TargetTalk

Once upon a time, I observed a fellow placing a spacer-wedge between the back of his hand and the wrap around grip, to produce a tight fit. Is this properly within the rules? It would seem to solve one of my problems with getting a good, firm-fitting grip. Thanks to those in the know, Dwaine Hurt.

With the obvious caveat that the spacer should not touch the wrist (or beyond) there is nothing I can think of in the rules that would prevent it.

dhurt wrote:Once upon a time, I observed a fellow placing a spacer-wedge between the back of his hand and the wrap around grip, to produce a tight fit. Is this properly within the rules? It would seem to solve one of my problems with getting a good, firm-fitting grip. Thanks to those in the know, Dwaine Hurt.

It's an option, or better still do some DIY on the grip, to actually make it fit properly. Remember consistency is what we're after, and fitting in a wedge will never give you a consistent placement.

Rob.

RobStubbs wrote:It's an option, or better still do some DIY on the grip, to actually make it fit properly. Remember consistency is what we're after, and fitting in a wedge will never give you a consistent placement.

Of course you need to work on your grip to get the best possible fit, but a wrap-around free pistol grip presents special problems. The opening must be large enough in order to get your hand into the grip, but once your hand is in, there will inevitably be some free space.

In addition, your hand size varies from day to day, even hour to hour. A wedge could conceivably help, but I've often wondered about installing some kind of inflatable bladder in the grip over the top of the hand. Just insert hand and inflate to the desired tightness. Hand swells? Just let a little air out. Any thoughts on negatives to this idea?

FredB

FredB wrote: In addition, your hand size varies from day to day, even hour to hour.
FredB

Indeed, and that's precisely why most pistols have adjustable palm shelfs.

Rob.

Does it not state in the rules that the grip may not be altered after it has passed scrutineering?

Tzed250 wrote:Does it not state in the rules that the grip may not be altered after it has passed scrutineering?

a) 6.4.7 After equipment has been approved, it must not be altered at any time prior to or during the competition in any way that would onflict with the ISSF Rules.

b) the grip could be 'scrutineered' with the spacer-wedge in place

Spencer wrote:

Tzed250 wrote:Does it not state in the rules that the grip may not be altered after it has passed scrutineering?

a) 6.4.7 After equipment has been approved, it must not be altered at any time prior to or during the competition in any way that would onflict with the ISSF Rules.

b) the grip could be 'scrutineered' with the spacer-wedge in place

For the wedge, yes. I was speaking more to the inflatable bladder.

Tzed250 wrote:

Spencer wrote:

Tzed250 wrote:Does it not state in the rules that the grip may not be altered after it has passed scrutineering?

a) 6.4.7 After equipment has been approved, it must not be altered at any time prior to or during the competition in any way that would onflict with the ISSF Rules.

b) the grip could be 'scrutineered' with the spacer-wedge in place

For the wedge, yes. I was speaking more to the inflatable bladder.

Spencer's remarks would still apply.

Remember that we are talking about 50m (Free) pistol where, provided you stay clear of the wrist, you can pretty much do what you want with the grip.

I suppose you could use a glove to take up the extra space in the grip.

The glove cut be cut at eh end of the index finger for better placement of finger on the trigger.

I can't get my hand into my modified standard TOZ grip without unclamping the wrap-around part. This is fixed by an extended screw with a wing-nut-like end, so the shelf and wrap-around can be readily adjusted up and down, then clamped more or less tightly. From what's stated above, I wonder how the rules would see this: surely it would be legal...

Shooting Kiwi wrote:I wonder how the rules would see this: surely it would be legal...

As I said above, providing you stay clear of the wrist, anything goes.