My latest article on my Michigan Firearms Examiner page is on how to master the thumbs forward handgun grip.

I posted this in "General" but realized it should probably go, so excuse the repost

This is a photo article because I've seen many shooters who don't understand the mechanics of the grip and just have the thumbs pointed forward without changing the angle of the wrist. I tried to make it as clear as I could.

How to master the thumbs forward handgun grip

"The thumbs forward grip started with competition shooters and spread to defensive pistol instructors and others who recognized the benefits of this once unorthodox style. The grip grew popular because it provides excellent recoil management that allows for faster and more accurate shooting.

To get the most from this technique it needs to be performed correctly. Some shooters simply point their thumbs forward without completely understanding the mechanics of the grip. The name aside, the key is really in the position of the support side wrist, not the thumbs, and once that is understood mastering the grip becomes easy."

That's my grip too, but my thumbs stay below the slide. I don't even see how I could put my hands higher if I wanted to.

Subscribed for later reading

OST

If you're riding the safety on a 1911 it's hard to have your shooting thumb below the slide, if your right handed anyway.



 

For later

That grip didn't start with competition shooters. Sykes, Fairbain, and Applegate were advocating it (when not discussing one handed) back In the 40s.  

Well done.

That's the exception.

But obviously you can still point your support thumb towards the target.

Competition shooters did not develop thumbs forward.  

Also, there is no mention of the percentage of pressure applied by each hand.  The hand holding the grip should contribute around 30-40% of the pressure needed to maintain control.  This places the trigger finger under less tension for better trigger manipulation.  Wouldn't be a bad idea for you to watch/listen to Kyle DeFoor, TMac, Jason Falla, or another verifiable been there, done that for some more nuances that you are missing.

God gave you thumbs, use 'em!  You guys look ridiculous TRYING to shoot without using your thumbs!