the grip portion of the buttstock is held by the shooter's trigger hand during firing, and is the part of the butt that connects with the fore-end. the back part of the grip is called the tang. many grips have roughened textures or even finger grooves engraved into the sides to increase the firmness of the shooter's hold. some grips have a thumb rest (or thumb groove) carved near the tang to give a more ergonomic hold for the trigger finger.