Rather than resting your hand ON the gear handle, rest it just underneath
it. This will prevent any sudden turbulence from causing you to
accidentally rip the gear handle right out of the panel. Although the
handles in Pipers are quite hefty, Cessnas and others are not.... and that
would REALLY suck!
Jim

Another technique taught to prevent the above senario is to leave your
hand resting on the gear switch until the down and lock indicators are
illuminated. If you don't move your hand off the switch until you confirm
the gear is down and locked, you will be less likely to overlook
confirming
the locked status.

Have fun flying Saratoga.

Ron