Revolver vs. semi-auto: Grip question

[Fat Boy]

I have always preferred a revolver over a semi-auto, believing In the value of simplicity of operation, reliability, using a variety of loads, etc.
I have, on the other side of the issue, found it much easier to shoot a 1911-platform gun accurately in comparison to a revolver.
I notice when gripping both handguns that the middle finger knuckle is behind the trigger guard and this makes the trigger finger reach a bit downward. With the semi-auto this isn't the case. So is the semi-auto more "naturally" accurate because of this? And is this a part of why custom grips and grip fillers are usEd on revolvers?

 

[Standing Wolf]

So is the semi-auto more "naturally" accurate because of this? And is this a part of why custom grips and grip fillers are usEd on revolvers?

Your hands are unique to you, as is the way you ideally hang onto a hand gun. What works best for you may not work for the next guy, and what works for him, may feel terrible to you—or perfect. The only way to tell is to try lots of guns over a generous period of time and see what you like, dislike, and don't care one way or another about.

That said™, in general, most people shoot revolvers more comfortably and accurately if the space betwen the rear of the trigger guard and front of the frame and stocks is filled in. The least expensive and bothersome way to do that is add a pair of Tyler T Grips, (which may or may not still be available: you'll have to do some research.) The ideal way to fill in that space is to buy stocks custom-made to fit your hand. I've had very good success with http://www.herrettstocks.com/ but must advise you they're neither cheap nor available for immediate delivery.

There's a disadvantage of filling in that gap: the run rides higher in your hand, which can result in more muzzle flip and/or greater perceived recoil.

Your best bet is to shoot other people's guns and/or rent guns before spending money on this, that, or some other approach. By the way, if you are or think you might become an accuracy addict, it'd be worth your while to look at stocks with thumb rests. They're even more expensive, kind of funny-looking at first, and can make it difficult to use speed strips or speed loaders, but there's a reason bullseye shooters favor thumb rests.

Best of success to you, eh?

 

[BCRider]

Try some dry firing while holding differently. Pay particular attention to what the sights picture does as the hammer drops. What the shock from the hammer does reflects to a great amount any imbalance of stresses in your grip and trigger pull. Actually shooting produces an even bigger effect. But you may not be willing to put holes in your wall while trying out different grip manners....

For me the "reach down to the trigger" you feel with the more traditional revolver style of hold is what provides for the oh so sweet neutrality of the DA trigger pull. But even then I do prefer the Hogue style grips over the other options to fit my hand better.

 

[Krogen]

Indeed, the angle of one's trigger finger is downward with most revolvers. As BCRider suggests, try some dry firing. Unless I'm careful, I get vertical motion of the barrel when pulling the trigger. By applying pressure to the trigger straight back, parallel to the bore, that motion is reduced or eliminated. It feels a bit weird like pressing on the bottom of the trigger with the side of your finger. Straight back is the key.

 

[jrswanson1]

A 1911 is not all semi-auto pistols. It is a single action, semi-automatic pistol. If you decocked a Sig and pulled the trigger, you'll have roughly the same mechanics as if you pulled the trigger on a double-action revolver. Try shooting a 1911 then fire a cocked revolver. Since you aren't fighting the trigger, you'll shoot the revolver better.

Jim