What to do with the recoil?

[MikeIsaj]

Was shooting the sig today. This guy asks why I resist the recoil. I replied, that is the way I was taught. It got me wondering because I really don't know a better answer. I do feel safer keeping the gun under control all the time. What do the rest of you do? Do you try to hold the weapon down, or do you let it kick back and bring it back down?

 

[tbeb]

When I practice for self defense I try to keep the front sight on target. I hate muzzle flip. However, when I slow fire for accuracy from a rest, I relax a little and let the pistol kick back "a little" and then bring it down.

(There's absolutely nothing wrong with keeping the gun under control all the time like you do.)

 

[benjithegreat98]

I've heard one reason to hold it down is that you get less jams that way. I normally try and hold it down so I don't know if it really does help prevent them. I suppose it kind of make sence, but I have no data or proof to the back that up.

 

[P95Carry]

I also am more ''laid back'' when bench shooting - let the gun move. True tho - when comp/combat shooting, there is a desirability in maintaining stronger control.

Some flip is IMO inevitable - thing is the way you handle it. It is IMO possible to over-hold - trying to ''white-knuckle'' the gun into submission!! There is a compromize whereby you are master but regain control and sight picture fast. Practice seems only way to achieve this.

 

[sm]

I was gonna type I use the "rhythm method" - being as this is a tough crowd and all...

I go with the flow - I roll with it. Meaning each gun has a personality as far a recoil is concerned - I use that to MY advantage. I have a reason I choose why I prefer to shoot what I do for CCW, GUN FIT is just one factor, the platform, and caliber for instance are others.

Think of recoil as being your steering wheel. One sometimes drives for leisure, sometimes one has to drive assertive. One should NEVER Fight the steering wheel, just use the nuances of the different aspects of the steering wheel for intended tasks.

Practice allows one to use the recoil to their advantage, instead of getting tired muscles , which leads to fatigue, which leads to flinching...

Learn the feel and let the gun be tamed by you...you don't have to tell the gun what you are doing tho...

For instance for ME. 1911 style fits, Single action trigger, a "push" . BHP - same deal the gun fit , single action , and to me still a push... K frames, fit, DA trigger is smooth and consistent, the "push".

I never have warmed up to the .40 cal. TO me the only gun that fits me is a BHP and to me that caliber is just "wrong" in BHP. .40 has a much sharper recoil - and I have tried different guns that shoot the .40.