Grip techniques used with the M11 Pistol
Explains the proper grip techniques as outlined in FM 3-23.35 for the M11 Pistol

One-Hand Grip.

• Hold the weapon in the nonfiring hand.
• Form a V with the thumb and forefinger of the strong hand (firing hand).
• Place the weapon in the V with the front and rear sights in line with the firing arm.
• Wrap the lower three fingers around the pistol grip, putting equal pressure with all three fingers to the rear.
• Allow the thumb of the firing hand to rest alongside the weapon without pressure.
• Grip the weapon tightly until the hand begins to tremble; relax until the trembling stops. At this point, the necessary pressure for a proper grip has been applied.
• Place the trigger finger on the trigger between the tip and second joint so that it can be squeezed to the rear. The trigger finger must work independently of the remaining fingers.

NOTE: If any of the three fingers on the grip are relaxed, the grip must be reapplied.

One-Hand Grip

Two-Hand Grip. The two-hand grip allows the firer to steady the firing hand and provide maximum support during firing. The nonfiring hand becomes a support mechanism for the firing hand by wrapping the fingers of the nonfiring hand around the firing hand. Two-hand grips are recommended for all pistol firing.

WARNING: Do not place the nonfiring thumb in the rear of the weapon. The recoil upon firing could result in personal injury.

• Fist Grip.
  • Grip the weapon as with the one-hand grip.
  • Firmly close the fingers of the nonfiring hand over the fingers of the firing hand, ensuring that the index finger from the nonfiring hand is between the middle finger of the firing hand and the trigger guard.
  • Place the nonfiring thumb alongside the firing thumb

NOTE: Depending upon the individual firer, he may chose to place the index finger of his nonfiring hand on the front of the trigger guard since M9 and M11 pistols have a recurved trigger guard designed for this purpose.

Fist Grip

• Palm-Supported Grip. This grip is commonly called the cup and saucer grip.
  • Grip the firing hand as with the one-hand grip.
  • Place the nonfiring hand under the firing hand, wrapping the nonfiring fingers around the back of the firing hand.
  • Place the nonfiring thumb over the middle finger of the firing hand.

Palm-Supported Grip

• Weaver grip. Apply this grip the same as the fist grip. The only exception is that the nonfiring thumb is wrapped over the firing thumb.

Weaver Grip

Isometric Tension. The firer raises his arms to a firing position and applies isometric tension. This is commonly known as the push-pull method for maintaining weapon stability. Isometric tension is when the firer applies forward pressure with the firing hand and pulls rearward with the nonfiring hand with equal pressure. This creates an isometric force but never so much to cause the firer to tremble. This steadies the weapon and reduces barrel rise from recoil. The supporting arm is bent with the elbow pulled downward. The firing arm is fully extended with the elbow and wrist locked. The firer must experiment to find the right amount of isometric tension to apply.

NOTE: The firing hand should exert the same pressure as the nonfiring hand. If it does not, a missed target could result.

Natural Point of Aim. The firer should check his grip for use of his natural point of aim. He grips the weapon and sights properly on a distant target. While maintaining his grip and stance, he closes his eyes for three to five seconds. He then opens his eyes and checks for proper sight picture. If the point of aim is disturbed, the firer adjusts his stance to compensate. If the sight alignment is disturbed, the firer adjusts his grip to compensate by removing the weapon from his hand and reapplying the grip. The firer repeats this process until the sight alignment and sight placement remain almost the same when he opens his eyes. With sufficient practice, this enables the firer to determine and use his natural point of aim, which is the most relaxed position for holding and firing the weapon.