What is the proper position of the trigger finger?

[williegee]

Did some shooting yesterday and tried two different trigger positions, one placing the very tip of the finger on the trigger and the second using the first joint of the index finger. I found I shot better using the first method. What is the correct method or the generally accepted method?

 

[jimcon]

It is hard to answer your question without knowing what you were shooting. But here goes. For a single action like a 1911 your trigger should be about at the center of the pad of your finger. For a double action, your trigger shouls be at the first joint of your finger. If you find your self shooting to the right or left, adjust your finger a little to the left or right.

These are the general rules, but there are no hard and fast rules

 

[45R]

Use the part of your finger that you type or push buttons with for DA/SA for DAO use the part of the finger closer to the joint.

 

[hksw]

Totally dependent on personal preference.

The very tip of the index finger, the pad of the first digit, the crook of the joint, even the middle finger, it doesn't really matter. Just as long as you shoot accurately the way you like doing it. You may even change the way you do it when using different types of action, e.g. double action vs. single action, 2 stage vs. single stage, etc.

 

[williegee]

I should have mentioned I was shooting a 9mm SIG P239 DA/SA.

 

[ChickenHawk]

Well, not to pick at nits, but I don't think it's totally personal preference any more than the best method for bowling is. There are good ways and bad ways, and the good ways provide better (and more consistent) results for most people.

The closer you can get to the middle of the pad of your trigger finger the better off you are. For DAO triggers, it is easier to pull the trigger when near the joint, but unless you practice, practice, practice I'll bet you pull to the right if you position at your finger joint.

Fit is a consideration, too. If your finger is on the trigger and the gun is a good size for your hand, then there should be a bit of daylight between your index finger and the grip of the gun (one instructor I had called this the pencil test because the space should be about the right size to slip in a standard pencil).

Cheers,
ChickenHawk

 

[hksw]

You means folks like Pete Webber with them high backswings were doing it all wrong?

So, if someone is shooting using their joint in SA of a properly fit gun getting better scores than anyone else (which I've seen) isn't shooting correctly?

Sure the pad for SA, the joint for DA works great for most folks including me but most folks aren't all folks. Shoot the way that's best for you for accuracy. Don't be afraid to step off the path of generalities.

 

[Correia]

Depends one what works best for you. Size of your hand. Type of gun. Distance to trigger.

Try both and see what works better. Also the position may change depending on how you are shooting. I find that when I'm concentrating more on pure accuracy then I tend to shoot with the pad of my finger more, if I'm running high speed strings with minimal split times it tends to go more towards the joint.

There are IDPA master class shooters and USPSA grand masters who use either finger position. I don't really feel like telling any of them that they are doing it the wrong way.

 

[bountyhunter]

Whatever gives you the best scores. I recommend gripping the gun as it feels natural to you and then placing your finger on the trigger. That is likely the best place for it. If you have to rotate your hand to get a different point of the finger onto the trigger (or worse yet, torque your finger outwards to get the tip on) you are probably screwing up your ability to achieve a slow and smooth pull. All long as the pull is smooth (so it doesn't disturb gun alignment) it makes NO difference what part of the finger is on the trigger.

And FWIW: if you shoot wheelguns in DA mode, I guarantee you will shoot better taking advantag of the additional leverage provided by going to the joint of the first two segments and in some cases: put the trigger dead center of the pad on the second finger segment. With a heavy trigger that you want to "stage", having that extra leverage gives more control.

 

[clubsoda22]

personally, i shoot the best holding the grip in my teeth and pulling the trigger with my third toe on the left foot.

 

[hksw]

Don't be afraid to step off the path of generalities.

Should read, 'Don't be afraid to step off the path of generalities and/or specifics. Be flexible. Find whats best for you.'

Jeet Kun Do