The #1 Mistake Killing Your Accuracy—and How to Fix It Fast

[Michail98]

They say the devil’s in the details, and when it comes to shooting accuracy, grip is where it all begins. Did you know nearly 70% of shooting errors are tied directly to improper grip pressure or alignment? Think about that for a second—before you even worry about your sights or trigger control, your grip could be sabotaging your shot.

Here’s why it matters: a secure, consistent grip keeps your firearm steady during recoil and ensures you stay in control, no matter the scenario. It’s not just a technical tweak; it’s the foundation of every accurate shot you’ll ever fire.

Let’s get practical: next time you hit the range, focus on pressure and placement. Firm, even pressure with both hands, and your support hand positioned high on the grip. Done right, this creates the stability and control you need to tighten your groups.

Here’s where I’d love to hear from you: What’s been your biggest challenge with grip? Do you focus on it in your training, or is it something you’ve overlooked? Let’s swap ideas and experiences—what’s worked for you, and what hasn’t?

[DT Guy]

OK....I had thought that was pretty widely known?


Larry

[Hawg]

Originally Posted by DT Guy

OK....I had thought that was pretty widely known?


Larry

It is.

[Danb6177]

Welcome to the forum, I definitely see a difference in my accuracy when firing a full size handgun over a smaller carry gun. I attribute this to the lack of grip available in the smaller models. However the Walther PPS M2 has an amazing grip for a smaller model and I can shoot it pretty well.
I feel like if the grip is comfortable I dont need to focus on it. I also find that Im more accurate with a double action firearm. Something about the grip and trigger pull relationship, It feels more natural to me.

[Michail98]

Valid points Danb, the more natural feeling we can make our grip, the less we have to focus on grip.

[Michail98]

Nice to meet all you guys. So what's next? I have an ideal for a great topic tomorrow, "Best pistol under $1500". Bet that will rattle some OPINIONS

[1972RedNeck]

After some fiddling around for the perfect grip, I can point shoot like none other. My problem is getting the perfect grip on the first try out of the holster. Never happens for me.

[5whiskey]

While grip (and presentation from draw, which i sort of lump in with grip) is extremely important, I have found that the majority of problem shooters that I'm having to constantly reinforce in training have a bigger problem with trigger control. From my experience as a firearms instructor, trigger control is the ultimate problem about 75% of the time... if not more. Ball and dummy drills, or even letting your shooter grip and aim while you pull the trigger and make hit after hit, demonstrate the diagnosis to both you and the shooter.

Once we get past the basics and start focusing on speed + accuracy ala first shot from the draw and split times, shooting field/barricade positions, picking up a dot from the draw with an optic, etc... then grip plays a larger role in performance.