Advanced Marksmanship AR15 firing hand grip pressure?

[NativeCraft]

What is the recommendation on how tightly on should grip the rifle with the trigger-finger hand on an AR15? Pertaining to XTC position shooting, that is.
I remember Gunny Ken Roxburgh saying once in a seminar - "Grip it like a man!"

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: AR15 firing hand grip pressure?

If you squeeze the grip like its somebody's throat you don't like, chances are your index finger will extend into the trigger guard so far you will be making contact with the trigger using the 2nd joint of your finger. I position my hand so the pad of my index finger tip is resting on the trigger, basically all the gripping I'm doing is just with my lower 3 fingers (middle, anular, pinky) pulling the stock into my shoulder. My palm and thumb don't even make contact with the pistol grip. My thumb is up resting against the safety selector (LH). This is what works for me. It may not work for you. There are skinny (narrow profile) grips, and fat grips that take up more palm swell. If you can, go visit a shop that has all those grips in stock and you can experiment and find the one that fits your hand best. Again the most important thing is whether you are getting proper trigger manipulation or not--grip is irrelevant to a certain degree.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: AR15 firing hand grip pressure?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Powder Burns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you squeeze the grip like its somebody's throat you don't like, chances are your index finger will extend into the trigger guard so far you will be making contact with the trigger using the 2nd joint of your finger. I position my hand so the pad of my index finger tip is resting on the trigger, basically all the gripping I'm doing is just with my lower 3 fingers (middle, anular, pinky) pulling the stock into my shoulder. My palm and thumb don't even make contact with the pistol grip. My thumb is up resting against the safety selector (LH). This is what works for me. It may not work for you. There are skinny (narrow profile) grips, and fat grips that take up more palm swell. If you can, go visit a shop that has all those grips in stock and you can experiment and find the one that fits your hand best. Again the most important thing is whether you are getting proper trigger manipulation or not--grip is irrelevant to a certain degree. </div></div>

The proper grip is a firm handshake high on the grip, firm like shaking a youngster's hand. The trigger finger should be placed naturally on the trigger, whatever is comfortable-probably not the tip of the finger, but, something well past it. Remember, grip is one of five factors for a steady position; plus, it supports trigger control, the second principle of shooting; therefore, grip must be consistent, as well as comfortable. Rarely, will a loose grip using the tip of the finger to pull the trigger be consistent or comfortable enough to get a good result with the AR, especially one with a stock trigger. BTW, get the firm and high handshake grip with the trigger finger remaining straight along the receiver side. Then, after NPA is adjusted, place the finger on the trigger naturally so as to allow for a very straight pull.

 

[NativeCraft]

Re: AR15 firing hand grip pressure?

Thanks, SS - I was hoping to get a response from you.

 

[marduk185]

Re: AR15 firing hand grip pressure?

dont know whats officially proper but i tend to shoot every rifle pretty much as if it were a bolt action...if im distance shooting that is. i dont grip the grip really just have the fingers slightly curled around it with thumb up beside the rifle. this is a position that is similar feel for every rifle whether its a pistol grip, thumbhole stock or standard type stock. now id change my grip a bit if im shooting fast at close in speed targets/close quartters due to retention parameters where precision isnt paramount.