate a hand and it was nasty. Not the type of thing you'd do twice.

[@rdecker62]

I suffered from this when shooting for the 1st time. It’s was a 357 and without knowing any better I rolled my support hand to high and got burnt. I think they called it blow back. Part of my hand went numb and I actually thought I blow off some fingers. I didn’t know what had happened they just said I turned ghost white.

[@cosmolinefiend9853]

Yes!!

[@joshroten3997]

Simple, to the point. Helped my follow-up shots a ton!

[@MrBisdak]

Informative. Thanks

[@michaeldelossantos8648]

thanks robert💪

[@yunassaxer7119]

Thank you!

[@philipb2958]

How do you avoid riding the slide stop? Or do you just press on it and prevent slide lock anyway?

[@venomgt7299]

Im trying this technique at the range tomorrow

[@MrJaydeep777]

When you put your support hand that far forward, you end up putting your hand on the slide lock and you end up engaging in the slide lock. I don’t see how you can possibly get around this.

[@e.arturblair3379]

tungjatjeta Robert! me origjine besoj se nga Elbasani je. me behet shume qejfi per zotesine! pak kohe kam qe po shkoj ne poligon per qitje dinamike dhe tani kam filluar te kuptoj rendesine e gjerave qe the. qofsh mire! shpresoj mos e kesh harruar gjuhen!

[@perrseb5772]

Thanks!

[@mpac418]

I agree with everything that bob said and he would know more than I do. Unless you are shooting an older p226 or p229, or you live in California and can only buy the older Sigs, when I shoot high grip on the support hand, which I do and teach. The slide won't lock because my support hand is hitting the slide lock on the last shot, and won't lock the slide to the rear. On the P226 legion they have a smaller slide lock to adjust to the modern pistol grip. FYI

[@torkrench]

when Bob speaks...I listen

[@jpdmeek]

Good vid

[@luisarroyo6594]

Excellent

[@diegomontejo4657]

Thank you for your advise champiom

[@Tacticaldynamicsforce]

2023. Great 👍

[@nelsonenaccion4x424]

Thanks great video i have an request my freind o question tips for aiming and aligning the sight eye closed or both open THANKS

[@Garymayo]

Kudos to what you have accomplished,,,,,,, however what do you think Glock put the pattern for on the front of the trigger guard for? Hint, it’s not a hat rack.

[@CHEECHMUN]

Wow!!!

[@robert5117]

Thanks uncle Bobby

[@RC-du9nu]

my god. just watched your grip video from 2014. your voice aged my friend lol as does everyones but just wild, i had to check to see if i was watching the same person

[@richlabombard6780]

You sound like a lot of fun to hang around with.

[@JV-tk9yn]

I did the same thing, he seems 15 years older here 🤯

[@fitdoc565]

Love the bracelet Rob ✊🏾

[@rfcdgaf]

ROfl someones text ringtone in the background

[@coldcanuck6091]

It's those damned clowns again.

[@furmanparton6740]

It was killing me, too. Lol.

[@01MeuCanal]

What do you think about isometric tension?

[@Quality_Guru]

How far out are you pushing out your arms? Are your elbows locked.

[@MrThrock09]

I’ve been searching for information for left handed grip? Any suggestions!

[@DIYDad1]

4:10 you talk about torquing your arms inward and your shoulders go up, elbows look locked out. I’ve had instructors tell me you need to keep your elbows bent when shooting, wrists are the only thing that should be locked out, shoulders relaxed not up, so your head doesn’t come down and stays in a natural position. I’m confused which way is the right way as there seems to be multiple schools of thought on proper grip techniques. Any thoughts on this? Maybe I’ll just have to try a few different ways next time I’m at the range.

[@jerrybrunson895]

I see that your comment was a year ago and taking that in consideration, perhaps you have found the grip & stance technique that works for you. Massad Ayoob makes a great point about everyone's hands aren't the same (size mainly), as is how ALL OF THE DIFFERENT handguns on the market vary greatly in size that directly involves the size of grips. Shooters that have (or carry) more than one type of pistol, might need to modify their grip for each accordingly. Your comment, as well written and technically accurate as it was, tells me that guys like you and me will benefit from not over-thinking it, but focusing on the principle of safely controlling recoil. Different techniques work for different shooters.

[@tintejoemel2965]

Sir. Can i do that kind of grip with same tention of my both hand?

[@cuddzilla]

I need to find a pro to help with my grip. I'm an amputee(missing middle/ring/pinky on right hand). Trying to get a good, consistent, effective grip is difficult. I can shoot accurately, but trying double-taps...hammer....having issues.

[@tonym.5223]

I say go for the mechanics of said grip; see how it helps with recoil control. If you have smaller hands, don't try to copy the exact grip.

[@papertiger6118]

Yes, some people will have to modify this grip technique slightly because of differences in their hands or pistols. Most of the best competition and combat shooters use variations that are contradictory. But, they basically use the same grip as in the vid.

[@shuumai]

Support thumb is curling down. Any significance or just personal preference/natural tendency?

[@benjaminuffermann]

i have the same bracelet 🤩

[@phillipkleinman8726]

Robert, what adjustments would you make for an elderly man with small hands?

[@mikejaan66]

Does he grip the front portion of the trigger guard?

[@2011dylane]

How should I grip with my left hand if I have arthritis in my left wrist and unable to cant it forward?

[@growing367]

1:20 1:50 2:28 3:20+ 3:53 4:14 4:39

[@longgone9869]

That point here is call bore axis

[@KUTZUM4]

Damn the way I shoot with this grip

[@christianhardwick6530]

What about a euro grip with the support hand index finger on the trigger mkay

[@campodedemolicion]

👍

[@davidmgarner]

Vogel is the real deal. I am the best marksman I know. I don’t know Bob Vogel. Yet.

[@martintangman366]

Tip: both thumbs don't do anything, they're just along for the ride.

[@SONofLIBERTY]

Boom

[@compasslife6658]

How do you feel about using the weak hand index finger on the front of the trigger guard?

[@pnwadventurist]

Of the people I see hold it like that, they tend to not be able to control recoil very well, especially when rapid firing.

[@timc6026]

Look up Eric Grauffel, Jerry Miculek or his daughter lena.

[@ComeOnPelican91]

@@timc6026 and Yong Lee

[@scottinohio701]

@@pnwadventurist Angus Hobdel ,These guys seem to shoot pretty good!!! LOL

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

If you got BIG ass hands

[@nic5889]

When I use this grip my slide doesn't lock on the last bullet. Is that normal? Glock 19 Gen 3.

[@nightfury6836]

Can these techniques & methods be used while shooting "on the move?" Because static shooting is groovy when paper don't shoot back lol. Awesome vid as usual; Vogel seems like an awesome instructor.

[@ethangshooting21]

They definitely can be. /watch?v=4B-5CtUDXxs

[@babysmasher]

I took a class with Robert this past summer. He did some shooting on-the-move, and he was just as effective. His footwork is surprisingly explosive, too.

[@fkylw]

How would you do this with a smaller grip like the G26?

[@winstonsmiths2449]

What brand of pistol is he using? The grip angle seems to much/angled back. Also, the beaver tail is pretty much missing on that pistol.

[@ryanday9737]

Looking for some feedback.... I get a blister on the knuckle of my middle finger where it contacts the bottom of the trigger guard. When I grip tightly with the pincher grip Vogel talks about, that is the natural place my middle finger ends up. I can wrap my hand more fully around the grip so the knuckle is under the trigger guard, however, it then becomes a chore to,drop my trigger finger into the guard. I've tried the different back straps already, they don't effect the position of my middle finger, it's whether or not I am wrapping my finger around the grip more or not. So...the question...which is correct? Is this what I've heard is "glock knuckle"?

[@NDcompetitiveshooter]

If you are doing it right, you should develop a blister on your middle finger (aka Glock knuckle). Some try to modify their pistol to reduce this point of contact to make it more comfortable; however, you then loose that aggressive point of contact on the gun and the control it provides. So what do you do? I suggest dry practicing 15 minutes about 5 days a week with a full strength grip and shooting at least once per week. You want to slowly develop a callous there that allows you to put lots of pressure without blistering. If you are going to do a lot of shooting 500-1000 rds per day (say for a training class), use tape on that knuckle to protect the skin as needed. There is a rubbery durable foam tape that you can wrap around your knuckle as needed to practice. I can tell you that Bob Vogel does not reduce the corner on the trigger guard to avoid Glock knuckle and has the largest Glock knuckle callous I've seen from doing lots of dry practice and live shooting.

[@darnytoads]

KZbin taught me I have no idea how to hold the firearm. Lol. My right thumb feels like it's going to get pinched and my left thumb floats in the air or touches the trigger housing. New tricks are needed I guess. Lol

[@Leftypinay87]

Which Glock model are you using in the video? 🤔 I want one. 🤓✌️

[@curtg5654]

g34

[@waynenoname]

It is a Gen3 G34 with the following changes: 4 lb. FP spring with 3-4 coils cut off Extra power trigger spring, with spring tab bent to increase tension more About 0.007" cut off the FP lug Trigger breaks at about 1lb. 10 oz. with very short reset Federal primers, because they are the most sensitive 3.2 Titegroup 147 gr. bullets Quite a bit of "loving" honing and polishing Vogel sights with a 1.220" tall front sight and red fiber optic. Piece of skate tape super-glued to bottom of back strap to keep hand high on back strap I'm sure there is more, but this is all I know. His guns, other than springs and sights are very stock!

[@waynenoname]

Correction: Front sight is 0.220" tall.

[@billapplegate4068]

Thank you for all of your instructional videos Bob. We obviously haven't met, but I know that you know my father fairly well.

[@theedcguy0735]

🤗💯