What Is the RIGHT Way to Hold a Handgun? (How To Grip And Shoot Your Handgun)

[@USCCAOfficial]

VOTE: Comment what video topic you want Kevin to go over next? ⬇️

[@prainvideo]

Sighting in Red Dot and co-witnessing.

[@Cornish_Co]

Do a few short videos (shorts) on gun failures and fixes. The 20 min video is great but a few rapid fire videos would be great for those with a short attention span.

[@shawnloper7202]

@@Cornish_Co you j

[@BC-ik1uk]

Shooting right hand dominant but left eye dominant! Which to me, looks like Kevin is doing! Am I correct?

[@kms7852]

Using Covers and shooting tactically

[@vensheaalara]

Lol. "Don't booger-hook the bang switch". Well-said.

[@Hiflier35thCAG]

I heard it referred to as a "booger picker" . Never heard it as booger hook, but its just as funny and easy to remember, especially when the instructor yells "booger hook" when looking at ya

[@salty_terminal_civilian5374]

It's a common term in the USMC.

[@johncox2865]

Hey, I noticed that too ;) When I shared this with my brother-in-law, I quoted Kevin in the email.

[@mikecampbell5856]

This is a great beginner tutorial for new shooters. I am glad that instructors are stressing trigger discipline. I was born in 1957 and everybody in the older days would pick up a gun and the finger would go right to the trigger. My dad, my uncles, my grandpa, everybody, myself included. It took me awhile to stop doing it. Even today my finger wants to go right to the trigger.

[@BigJon410]

Plus I like you show if the trigger finger is not not on the trigger then we know where the trigger finger should be.

[@SimplePhotoshopTutorials]

Yeah I agree it’s great for beginners! I’ve just moved to the US and am completely new to firearms so thankfully I’ve not had time to develop bad habits and am able to learn proper trigger discipline from videos like this

[@mikecampbell5856]

@@SimplePhotoshopTutorials Welcome!

[@SimplePhotoshopTutorials]

@@mikecampbell5856 thanks man! Can’t wait until I can legally buy my own gun 😁

[@vedymin1]

Would be good to talk about the whole body posture, how arms should be positioned etc in the next vid.

[@USCCAOfficial]

That is a great suggestion!

[@jameshopkins4833]

Last time I went to the range my shots were pretty much all low and either left or right. Today I used the technique shown here and fired a full 19-round clip and got all but one in the X-ring or white ring surrounding it. I was amazed and very pleased at the difference my grip made in my shooting. Thanks for the tips!

[@damagecontrol7]

magazine!

[@flyoverkid55]

Solid basics, always a good foundation. They don't guarantee accuracy however. Some shooters struggle with flinching, blinking, and some don't even know which is their dominant eye. All of these things can be corrected through individual training.

[@olicc]

I've been shooting recreationally for most of my life. I don't considering myself an expert by any means, but based on number of rounds down range I think its fair to claim I'm intermediate. Never had any training other than my uncles. Before purchasing my P365 XL as my Concealed Carry, I never really thought about how I hold a gun... I just held it, and my shots went generally where I wanted them to... I held it the same way I did when I held my toy pistols when playing cops and robbers with my friends in the yard when I was 8. But I quickly noticed that the P365 didn't feel comfortable or secure in my hands. There didn't seem to be enough room for my support hand and my pinky doesn't quiet fit on the handle... As you would expect being right handed and with a poor grip, my shots typically go down and to the left... Since my grip issues with my P365 I've started spending more time thinking about grip, and stance, and trigger pull, and just about everything trying to get my groups better on that tiny little pistol. Some days I do better, then others I regress again... All that to say, I appreciated this video and your explanation on how to hold it, particularly the support hand. I'm going to try to use these principals and stick to them until the issue goes away rather than constantly trying to make changes for a quick fix.

[@KakistocracySurvivor]

This reminds me of my Military basic training in 1984. In my world this is basic and excellent refresher training that is a yearly mandatory requirement before qualifying with your weapon. Love this, great information and well presented with brilliant humor. Only thing missing is body position, breathing and mental mindset, but it’s basic fundamentals of marksmanship everyone should practice. I am saving this in my favorites for later viewing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Kelpe1925]

Also didn't explain the importance of straight arms, compared to slightly bent as seen in many movies. Kinda important in my opinion. Also, low ready is for losers. Compressed is the only way.

[@bbrooks0909]

Loved the video. To me, it speaks to beginners as well as more seasoned users. As beginners we are enthusiastic about learning all about our fire arm and how to use it correctly. As seasoned users, we have become comfortable with our fire arm. The danger here is becoming more than comfortable; we can become complacent. Complacency kills. Reviewing this video periodically, if not frequently, can help keep beginners and seasoned users alike, al8ve, and well. Thanks so much for teaching the foundations of how to hold and fire a pistol correctly.

[@robertlorimer843]

I know this is an older video but it was nice seeing 1 handed shooting addressed. I'm a paraplegic with pretty crappy balance due to paralyzed core muscles, 2 hand shooting will just pull me on my face unless I scoot my butt forwards in my chair first, takes too much time. So I learned to shoot very well with one hand. My other hand is locked on my left wheel squeezing my back rest frame into my side. It keeps me balanced and mobil if I need to move somewhat.

[@brockhowell2296]

Just got my first .9 yesterday, immediately took it to the range and it takes some getting used to. I definitely have to practice the grip so much more intricate than shooting a rifle.

[@mikethefireman6696]

Left eye dominant right handed shooter? Could be a useful video to discuss eye dominance.

[@josecarlospratesfilho7791]

🖐

[@joemorales6180]

As a new gun owner, and having USCCA as my back protector, im glad to watch this video. Just what I needed!

[@USCCAOfficial]

That is great to see you found value in it, Joe!

[@rickbyo8643]

Have listened to a very well known champion shooter discuss experimenting with your index finger(and possibly middle finger also) wrapped across the front of the trigger guard. Have tried it. As long as the pressure is straight back it’s cool. I experimented with it but have returned to a traditional grip. Not everyone will do everything the same way.

[@gregoryfoster8179]

I learned pistol shooting in the Corps during the 70s, only as a close combat weapon since as a grunt we were primarily focused on the M-16. I am certainly no expert but I learned with thumbs down to tighten the grip for stability in firing and to prevent losing it in a c.c. scenario. I had not fired since leaving the Corps until 2012 and since then I've been noticing this thumbs up and along the slide BS. I have assumed it is ideal for target shooting and competition shooting maybe but to me seems less than ideal for a defender. I'm getting reasonably tight, effective groups at 25 yards so haven't changed. I just hope all y'all 'thumbs up' folks don't have your gun snatched out of your hands if you ever have a close encounter.

[@Eddie87Grant]

Thank you for pointing out my errors on gripping the pistol even though I’ve been shooting on and off for years. I was taught incorrectly now I’m on the right path in putting bullets down range where I want on the target.

[@Ozasuke]

At this point, I'd like there to be a chance to win free ammo...

[@kingjah4786]

Facts lol

[@ronald6138]

a life time supply ho yah

[@ImDavidBlade]

You still a member?

[@zoeyshoots]

Flesh on the gun to keep it from escaping, is the biggest take away I got from the video. Thanks 👍🏻

[@jeffd5113]

this is perfect for beginners for sure. Plus for all of those who train others....follow this as well.

[@builderxx]

EXCELLENT point

[@dennisdamenace.8181]

I have seen videos teaching the same safety gun handling. But good to get a refresher. Thank you.

[@USCCAOfficial]

We are glad you appreciate it, Dennis!

[@tommyallen3603]

Excellent training for beginners! ( and good reminder for us"experts" as well.)

[@barbsterback]

My nephew kept complaining about his rounds pulling, I asked if he was anticipating and he said no. I asked to see his grip. First thing I noticed was his finger over the trigger guard. I showed him a correct grip and he didn't believe me but tried it the next time he went to the range. Surprise! No more pulling to one side. Right on target. I am not an expert but know the grip was one very important part of getting your rounds on target.

[@wushock92]

Excellent job, Kevin. Entertaining and informative at the same time. Well done, sir.

[@Redvibes020]

Where do you get that red training gun in the beginning of the video? I want that so much!

[@paulhastings3109]

Kevin you are so much help

[@USCCAOfficial]

We are happy to help, Paul!

[@truthweallknow]

Don't forget to cover the Three Amigos

[@timlewis994]

I only shoot one-handed and it happens to be my offhand ( left ) . I do use the larger grip on my g19 so I don't get slide bite . I also use a slight cant great content

[@shitbird9429]

I'm assuming there's a very good reason you don't use your dominant hand?

[@timlewis994]

@@shitbird9429 the same reason I don't use my legs they don't work

[@shitbird9429]

@@timlewis994 Good on you for carrying. How do you manipulate the slide and all that? I don't really care for red dots on a concealed piece but they are great for one handed racks

[@timlewis994]

@@shitbird9429 my EDC is a Glock 19 of course I carry One in the Chamber. I use a M-Tac chest pack with a quick release with a universal velcro holster because I can't carry on either side because of my wheelchair arms . I use a recovery tactical slide rack assist . a rare earth magnet attached to my chair arm I can dump my mag and reload one handed . I use a strikeman laser training system to practice this process

[@margaretrohde2860]

Great instructional video - it can never be stated enough “keep your finger OFF the trigger until you are ready to shoot.”

[@LouSassle324]

Great information! Still found useful information from this video as a somewhat "experienced" handgun shooter

[@billrichcreek7272]

How do you enter the contest if you are already a member ?

[@USCCAOfficial]

All you have to do is log on to your Member Dashboard!

[@billrichcreek7272]

@@USCCAOfficial than what? No place to register for contests

[@MartyBugg]

Downward wrist lock with support hand help with control and follow up.

[@David-bf6pl]

Beginner here. Do the elbows need to be locked out?? Thank you for the replies.

[@Gruuvin1]

"Booger hook on the bang switch" That's enough lesson for me!

[@ericnorteman5341]

Good video but id like to see the two thumb orientation. Ive seen thumbs wrapped and seperate.

[@mkb9570]

Wow you must have known I just recently purchased some handguns and needed this training. Thank you for this

[@vayabroder729]

Great information. Thank you!

[@USCCAOfficial]

You are welcome!

[@br4nd0nh347]

What about thumb over thumb?

[@Centannicocktails]

Thank you for the few chuckles!! Excellent video!!❤

[@JayChill01]

Does the thumb on the left hand need to be below the slide so when it pulls back, you won't get cut?

[@philipfreeman72]

Good info I would add weak side forward .

[@ubreakitirepairit3569]

I’ve watched a lot of videos, and one thing that I don’t see anyone talk about, is how much your dominant hands fingers should be wrapped around the grip. I still struggle a bit with trying to figure out if the second joint in my fingers should be directly underneath the trigger guard (facing forward) or if the flat part of my fingers (between the first joint and second joint), should be underneath the trigger guard. Maybe that’s personal preference or dependent on the size of one’s hand / gun grip?

[@patregan2515]

I didn't realize my shots would pull to the right from grabbing the trigger guard, very helpful, thanks!!!

[@rickpennington391]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with gripping that way. Competitive shooters like Jerry Miculek says that’s perfectly fine to do.

[@Ba_A]

Missed the target? Well even if you were pointing correctly at said target a common occurrence for the miss is because the gun was moved slightly split seconds before the it fired. Usual causes are pushing or pulling to the left or right side by the the trigger finger or the hand itself.

[@anibalperales1008]

A Question: Is There only one right way to hold a pistola? Or are There several Right trchniques to hold the pistol?

[@RL.Dotson]

I only have who use of my left hand can you show us how it's done with one hand? Do you guys have resources for one-handed shooters?

[@ywe3]

For 1 handed persons firmly grasp the firearm and point at your target with your index and you should be pretty much on target.

[@xxxtentacion3564]

Do the same things apply for shooters with a heavier trigger pull Kevin?

[@JimMortson]

Seems you're left eye dominant. Have you done a video on eye dominance?

[@davidmckibben5130]

Booger hook and bang switch, instant classic.

[@doctormdds]

This video should be a part of every concealed carry class.

[@soderwassercb]

You should do a video on cross dominance. On this specific topic there should be much more content out there. Regards

[@USCCAOfficial]

Thank you for sharing your suggestion on a topic that we can cover, that may be valuable.

[@noelbalmes1450]

An expert’s advice. Thank you!

[@JacksonWalter735]

Should you keep both eyes open or only use your dominate eye?

[@amanhasnoname3447]

Hello. I am by no means an ' expert ' marksman, but I am not a ' bad ' shooter. What I did was I started out very slow and steady making sure I get my ' master ' grip on the weapon. I started out shooting with just my ' dominant eye open until I could get a fairly good shot ' group ' where I was aiming. As I got used to my weapon going off more and more and gained the confidence in handling it, I started to open my other eye. It took awhile until I got used to it. Now I shoot with both eyes open or my less ' dominant ' eye slightly open. You will get used to that. Both eyes open; even if one is slightly open seems to be the most accurate for me. Also, when you close one eye, your peripheral vision is ' lost ' on that side. Close one eye and you'll see what I mean. Both eyes open gives you the best chance in a self-defense scenario. Stay healthy out there. Peace and Freedom for All!

[@Ozaiyah]

Tang andfront and back strap

[@jp2578]

Basic but important information.

[@johncox2865]

My index finger is too long to use the first pad. But, when I use the first joint I cannot pull the trigger without moving the point of aim. Note: I do have a little arthritis in my hands now. Suggestions?

[@okramw1]

I'm sorry but please remember to employ all that in .6 seconds. Nothing you said was specifically wrong, except I know only very experienced shooters know how to shoot accurately. Even at close contact range. That's why so many shots miss. The vast majority of people (& even to a lesser extent, trained officers) will anticipate the firearms recoil, and flinch! In a combat situation I would stress natural pointing; trusting your instincts; & the understanding of your equipment (that is, a discharged firearm will & should rise as a function of phyisics). Rise is normal & acceptable, to be understood & appreciated, but not Anticipated (that leads to flinching). Proper control comes from training & experience. Let's hope ours is superior to our enemies 🙏

[@shanea-sr7942]

How many times has uscca sued atf?

[@DouglasRoatch]

Why can't current members of USCCA enter to win a new gun? The link only goes to activate new memberships.

[@USCCAOfficial]

All you have to do as a member to enter is log into your Member Dashboard, Douglas!

[@matthewrobinson4323]

Excellent video, as always. Do you have a similar video for those of us who carry REAL guns (the kind where the rounds are carried in a revolving cylinder just behind the barrel, where they belong), instead of in a detachable magazine in the grip?

[@ywe3]

No but I have a tip: Get a real gun! But if you choose to refuse you can point and grab (point the gun at the target and grab your wrist or tea cup your shooting hand)

[@matthewrobinson4323]

@@ywe3 LOL. Calm down. My statement was only in jest

[@briangwerder9189]

Thank you

[@TwinGEN22]

Good information in 2024 👊🏻

[@busbyadventures]

😂 booger hook! Kevin cracks me ⬆️

[@13BGunBunny]

I died when you said "boogerhook". 🤣

[@jamespagan9001]

I've only been shooting a year very interesting

[@Brucifer667]

Great video. I'm a beginner and was told I'm left eye dominant. I didn't think that because I usually close my left eye. Any advice?

[@amanhasnoname3447]

What worked for me (right-handed-left-eye-dominant) was going to the range, at 5yrds, shoot 5 with one eye open, then do the same with the other eye open. Check your accuracy. Use the most accurate one. YMMV of course. Wash, Rinse, Repeat! Peace and Freedom to ALL!

[@Brucifer667]

@@amanhasnoname3447 Thank you! will do!

[@saudalblaihed3925]

Perfect video

[@KingdomOfHeavenPictures]

"booger hook"...."DON'T TOUCH IT (the trigger)" Excellent technique AND comedy.

[@nicho868]

Don’t Booger hook the bang switch, lol, straight facts though 💯

[@Vergo_LoneWolf]

Him: "Like other polymer pistols I'm not going to say say the name though" The world: Glock

[@edsullivan5417]

The front of the trigger guard is flat or concave with checkering to enhance WEAPONS RETENTION. At almost all (98%) engagements you are within 21 feet from the bad guy. After almost 50 years as an LEO, 5 deadly force engagements and many armed confrontations with bad guys trying to take my weapon, I never lost the weapon, had it turned on me and double tapped all 5 engagements in the 10 ring. BTW, I NEVER see my weapon within 7 meters from a target.

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

Do you shoot right handed, left eye dominant ?

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

Body position, feet to shoulder spacing would be a good video.

[@montewall6142]

Great video

[@EagleMitch]

Thanks for being clear that these instructions are NOT for revolvers. If you shoot a revolver with that finger on your left hand forward you will burn it or take a chunk out of it on a revolver with the cylinder blow-by.

[@ecobasetech4558]

I have an eye condition called lazy eye and am right eye dominant.I have virtually no useable vision out of my left eye. At most all I have is peripheral vision in my left eye. I don't believe that is sufficient to aim a gun with and be able to hit the intended target

[@ywe3]

Depending on the gun if your holding it properly just point your index finger at the target and you SHOULD be pretty much on with most handguns [glock, colt, sig etc]

[@jawaid1907]

A month ago I bought my first ever Gun, I'm yet to use it as I agree 100% that you need training b4 you use it or to even conceal carry it. So I've applied for membership of a Range where I'll get the required training and practice of Shooting a gun. And I'm yet to fire a single shot, not b4 training.

[@pollodormido2]

You did it wrong. Why would you buy a gun not knowing if you like it!?! You have to go to a range first and rent all guns and try them! Plus shoot other peoples guns and ask them why they bought them. Then you can buy the perfect gun for you.

[@jawaid1907]

@@pollodormido2 I agree with you but somehow I bought it first, and now I'm not going to use it or conceal carry it until I finish my training first.

[@pollodormido2]

@@jawaid1907 ok. What did you bought?

[@jawaid1907]

@@pollodormido2 I've bought Taurus G3C.

[@pollodormido2]

@@jawaid1907 Academy sports?

[@eabaendallbeall7959]

Wanna know the real secret? Put vertical pressure on the firearm not horizontal. Leverage the bottom of your hand against the top like you are trying to touch the bottom of your hands together to cup water. Hope that makes sense

[@PapaD93]

Is it bad to use your real handgun for dry fire training?

[@Truckingforbs]

Thankyou I was holding my Canik all wrong 🤦‍♂️ how ignorant I was for holding a competition pistol like a toddler 😂😅

[@ronniethompson3498]

It was almost like you knew what you were talking about lol good job

[@neosmith80]

so i guess at this point, members aren't going to get an email when new videos drop?

[@jasonallen3181]

a GREAT VIDEO!!!!!!

[@MeOnTech]

Grip of the year. Next year they will go to back to the Tea Cup. Learn to shoot the gun with any grip and with either hand... one handed.

[@miguelgravedeperalta4813]

Never wrap index finger of support hand around the front of trigger guard? Check out “ Stabilize Your Firing Grip with the Wedge Hold-Massad Ayoob on Master Class Ep. 19”

[@60trickpa]

So I cannot win the gun since I am already a member :(

[@paulfiebke3909]

What if you have a trigger on your gun and has 3 levels?

[@nicklandak6882]

I hate love nose revolvers the handle is never big enough for me to get more than two fingers on it and then with the recoil I can never line up my second shot fast enough that's why all my revolvers and handguns are full size

[@bjosch4365]

nick landak ... so no concealed carry then I gather ...

[@williehenton8154]

Awesome

[@codyantrim8700]

Ohh I see im a Tea cup'r 🍵 lol. True story. I had no idea to lay my left side thumb on the lower frame. I never even thought about it.

[@xneet00]

Don't listen to this guy. Tea cup is perfectly fine (necessary if you're firing a revolver). He locks his arms and claims that grip and sights make the bullet go where you want. It's easy to give advice; that's why people give it away freely.

[@captainebola2178]

I’m so sad that I can’t get them in my state

[@kmpls]

You in California?

[@jakesnizzle9385]

Massachusetts?

[@captainebola2178]

@@jakesnizzle9385 Washington state

[@jakesnizzle9385]

@@captainebola2178 Aww man, that sucks.

[@captainebola2178]

@@jakesnizzle9385 ya i though about moving down south somewhere but finding jobs in my field is hard

[@hunter1776]

its crazy how many folks i seen shoot left eye right hand🤔

[@clarryclarry1112]

Booger hook; LMBO!

[@PickleRick849]

Anyone who down votes this eats their boogers.. 100% of the time.

[@taemeister9302]

My sights go all over the place when i fite no matter how hard and proper i grip the pistol

[@Locke-ij5ve]

Treat, Never, Keep, Keep.

[@richardhowe6218]

I have to disagree with the 2 hand grip. I am a new shooter. I used the grip that you are describing on my Taurus G3. It worked really well. I shot my son's Walther with the same grip. As I shot, the slide came back and ripped my left thumb nail in half. I now use what's called " the tea cup' grip" That works for me. .

[@chaseme9860]

This guy is completely wrong about wrapping your index finger around the trigger guard. Glock even textures the surface for this. NRA world champion Lena Miculek uses the trigger guard this way. I've done it and works very well. 5:05 When you play at 0.25 speed you can see his grip isn't doing a thing for him. I can hold my G29 with 220-grain flatter than that.

[@MS-ii6xz]

Wish we could see the other side of the gun better

[@justright4b]

I learned a lot... But I wanted you to finish the tutorial on how you learned to tie your shoes🤔

[@songoku3848]

Glock, there I said it.