What Needs to Happen With the Firing Hand Before Shooting? Learn with USPSA Shooter Rob Epifania

[@brianshuler6951]

I have been seeking an exercise to demonstrate the importance of the pinky and ring finger in the final grip. Your insolation of the "bottom" two fingers in this video may be just what I need to get this point across to others. Thank you.

[@robepifania]

For sure! Keep me updated on how it goes for you - I find this concept to be a crucial aspect of helping people shoot better.

[@Kricket2390]

This is my favorite channel.

[@robepifania]

Thanks so much for that! Glad you're enjoying the content :)

[@alin.a7184]

Very good content, underrated channel..

[@robepifania]

Thanks for watching! I haven't done the best job of getting attention in the past haha but working on that now :)

[@tbenson5966]

Yep!

[@JustinV911]

Weird question, really weird but hope you can help out! tried figuring it on my own but no luck, I have moved my hand over so basically my first knuckle is contacting the trigger guard on my support side, and I get a solid trigger press since the gun is really supported, My question is since this takes up more space on the support side since my palm is more towards the support side do you clamp your support hand first before finalizing your strong hand? Or do you just flag your thumb where it is and build your grip that way? I notice I have different pressures applied to the gun in that case

[@bobl2833]

Clear and accurate.

[@robepifania]

Thanks so much!

[@8Marksman]

Love the videos Rob, I think I've watched them all and it's helped a lot over the last year! I hope your shooters elbow is gone or close. I've been dealing with it for the last few months and have decided that for 2025 I'm going to learn/train/compete using Eric Grauffel's grip technique you highlighted. I've noticed so far it seems more natural to me to not place my support hand index finger over the trigger guard, and instead keep my support hand in the "normal" position, but apply pressures using the post and hook method. From your experience, will I lose anything shooting this way vs. with a finger over the trigger guard? Hope that makes sense. Thanks again for your work and time in putting all these videos together and answering our questions. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@robepifania]

So glad you've been watching and getting value from these videos! My shooter's elbow is basically gone and I've went back to a traditional grip as well, with the exception of holding forward at the shoulder a bit more, and not necessarily crushing as hard with the support hand. I don't see any reason why what you're saying wouldn't work for you, and I'd encourage you to try it and see how it works for you! Have the BEST thanksgiving!

[@lseguias]

Clearly explained…I improved the “flinching” with this tip but still need to work on my downward anticipation. Any other useful advice?

[@robepifania]

I'll be taking a video of a live fire exercise to help with that! Basically speaking, load the gun and remove the mag - try to fire 2 shots and get a BANG and a click. Be highly aware of what happens on the click and work to reduce and eliminate it. Will do wonders for you :)

[@JustinV911]

Weird question, really weird but hope you can help out! tried figuring it on my own but no luck, my hand is over so basically my first knuckle is contacting the trigger guard on my support side, and I get a solid trigger press since the gun is really supported, My question is since this takes up more space on the support side since my palm is more towards the support side do you clamp your support hand first before finalizing your strong hand? Or do you just flag your thumb where it is and build your grip that way? I notice I have different pressures applied to the gun depending which way its built

[@robepifania]

It's not weird at all honestly haha Yes SUPPORT hand is clamped first before the thumb is finalized basically. In my particular case, my thumb stays flagged until my support hand has made full contact and is applying pressure, then it stacks on top. This has been basically the way I've done it for a long time now! Having more support hand available on the side panel will give you better results, as you are already seeing!

[@JustinV911]

@ thanks for the reply ! Will work it out all the way from the draw to make space for my support hand Appreciate it ! Don’t want to build bad habits or wrong doings

[@robepifania]

@@JustinV911 It's all learning my friend! Keep me updated on how it goes and if you have questions :)

[@Platoon_Guide]

🇺🇸

[@robepifania]

yeahhhhh man!

[@tbenson5966]

I grip firmly put not to a point I’m shaking. And that works for me. I was doing 3 target transitions this past weekend and smashed a 2.61. ( All A’s) I’d like to be a bit faster. I kinda leave my “ bird” finger almost limp. Does anyone else do that?

[@robepifania]

Nice!! Yes, I don't actively engage my middle finger and focus pressure toward the ring and pinky finger myself. My middle finger is just there to the point that I don't notice it.