Use of Rosin and other products

I decided to ask this question since we recently covered the use of gloves in Bullseye.  I have read the rules as they apply to artifical support and with that ask these questions.  Can you use rosin, pine tar and/or sports "Stick-um"?  I don't see anything that would make me think that it could not be used since it is not a "device".

Go to bullseyegear.com  they show a product called firm grip.
Rosin powder in a shaker can.

I've seen Firm-Grip and rosin used at Camp Perry without anyone saying anything.

Firm grip and “Rifle Grip” were very popular with M1 and M14 shooters.  But they were a crutch.  If you really have to use them, your grip/stance/position need some work.

I was really looking at the rosin thing cause here in Missouri when the temperature reaches 85 and above in the summer months with our humidity our heat indexes easily go well over 100.  When that happens and you are dripping in sweat a little something extra is sometimes needed.  It has nothing do to about grip/stance/position it is about wet hands being able to hold on to your pistol.

I have used Firm Grip for years in all types of competition. Not a crutch if it is hot and humid and your hands are sweating profusely.

Living in good old hot humid Ga I've used rosin since the 70s. Works

Baseball pitcher's rosin bag works great and not messy.

Glad to hear that others are using rosin and firm grip.  I use rosin for the heat and firm grip when it turns cold and your hands are dry and slick.

I use aerosol stickum when my hands get hot and sweaty or if I somehow get some grease on them that I have difficulty wiping off.  

Its not a crutch to recover your normal grip.  I do not use it very often but when I need it, it is a lifesaver.  

For what it is worth, the aerosol Stickum does need to be cleaned off after a few applications.  I have found simple green works really good with a toothbrush. 

Regards, 
Cranky

I like to use a "puff ball" from the bowling pro shop.  Don't know exactly what it is but it keeps your hand dry when its hot and sticky out.

ProGrip is excellent. Works and doesn't get sticky.

Wobbley wrote:Firm grip and “Rifle Grip” were very popular with M1 and M14 shooters.  But they were a crutch.  If you really have to use them, your grip/stance/position need some work.

Thinking back on this makes me laugh. I remember shooters using firm grip on their shoulder patch, elbows, knees, and seat of their shooting pants, as well as the grip and forend of the M1A. They stuck to their mats like flys on fly paper and had to peel it off in order to get back up. Some would leave their shooting glove stuck to the forend of their rifles. 
I would never consider firm grip on a pistol. I have however seen several shooters use a rosin bag. Probably a good solution in hot weather.
JKR

For those that use rosin etc, make sure NOT to get any on your ammo. It melts and reforms in the chamberwalls leading to bigtime malfunctions. You need a torch to get it out. We had a lady shooter with that issue at the Nationals a decade ago now....

Carpe and ProGrip, until someone comes out with a grip material that absorbs sweat and get tackier as a result.

I use rosin.  Just a reminder, clean your checkering if you use rosin a lot.  It has a tendency to fill in the gaps in checkering.

JKR wrote:Thinking back on this makes me laugh. I remember shooters using firm grip on their shoulder patch, elbows, knees, and seat of their shooting pants, as well as the grip and forend of the M1A. 

I remember when a rifle shooter got mixed up - and used Firm Grip REMOVER on his rifle and mat.  After the rapid fire string, he stated he was sliding around during recoil.  The score proved his statement - there was a loose group on target.

So, back on topic of pistol shooting.  IIRC, legal means of reducing slippage are:

• Rosin or other temporary grip substances;
  
• Grip tape/skateboard tape;
  
• Stippling or otherwise altering the legal grip surface of the pistol;
  
• For non-polymer pistols, changing grip panels to a different material; or changing to a different surface finish.  Be careful with this change, as some replacement panels have illegal features, i.e., finger grips on Pachmayr grips, or thumb rests on other replacements;
  
• Towels (for wiping away sweat);
  
• Antiperspirant (for the gripping hand);
  
• For SIG P320 shooters, swapping to a different sized the grip module.  Standard grips on P320s are "medium", "large" and "small" size modules are available.  From experience, this works well - a small grip fits my hand better than a medium.  Should anyone contest such a change, note that issued M17s are issued as a pistol (medium grip) plus two grip modules. (1x large, 1x small.)
  

Hope this helps.