[Jeff Higgins]

I respectfully disagree - the grip has everything to do with the shot being taken. Everything.

The grip hand, the one with the trigger finger attached, is the "steering" hand in all forms of long gun shooting, shotgunning and riflery inclusive. A firm, consistent grip is absolutely vital to shot to shot consistency. At least if one is actually holding the arm in question...

The only shooting discipline where this is not true is benchrest competition. In this game, we are shooting very heavy rifles in very light calibers from very solid rests. Actually holding onto the thing induces variations that will be seen on the target. In this game, we allow the rifle to free recoil, and do not grip the stock. We pinch the trigger with the trigger finger while the thumb is placed on the back of the trigger guard. It it literally a "pinch".

That's the exception. In every other shooting disciple involving long guns, your single most vital connection to that arm is on its grip. It had better be firm, it had better be consistent. And yes, indeed, Mr. Noir's grip in that photo is entirely wrong. He should know better.