Proper Grip on a Six-Shooter

[DonWorsham]

I'm trying to get the hang of shooting my new Taurus Goucho (.45 Colt). How high on the grip should I place my hand? Right now when I grip it, the cocked hammer touches the web of my hand. Is this good or bad?

In the Shooting Gallery episode on two gun (one in each hand) SASS shooting, the gentleman (I can't recall his name) suggested placing the pinky finger under the grip for stability. Was this only for two gun shooting or is a good idea in general?

Right now I shoot just as badly no matter which grip I use. 

[Jerry R Howell]

Not an expert, but here is my thoughts.....

The SAA was design to roll up with the recoil.  This calls for the plain wood or non gripper style stocks.  I have meduim hands so i use a plain wood that has been sanded down to my grip width.  I've shot alot of heavy 44 and 41 loads out of Blackhawks and  with no ill effect.  Well, I did lose all feeling in my left hand when trying out some of Paco Kelly's 275gr bullets over ALOT of Blue Dot in my 41mag, after ten rounds, but nothing permament!

Me thinks the trigger finger should be inline with the trigger (duh) and everthing else gripping the stocks.  The roll back is from the elbow and notthe wrist, at least not alot.  Your wrist will roll up some but the elbow should handle the most rise.  So that leaves the cylinder, and barrel WAY up there, but it gives you a great sight picture.

Enjoy the SAAs.  they are a great weapon platform.  And I've heard alot of good things about the Taurus.  I wouldn't mind one in 44 special.

Jerry

[WymoreWrangler]

There are alot of ways that work with SAA revolvers, I have small hands and short fingers so I tend to hold higher on the grips, and found that 1851 Richard and Mason, and 1872 opentops work best for me, I also don't get the hammer spur in the web. because of the shorter hammer arc of these style of pistols.   Are you intending to shoot this pistol duelist style (i.e. one handed) or two handed?   My best recommendation is to shoot your pistol and find what feels right for you and that give you the best control of the pistol with during recoil....

[lou graham]

Howdy Don!
I'm a CAS Gunfighter (one gun in each hand) and I do it with black powder, but we won't go there.  

There are two main things to consider if you want to go with one-hand-one-gun shooting.

1.  Can you reach the hammer?

2. Can you keep your grip during recoil?

The variety of grip shapes on SAA's prove that one size does not fit all!  I find the recoil harder to control if I grip high and crowd up on the hammer.  But I had to do that to get to the hammer.  Shifting the guns around to make the hammer reach is begging for a dropped gun.  My solution was smaller framed guns.  If your pinky is under the grip, you limit the "creep" that can happen during a shooting string.  Keeping my grip the same every time I draw removes a variable and gives me one less thing to think about so I can focus on the target order and the front sight.

You may have to try a few other grip/gun styles to find the one that fits.  Sometimes thinner grips (called gunfighter grips) work, some folks like to get hard dead animal material and have a design carved into it that helps keep the gun when it needs to be.  There's Birdsheads and Bisleys and Remingtons -- all have a different shape than the traditional Colt style your Tauras has.  If you wanna be a gunfighter, there's a way!  It took me three years and three sets of guns to get there.    

[WymoreWrangler]

Lou, I'm just going to have to break down and shoot my 51's gunfighter one of these weekends....

[Sponsor]

[DonWorsham]

Howdy Don!
If your pinky is under the grip, you limit the "creep" that can happen during a shooting string.  Keeping my grip the same every time I draw removes a variable and gives me one less thing to think about so I can focus on the target order and the front sight.

You may have to try a few other grip/gun styles to find the one that fits.  

Very good advice. Thanks much!

[2Late45]

I put the Pinky, under the Grippy.....     

[DonWorsham]

I put the Pinky, under the Grippy.....     

Do you do this as you grip and pull the gun from the holster or do you adjust after you are pointing down range?

[CDR]

Do you do this as you grip and pull the gun from the holster or do you adjust after you are pointing down range?

Don....you're making me nervous.  "You'll shoot your eye out kid!!!!!!"......................................

[DonWorsham]

Don....you're making me nervous.  "You'll shoot your eye out kid!!!!!!"......................................

So I shouldn't cock the gun as I pull it from the holster???