Ask The Instructor: Get A Grip

Question: Why do I see some shooters with their fingers along the barrel when they shoot?

Answer: What constitutes a “proper grip”? To a certain extent, the grip of the lead hand around the fore end of the shotgun, is individualized. Afterall, some shooters are more flexible in the wrist area than others. With that said, there are three criteria that I use to evaluate a grip. First, the grip must maximize flexibility and control of the movement of the shotgun, and allow the front hand the unrestricted ability to lead the shotgun to the target. While the shotgun should move with a unity of effort, with both hands working together, it is the front hand that points the shotgun at the target. Therefore, the front hand must have good control over the front of the gun, while at the same time being free of tension, allowing the hands to respond to the messages being transmitted by the brain. A shooter that grips the for end between the thumb and forefinger, with the remaining three fingers dangling below, would not qualify as a grip that promotes good control. Secondly, a good grip must allow uninterrupted visual connection with the target from the moment of target acquisition through shot execution. It must not occlude, block or impede the visual connection between the eye and the target. Have you ever seen a shooter shoot with their thumb over the rib? This point should be fairly obvious. The hands cannot accurately move to the target if the brain’s connection to the target is interrupted. Lastly, I strongly favor a grip in which the front index finger is pointing outward, downrange, and parallel to the barrel(s). I grant you that this last requirement is more technique than principal, but it is nevertheless an important one. When the body is strongly aligned with the shotgun in a manner that minimizes tension, the chances of accurate interception of the target are higher. The forefinger subliminally suggests to our brain that we are pointing the shotgun at the intended target, rather than aiming it.