Terminology: Thumbrest

by
posted on April 14, 2011
wiley-clapp.jpg (2)

Thumbrest is a term associated with handgun grips. Usually it refers to revolvers, but some automatic pistols also have grips that include a thumbrest. Typically, a thumbrest is a carved or molded ledge of material in the top left side of the grip (for a right-handed shooter). When a shooter acquires a grip on his or her gun, the thumb rests on this ledge in a comfortably natural manner.

When bullseye shooting was the main handgun shooting sport, many shooters used revolvers and cocked them in the single action style. It was handy to have that thumbrest just slightly below and to the left of the hammer spur. At that point in history, several craftsmen built special thumbrest grips to the shooter's individual specifications—Roper, Sanderson, Hurst and others. Today, made-to-measure grips are still around, but they are more commonly found on hunting or combat guns.

The thumbrest can be an aid to good shooting, but I personally believe that its greatest value is simply the fact that it helps to establish a consistent grip. Some of them, like the ones still made by Herrett's, are so good that you almost cannot handle the pistol without getting your hand in a proper position. Now, they are original equipment only on a few Smith & Wesson and High Standard rimfire target autos. There was a time when they were often seen in the best of places.

Latest

Guns Of Edward Maynard
Guns Of Edward Maynard

The Guns Of Dr. Maynard

Dr. Edward Maynard, a Washington, D.C.-based dentist, developed a number of mechanical innovations for firearms, including a new ignition system and a cavalry carbine that saw use in the American Civil War.

Preview: Holosun P.ID Dual

Holosun’s P.ID line of weapon lights is compatible with nearly any pistol featuring a Picatinny rail thanks to a pair of interchangeable mounting adapters.

New For 2025: TriStar Arms Protégé X Sub Compact

TriStar Arms expanded its handgun offerings with the M1911-style Protégé X Sub Compact chambered in 9 mm Luger.

Preview: Federal Hi-Bird Fiber Wad Bismuth

When it comes to hunting, knockdown power matters, and so does being friendly on the environment, which is where Federal’s Hi-Bird Fiber Wad Bismuth loads come into play.

Gun Of The Week: Iver Johnson MF20

In this video, we’re taking a closer look at an AR-style, semi-automatic shotgun that’s made in Turkey by Izmir Armed and carries the name of an iconic American firearm manufacturer. This is the Iver Johnson MF20.

The Armed Citizen® June 13, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.