Thumbs Up for Good Shooting
Today we are going to give a big thumbs up to good shooting. The way we hold our firearms when we shoot affects our accuracy, but there isn’t much we can do to improve our hold, or is there? Let’s give good shooting a big thumbs up!
Gripping a firearm is a simple concept. You grasp it in one hand and support that grasp with the other. Easy enough, right? But there is more to good shooting than simply holding your gun.
Thumbs up
What do you do with your thumbs while shooting? Of coarse we all know to keep them away from moving parts, that’s a mistake I’m sure we have all made several times. But where exactly should you place your thumbs? Competition shooters have started placing there thumbs down and against their fingers.
Thumbs down.
I have learned a different approach. I was having issues with the smoothness of my trigger pull. To solve this issue I was taught to give shooting a big thumbs up. Instead of placing your thumbs in the down position, lift them up. Moving your thumbs up releases the tendons in your hand and gives your fingers more movement and flexibility. Try it for yourself.
Thumbs up!
Give a thumbs up and slowly mimic pulling the trigger, very slowly and smoothly. Now place your thumb down against your hand and slowly mimic pulling the trigger. See the difference. Which is easier to you. Most I have done this with agree it is easier with their thumb up.
Next time you are shooting try giving shooting a big thumbs up and see how it works for you. It’s not easy to change the habbit, but if it increases my accuracy I’m willing to make the change.
What do you think about giving shooting a thumbs up? Let’s hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
I don’t agree. My experience in combat shooting is that standing still at a range is almost never a stance used in the real world. One hand shooting, shooting from cover, kneeling, prone, even shooting while moving all require a firm grip. Having your thumb or thumbs off the grip might well cause loss of the weapon, or a minimum loss of accuracy. When preparing for self defense, muscle memory and force of habit developed from the consistent use of a standard grip may well save your life. What you do in the relaxed atmosphere of a casual shooting session at the range will do little to prepare you to save your life, or the life of another.
I agree with sam’s comments so I will not repeat them. I will add that in addition to compromising weapon retention, you may cause a weapon malfunction as well. I also debate the physiology you cite regarding the relaxation of tendons; personally, I find no difference. I am a veteran, a LEO and have been firearms instructor for many years. This is not something I would teach anyone to use but I wish you good luck.