P&S

Grip Ergonomics


I ran across a 1998 book that deals with ergonomics and grips. It mentions "best" : grip angle, diameter, grooves or not, how best to grip the grip, and also which finger for pulling the trigger. The name of the book is Ergonomic Process Management: A Blueprint for Quality and Compliance : Edited by James P. Kohn.

Here are some short snipets from the two pages that deal with the grip:

Grip Angle - The natural angle of the hand's grip is approx 70 degrees, and should be the norm to maximize grip strength and stability.

Handle Diameter - No larger than 38 mm for men and 34 mm for women. 34 mm should be used for a universal grip.

Grip Surface - A general guidline is to use a soft squeezable material. There should be texture to reduce the clamping forces required for the worker to maintain control.

How to Grip - The grip force should not be concentrated on one or two fingers or in the center of the palm, but distributed over a wide an area as possible.

[[Note: The first how to grip condition brings into question the traditional 3 fingered grip which uses the middle, ring and little fingers. The second condition favors a grip like the P&S 4 finger grip which utilizes the thumb and index finger to squeeze in gripping and the ring and little fingers to also grip the gun.]]

To Groove or Not - Finger-groved handles should be avoided if the grip will be used by all hand sizes.

Trigger Finger - A trigger should be activated using the middle finger.

Which Pad - The middle joint and not the end joint should be utilized.

Here is a link to the book.

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