Introduction:
In much the same fashion that a champion long distance runner values well-designed shoes, the competitive pistol shooter must consider the grips on his pistol. Recognize that the grips are the direct link between a shooter and his weapon, and grip design is critical if maximum control is desired. No shooter can be successful unless he can take a firm, yet relaxed grip on his pistol that is identical each time. Likewise, he must be able to hold directly on target without any movement while pulling the trigger through its break and then be able to quickly recover after recoil. Well designed and fitted custom grips encourage this process to become automatic. Veteran champion shooter Gil Hebard has praised custom anatomical grips as being "worth every cent," and he is right.
The Psychological Advantage of Custom Grips:
While an accurate pistol is an important part of the equation of becoming a great shooter, overcoming the common fundamental errors is far more significant. Most shooters do not shoot to the capabilities of their target pistol, regardless of its make or model. When one reaches a certain level of competence, pistol shooting becomes more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Your mental state greatly affects your performance at the competing levels and is certain to be affected by your subjective feelings about your equipment. If you can possibly blame your equipment and its functionality, there will be an adverse effect on your confidence and performance. However, if you have the utmost confidence in your equipment, you will perform to your best ability. If your pistol's grips fit you like a glove, then of course you will have confidence, thus eliminating worry over a vast many fundamentals. Even the aesthetics of your equipment can contribute to your performance.
The Mechanics of Anatomical Grips:
A key attribute of anatomical grips is the ease in taking an identical hold on the pistol every time. This is a huge factor in consistency and proper technique in every stage of the game. This feature, control of the placement of the web of the hand, is easily achieved by two separate elements of the grips, the palmrest and the thumb cutout. If the grips are fitted properly, one gets the impression that his pistol is merely an extension of his hand.
Another primary function of anatomical grips is to allow you to "clamp" your hand to the gun, and yet allow your trigger finger to operate independently. This is particularly important with pistols that are muzzle or top heavy. Two elements, the palmrest and the middle finger support, work together in this task. Hand contact with the rear of the palmrest and upward contact by the middle finger help offset the forward balance of the muzzle providing increased stability with less strain.
After a shot has been fired, the effects of recoil come into
play. Various angles of force effect the direction of the recoil
and these must remain very consistent in order to achieve small
groups. Likewise, the recoil affects your grip and the slightest
roll or movement can change the angles of force effecting the
recoil for the following shot. Unless you compensate consciously,
or subconsciously for this difference, you might get a shot
placement other than you expected, or a "flyer." As the
shot breaks, the upward climb of the barrel in recoil, or muzzle
jump, is limited by the overhang on the rear of a pistol. But
that is not sufficient because the overhang is quite close to the
"pivot point" of recoil. This is another task for the
palmrest, whose function now is not only to keep the hand secure
between the overhang and itself, but by making contact with the
little finger, limits the upward pivot of the muzzle.Which Design is Best?
There are many manufacturers of so-called "anatomical" grips, and over the years I have heard arguments supporting and refuting the features of each. For example, while I have heard arguments for either case, it is my opinion that an anatomical type grip that has an adjustable palm shelf is superior that with a fixed design. This is simply because I find that my hand swells and shrinks based on the weather conditions and I do make adjustments every once in awhile. In addition, I prefer grip makers that create their work from a tracing of a hand as opposed to me having to use trial-and-error to hopefully purchase the one of three or four preset sizes that come closest to fitting right.
Based on design, looks and quality, I have become fond of Randall Fung's work. Over the years, Randall has made seven sets of grips for me, and every single pistol that I own has them installed. They're not cheap, but I think that they are worth it. Visit his website to get more information about his work