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Which Grip Do You Prefer For SA Revolvers?

  • I prefer the full-hand wrap-around grip.

    Votes: 29 41.4%
  • I prefer the "pinkie-under" grip.

    Votes: 24 34.3%
  • I use both depending on the situation.

    Votes: 15 21.4%
  • Other.

    Votes: 2 2.9%

Poll: Which Grip Do You Use For SA Revolvers

4K views 18 replies 15 participants last post by  Rodfac 
#1 · (Edited)
Which Grip Do You Prefer For SA Revolvers?

I went to the range yesterday with 4 different Ruger SA revolvers to check out a bunch of reloads I had worked up. Three of the revolvers were .45LC and one was a .357Mag. All had traditional "plow-handle" grips on them. I varied my grip on the guns from using a full-hand wrap-around grip to using a "pinkie-under" grip as many use. I couldn't tell any different in accuracy between the grips but I decided I preferred the full-hand grip on the gun primarily because of the way the gun would roll up in my hand under recoil. It was just more comfortable for me. So I am curious as to what grip most SA shooters prefer with your SA revolvers. Which do you prefer, and why?
 
#7 ·
I also have to use the pinkie under grip due to my hand size.
 
#9 ·
Interesting results. Currently the full-hand grip is favored by more than 2 to 1 over the pinkie-under grip. I would have thought the pinkie-under would be more popular just judging by what I have read. Some have said it gives the gun more stability and results in a more stable shooting platform, but in my experience I didn't notice any improvement in accuracy at at all using the pinkie-under. And the full-hand grip just feels more natural to me so guess I'll stick with it. Thanks to all for your comments. Keep them coming.
 
#11 ·
I've got smallish hands and prefer the full-hand grip. I control roll-up by finding a grip material less prone to slide around in my hand. That and not fighting the recoil by locking wrists/elbows but just rolling with it, just the way Elmer Keith said to.
 
#13 ·
I would have thought the pinkie-under would be more popular just judging by what I have read.
I think the pinkie-handers just feel the need to write about it. ;-)
To the rest of us there's nothing to comment on.

So you can guess how I voted!
The idea that the pinky limits roll is fine in theory... Do I really want to stop a magnum handgun with my pinky? no thanks. Tried it. Tho for the Mighty Mitts among us it may be much more comfortable!

-Daizee
 
#14 ·
I'm a pinkie under guy...it helps for grip uniformity, in my usage...and is essential for any sort of accuracy with short guns. I've experimented a lot with the full hand grip, but could not make it work, day in day out, for me. I've got average sized hands, by the way, ie I buy L size gloves at Costco.

I've attached a pic of my two-handed grip...sitting in the old Keith "Long Range" position with back supported by a rock, post, tree trunk etc. Using it, I try to maintain the same grip strength as that when I'm shooting offhand. This keeps my groups going pretty much to the same impact point. Too, I use the old Keith position for all load testing, finding it the most uniform for me...even over the usual sandbag rest position, and allows me to sight in the gun simultaneously for hunting or target use.

For the most part, I shoot only two handed with single actions, resorting to single handed shooting only for defensive training...ie: with automatics or double action revolvers.

I've found that group point of impact shifts from single handed to two-handed shooting...for me the difference is about 2" at 25 yds...and the single action groups are to the left of the two-handed ones. (I'm right handed). Shooting with the weak hand, single handed, groups move in the opposite direction ie: the the right.

All of my hand guns are sighted for two handed shooting, and I make an aiming point adjustment mentally when forced to use only one hand.

HTH's Rodfac

Regards, Rodfac

 
#15 · (Edited)
I'm a pinkie under guy...it helps for grip uniformity, in my usage...and is essential for any sort of accuracy with short guns.
Great post and photo. Thanks. All the guns I was shooting when I was experimenting with my grip had 4 5/8" barrels, so would be classified as "short guns." I couldn't detect any difference in accuracy using either grip but I notice I grip the gun somewhat higher than your photo shows, so that probably helps to explain why the full-hand grip is more comfortable for me. It just goes to show that whatever works for us is what we should use. I'd like to try the "Keith position" but it is not very practical at the range where I shoot.
 
#16 ·
If I wedge all my fingers onto the front strap (they barely fit but can be forced) it guarantees I will bust the knuckle of the middle finger on the back of the trigger guard...particularly with the 44 Mags. Oh, and all my Ruger SAs have the Colt size XR-3 grip frame. Pinky under is much more comfortable and sometimes saves the knuckle (LOL).

Dave
 
#17 ·
I think the "pinkie-under" is more stable for those who use it all the time.

I think a lot of this is "what you're used to".
 
#18 ·
Rodfac, thanks for the comprehensive grip report.
I haven't tried the Keith position yet, but maybe can do it out on the rifle range..

Personally my one-hand/two-hand PoI shift tends to be 2" high with a one-hand grip, presumably due to the faster recoil velocity at the muzzle. I also tend to toss rounds from my single-action a bit low/left, but that's usually lousy trigger technique on my part. I haven't bit the bullet and ordered fatter grips to get a longer LoP yet, tho I keep talking about it...

-Daizee
 
#19 · (Edited)
Yurko, and Daizee...you've hit the nail on the head...it's consistency that produces tight groups....pinkie under or full grip...it's got to be the same from shot to shot, and that means the same amount of "tightness" or squeeze on the grip. A good way to demonstrate the effects are to purposely shoot with a loose grip...a five shot group then shoot another with a strong, tight grip. I find that the tight hard holder grip is easier to maintain consistently. If you shoot 1911's much, a tight grip will help to prevent feeding problems.

The Pinkie Under grip provides another benefit and that is easier cocking and a return to the same grip position and strength. For me there is no comparison, but I readily accept that shooter's have different size and strength hands.

Your comments regarding "what you are used to" are valid...and I would add...experiment until you find the system that suits you, then stick to it.

Like most of us...I love busting caps...be it rapid fire or slow and deliberate and on a variety of targets...but I always reserve a portion of each range session for serious practice...the kind where I pay attention to all the variables and try for perfect technique.

Grip strength and height on the stocks, trigger finger placement, trigger control, sight alignment and picture, the effects of light on sight pictures, breath control....they all have an effect on group size and placement...and I find it good to spend some time thinking through each shot for this serious practice session. I shoot each day here on the KY farm and by far the bulk of my time is with the gun in a hunting or offhand position...when the chips are down and it's venison in the freezer or more serious work, usable field positions are the ones we'll need...sand bags won't be there to help.

Best of regards, in this season of Thanksgiving for our land, the troops and those who love us. Rodfac
 
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