Should you adjust your grip to the thumb-up position?

Some shooters find this position more comfortable as the thumb is lying naturally, with no strain on any muscles

This is a type of ergonomic grip where the thumb of your shooting hand points straight up instead of being wrapped round the stock of your rifle, whether it’s a standard sporter or has a pistol grip or thumbhole. Some shooters find it more comfortable as the thumb is lying naturally, with no strain on any muscles, rather than being forced to stretch round a grip where the thumb muscles are being used and are therefore at risk of fatigue.

You can do a simple test to see if it’s worth trying. Hold your shooting hand out in front of you and relax all the finger muscles. See where your thumb is naturally lying. For many people, with their arm outstretched, their thumb will be pointing in the same direction as their arm, rather than sticking out to the side, meaning the thumb-up grip could be more comfortable for them and offer more control.

However, even if you like the idea of shooting thumb-up, your stock may dictate otherwise. Some stocks will have a deliberate thumb shelf or groove built into them, and some are neutral and the thumb can be rested there, but others offer no provision at all. However, if you are able to adopt a thumb-up position with your particular rifle, it’s worth at least giving this type of grip a try. I was an instant convert, and now feel a little disgruntled whenever I encounter a stock that won’t let me adopt my favourite grip.

The Minelli stock on this BSA R-10 has a scallop for your thumb to rest in

The stock on this Air Arms S400, again made by Minelli, has no dedicated groove,
but the thumb-up grip is still easy and comfortable to achieve

It’s just not possible to shoot this Brocock Bantam with a thumb-up grip, and the
conventional wrap-around grip must be used instead – it’s still nice and accurate though


This article originally appeared in the issue 101 of Airgun Shooter magazine. For more great content like this, subscribe today at our secure online storewww.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk

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