Okay, so we’re gonna work on this Master Grip. Now, there are many different grips but we utilize this grip because we believe it's the best. 90% of our tactics come from American military and law enforcement. Our curriculum is built and created in blood. It’s modified based on performance on the battlefield. If you don’t have a locked down Master Grip, everything that follows is gonna be jacked. That’s your slide lock reloads, your tactical or administrative reloads, your high/low ready, multiple targets, moving while shooting, EVERYTHING. We need to make sure to get this right because if it’s not, dude… Everything goes downhill from there!
Ok, if you’re practicing at home, make sure your weapon system is clear and safe. Let’s do this!
All right guys, let’s get into it! Based on people’s performance on the range, the number one question that I get asked and should get asked is, “What’s a proper Master Grip?” Hi, my name is Hank Hayes of Intuitive Self Protection and NLB tactical. Over the last 25 years we’ve trained over 30,000 Military and Law Enforcement personnel. If you have anybody at a command level, you can go into FPDS, Federal Procurement Database to check out our pedigree and check out who we’ve trained. You’ll find out what’s up!
Can you name all the things wrong with this grip?
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Ensure a Firm Firing Grasp
Wrap your dominant hand around the grip of the firearm. You want the web of your thumb to be as high up on this backstrap as possible. You’re gonna implement pinky power into that grip ensuring a maximum solid and strong grip on the weapon. Your thumb will be up towards the slide with pressure into the weapon and your trigger finger will be straight and parallel to the slide and frame, preferably on the slide.
Here you see a solid Master Grip.
Positioning Your Off Hand On Firearm
The index finger of your off hand goes up underneath the trigger guard and your thumb is equal distance with your dominant hand’s index finger (which is your trigger finger which should be straight and off the trigger). Please note: This is super hard to explain in writing, so be sure to watch the video.
The heel of your thumb is gonna make contact with the upper rear portion of the pistol. You end up with your thumb over your dominant thumb, creating a grip that screams control and dominance.
Notice we didn’t say weak hand. There ain't nothing weak in your battle plan and in your fight game. You’re fighting to win!
This showcases the strength and stability of a correct Master Grip as the off hand supports the dominant hand.
Summary
I can not overemphasize the importance of your master grip, which is crucial for firearm handling and shooting accuracy. In my extensive training, and instructing tens of thousands of military, law enforcement and civilians, this is where people fail significantly.
A weak and improper Master Grip can compromise your control and accuracy.
Every single time you lay your hands on that firearm, make damn sure you're establishing a rock-solid and repeatable master firing grip.
Ensure a firm firing grasp- Lock your dominant hand tight around the grip and push that thumb web high on the backstrap. Keep that thumb up, pressing into the slide, while your trigger finger stays straight and on the other side of the slide.
Position your off hand on the firearm- Your index finger goes under the trigger guard and your thumb is aligned with the dominant index finger. Drive that thumb's heel into the upper rear part of that pistol and get a thumb-over-thumb grip.
Get that Master Grip locked in tight, my friend, and do it with unwavering consistency that drills into your muscle memory.
Make sure you check out our blog, “Pistol Draw Stroke Fundamentals”, where we work from your holster and do what we call the Big Six Draw Stroke.
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About The Author
Hank Hayes is a Combat Arts Hall of Famer and inventor of the No Lie Blade. He is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Self Protection and NLB Tactical and creator of the ISP/NLB viscous fighting system. Since 1998, he has trained well over 30,000 Military and Law Enforcement personnel via Government contract mainly at the elite special teams level and continues to train both civilians and MIL/LE how to come home safe.