How far should You hold a handgun from your body?

How Far Should You Hold a Handgun from Your Body?

As a responsible handgun owner or enthusiast, proper grip and stance are essential for accuracy, control, and safety. One critical aspect of handgun handling is the distance between the firearm and your body. Knowing the correct distance can significantly impact your shooting experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the guidelines for holding a handgun from your body and provide some valuable tips to enhance your shooting skills.

Understanding the Proper Grip

Before discussing the distance between your body and the handgun, it’s essential to understand the proper grip. The grip should be firm, yet comfortable, with the handgun snugly held in your hand. The support hand (non-dominant hand) should be placed in a position to support the dominant hand and the gun. The distance between the handgun and your body depends on the grip and stance you adopt.

Factors Affecting the Distance

Several factors influence the distance between the handgun and your body. These include:

• Grip style: Overgrip or undergrip can significantly impact the distance. An overgrip tends to push the gun further away from the body, while an undergrip pulls it closer.
• Stance: Closed stance or open stance also affects the distance. A closed stance tends to reduce the distance, while an open stance increases it.
• Hand size and shape: Smaller or larger hands may require adjustments to achieve a comfortable and effective grip.
• Firearm size and design: Full-size, compact, or subcompact handguns differ in their dimensions, influencing the grip and stance.
• Shooting position: Standing, sitting, or prone positions affect the distance and grip.

General Guidelines

Considering the factors mentioned above, here are some general guidelines for holding a handgun from your body:

• For smaller handguns: Keep the handgun 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) away from your body. This distance allows for comfortable grip and control.
• For medium-sized handguns: Hold the handgun 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) away from your body. This distance provides a comfortable grip and allows for decent control.
• For larger handguns: Keep the handgun 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) away from your body. This distance enables a secure grip and maintains control.

Adjusting the Distance

Adjust the distance between your body and the handgun based on your:

• Grip style: If you tend to overgrip or undergrip, adjust the distance accordingly.
• Stance: Open or closed stance can alter the distance. Experiment with different stances to find what works best for you.
• Hand size and shape: Smaller or larger hands may require adjustments to achieve a comfortable grip.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips to help you find the optimal distance:

• Experiment with different grip styles: Try overgrip, undergrip, or neutral grip to find what works best for you.
• Pay attention to your stance: Open or closed stance can significantly impact the distance. Practice both stances to find what suits you best.
• Use a holster: If you plan to carry a handgun, practice drawing and reholstering to develop muscle memory and maintain a consistent grip.
• Practice, practice, practice: Regular practice will help you develop a comfortable and effective grip, allowing you to find the optimal distance.

Conclusion

Holding a handgun from your body requires a balance between comfort, control, and safety. By understanding the factors affecting the distance and following general guidelines, you can find the optimal distance for your grip and stance. Experiment with different grip styles, stances, and holsters to develop a consistent and effective grip. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to achieve a comfortable and accurate shooting experience.

Table: Distance Guidelines

Remember, practice and experimentation are key to finding the optimal distance for your grip and stance. Always prioritize safety and comfort when handling a handgun.