We Get Letters...

"What is, if any, the "proper" grip angle for a hand held pistol?"

Okay. Hold your hand up, palm facing you, fingers extended and thumb up. Keeping the trigger finger steady, slowly begin curling the other 3 fingers (less if you have been injured or born in California) in towards the palm.

Stop as soon as you can clearly see the longest line on your palm beginning to fold. That angle is the angle your individual hand is designed to operate a gun from.

Ten percent of the population is prone to carpal tunnel, and may needs a different grip. Many, many shooters learn on platforms not suited for their particular ergonomics, but cannot switch to anything else regardless of the benefits. These people are called flaming idiots. Usually, old flaming idiots. Also, since women tend to lean backwards as they prepare to discharge a firearm, a different grip may be necessary, independant of nature's design.

If you are new to shooting and are preparing to acquire a handgun, first measure your natural grip angle then inquire as to the angle of the weapon you have your eyes on. This is not written in stone, as other factors such as limpwristedness, country or origin, ethnicity, political affiliation, and sexual persuasion also come into play. More so if you are prone to shouting "Ouchie, Mommy Kiss The Boo-Boo!" at the slightest hint of discomfort.