Can Grip Frame Style Affect "Shoot-Ability"?

[308 Scout]

So, can it? I ask because of my NM Vaquero 45 Colt. After all the work I've done on it, it's extremely accurate...IF I absolutely focus intently on every shot and IF I'm careful to grip it very consistently. Honestly it's aggravating. FWIW, I mostly shoot a 255 gr. bullet at around 850-900 fps, but worked up a hunting load consisting of a 283 gr. SWCHP @ 1060 fps that amazingly accurate.

Conversely, the Uberti .44 Special I shoot a lot is quite the opposite. It's not quite as accurate as the Vaquero, but infinitely easier to shoot more accurately.

The only thing I can figure is the difference in grip styles as the sights are practically the same on both, as are the trigger pulls.

I've considered buying a Colt-style grip frame for the Vaquero but they're $200. Anyone have any experiences with the idiosyncrasies of the different style frames (standard, Bisley, Colt)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pisgah]

Ever seen a freestyle target pistol? Their grips are just about infinitely adjustable in every dimension, and some competitors have grips made to exactly fit their hands. Yes, grip style and dimensions can make a difference. Production grips are made to fit the "average" hand -- and that is a rare critter. Fortunately, thinner or thicker grip panels may fix your problem, if it's to much trouble just to adapt your gripping style.

 

[308 Scout]

Ever seen a freestyle target pistol? Their grips are just about infinitely adjustable in every dimension, and some competitors have grips made to exactly fit their hands. Yes, grip style and dimensions can make a difference. Production grips are made to fit the "average" hand -- and that is a rare critter. Fortunately, thinner or thicker grip panels may fix your problem, if it's to much trouble just to adapt your gripping style.

What I'd much rather be able to do is pick up any of my single actions, specifically the two mentioned, and grip the same!

 

[Jim Puke]

So, can it? I ask because of my NM Vaquero 45 Colt. After all the work I've done on it, it's extremely accurate...IF I absolutely focus intently on every shot and IF I'm careful to grip it very consistently. Honestly it's aggravating. FWIW, I mostly shoot a 255 gr. bullet at around 850-900 fps, but worked up a hunting load consisting of a 283 gr. SWCHP @ 1060 fps that amazingly accurate.

Conversely, the Uberti .44 Special I shoot a lot is quite the opposite. It's not quite as accurate as the Vaquero, but infinitely easier to shoot more accurately.

The only thing I can figure is the difference in grip styles as the sights are practically the same on both, as are the trigger pulls.

I've considered buying a Colt-style grip frame for the Vaquero but they're $200. Anyone have any experiences with the idiosyncrasies of the different style frames (standard, Bisley, Colt)?

Thanks in advance.

I have a 45 colt NV that it is near impossible to shoot well...requires perfection for anything even resembling acceptably accurate shooting.

I have a Uberti 4 5/8 44special, it and my NM flattops are a dream to shoot.

I am almost to the point of letting the New Vaquero go down the road...tired of messing with it.

 

[308 Scout]

I have a 45 colt NV that it is near impossible to shoot well...requires perfection for anything even resembling acceptably accurate shooting.

I have a Uberti 4 5/8 44special, it and my NM flattops are a dream to shoot.

I am almost to the point of letting the New Vaquero go down the road...tired of messing with it.

I understand. Really my biggest issue with my NM Vaquero isnit shooting left if I don't hold it perfectly every shot and I can't identify what part of my method of gripping is causing this. Tbe only thing I know to do is shoot the thing until it's just second nature. But again I want to be able to pick it up.and hold it the same as any of my other SA's and shoot it well.

 

[GunnyGene]

I'd look into some after market wood grips that can be tweaked to fit your hand. Something like the Hogue's. Or some custom grips that are fitted to you. I put Hogues on my NMB, and worked on them with rasps and sandpaper until they felt like part of my hand. Made a big difference.

 

[Rclark]

For me, it is the sights. I enjoy shooting my tuned .45 Colt New Vaquero, but, like you say, for really 'accurate' shooting I have to 'really' concentrate on the sight picture. With the same exact grip frame on my Ruger .45 Colt Flattop, I get better results and don't have to concentrate as hard. Both guns have been 'tuned' to the same crisp 1.5#-2# pull. From my benching experience they are both 'accurate' revolvers.... So, I blame it on the sight differences. Still for shooting cans, and steel, and such.... the NV is a lot of fun. Pull out the flattop BH though for bullseye shooting.