Target Sports

1911 shooting grip

The #1 community for Gun Owners in Texas

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • CodyK

    Well-Known
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Sep 5, 2019
    1,324
    96
    Houston
    Just got an inexpensive 1911 and I love to shoot it. Problem is, where the beaver tail hits between my thumb and index finger, when the gun recoils, it is digging into my hand to the point that I actually have a cut there now. Im not sure if it’s just because my cheap gun has such rough edges or if I need to adjust my grip.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Hurley's Gold
     

    oldag

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    7   0   0
    Feb 19, 2015
    17,425
    96
    I have never had a problem with a 1911 which had a beavertail safety. Probably worth a close examination of the pistol.
     

    Vaquero

    Moving stuff to the gas prices thread.....
    Staff member
    Moderator
    Rating - 100%
    11   0   0
    Apr 4, 2011
    44,206
    96
    Dixie Land
    Your grip is wrong. Period.
    Find someone local with a trophy or something equivalent.
    Listen to them. Pay if you have to.
    Lesson one on a 1911 is a proper grip.
    I paid for my lesson.
     

    CodyK

    Well-Known
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Sep 5, 2019
    1,324
    96
    Houston
    It’s the ATI FX45 1911. I’ll take a pic after work tonight of the gun and my hand. I shoot a Ruger Security 9mm, and I just based my grip on how I was taught to hold that one. High up on the back.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

    t-astragal

    Active Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Mar 4, 2015
    244
    26
    College Station
    It’s the ATI FX45 1911. I’ll take a pic after work tonight of the gun and my hand. I shoot a Ruger Security 9mm, and I just based my grip on how I was taught to hold that one. High up on the back.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    Ok. Don’t get up high in the frame. That’s a Revolver thing. Touch the web of your hand to the grip safety, but just touch don’t press. Grip front to back not finger tips to palm. Trigger position on finger is something you play with to get a good straight back snap but generally in the crease on the hard bones not the soft pad.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

    CodyK

    Well-Known
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Sep 5, 2019
    1,324
    96
    Houston
    I’m gonna post a pic of the beaver tail and my grip.
    14a5cb6b0c763524bba8901b6336e86e.jpg
    1072f373705a3045a232bc1e147e3649.jpg



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

    Attachments

    • 14a5cb6b0c763524bba8901b6336e86e.jpg
      14a5cb6b0c763524bba8901b6336e86e.jpg
      56.6 KB · Views: 396
    • 1072f373705a3045a232bc1e147e3649.jpg
      1072f373705a3045a232bc1e147e3649.jpg
      43.4 KB · Views: 381

    AZ Refugee

    TGT Addict
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Sep 23, 2014
    14,986
    96
    What you are calling a "Beaver Tail" is really just a standard GI grip safety. The "Beaver Tail" grip safety is extended and offers a little more protection from hammer bite. Adjust your grip and that will help some, or have a gunsmith install a combat or extended grip safety and or change out the hammer to a commander style.
     

    TheMailMan

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    4   0   0
    Dec 3, 2015
    3,428
    96
    North of Kaufman
    Just how large are your hands?

    I notice your pinky finger is not all on the grip. I shoot a lot of 1911 pistols and have never had that problem on a full size 1911.
     

    benenglish

    Just Another Boomer
    Staff member
    Lifetime Member
    Admin
    Rating - 100%
    7   0   0
    Nov 22, 2011
    23,932
    96
    Spring
    Just how large are your hands?

    I notice your pinky finger is not all on the grip. I shoot a lot of 1911 pistols and have never had that problem on a full size 1911.
    Note that his middle finger is nowhere near the bottom of the trigger guard. I'm thinking that in the process of taking the picture, he let his grip slip down a bit.
     

    CodyK

    Well-Known
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Sep 5, 2019
    1,324
    96
    Houston
    Just how large are your hands?

    I notice your pinky finger is not all on the grip. I shoot a lot of 1911 pistols and have never had that problem on a full size 1911.

    They’re pretty big, but I when I took the pic I was just concerned with showing where on the grip safety I place my hand. I do know that when I’m holding most guns my pinky ends up on the bottom of the magazine.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

    OLDVET

    Well-Known
    Rating - 100%
    6   0   0
    Dec 14, 2009
    2,077
    96
    Richardson, Texas
    Go on the internet and buy yourself an aftermarket extended grip safety.
    In the early days of the 1911, many guys had the same problem you mention. The grip safety was extended on the 1911A1 model to cut down on this problem. At least the hammer is not "biting" the top of your hand. That hurts.
    Most 1911A1 parts are interchangeable. You might have to massage the extended grip safety to achieve the fit you desire. If you are not comfortable working on a 1911A1, take it to a gunsmith.
    You have learned an important lesson. You get what you pay for. I have never seen a 1911A1 that did not work. Some just work better than others.
    In my opinion Springfield makes the best quality 1911s for the price than any of the other manufacturers.
     

    ZX9RCAM

    Over the Rainbow bridge...
    TGT Supporter
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    May 14, 2008
    59,732
    96
    The Woodlands, Tx.
    Sigh.
    It's so simple. But, if you don't know, you don't know.
    I guarantee I could have Cam running these things flawlessly.
    It can't be written though.

    :green:

    It took me a long time, but
    I discovered what causes my issues.

    Being a lefty, I just need to keep my finger from hitting the button on the right side of the slide
     
    Top Bottom