some interesting ideas.
My thought process is why not adapt the machine to fit the operator rather than the other way around.
That's what gun makers already do, with varying degrees of success. The problem isn't the machinery, its the hugely variable range of operators that they have to be adapted to.
Cars today have adustable seats, steering wheels, and some have adjustable pedals. And there are still a few individuals who do not "fit". One size fits all really means one size fits nobody perfectly. So, we shoot for something inbetween. The most practical compromise.
Currently, triggers can only be pulled one way, back. BUT people add in a lot of variables in the process of pulling it back. Tell 10 people to push a button, a simple flat button, that can only move in one direction. THey will all push it down. But if you measure the angle of force applied to push it down, you will see that some people push in line with the direction of movement, and others apply a portion of the force at an angle to the direction of movement.
A "free swinging left/right" trigger seems to work, but I beleive it will no cure the problem, only seem like it does on paper. There have to be stops (limits) to the trigger travel, and I think what you would find is that people would be applying even more lateral force to the trigger instead of less.
Another thing to consider, and something that cannot be solved by the gun, is the way the shooter squeezes the trigger. Trained shooters, shooting targets or hunting will do their best to pull straight back, maintaining their precise aim. Applying the pressure only with the trigger finger. These habits will also carry over (to a degree) when that shooter is working for speed, and in high stress stiuations, like self defense. And in those situations, it is done below the level of concious thought.
Less well trained individuals often squeeze the trigger with their whole hand. Usually also below the level of concious awareness. This has an effect on the alignment of the gun at the moment of discharge. IF consistant, you can shoot well this way, but to be consistant, you have to know what it happeneing, and do it the same way every time. Few do, or can.
I don't think there is a mechanical way to keep off axis pressure applied to the trigger from having an effect on the gun in the shooter's hand. Especially when most shooters don't even realize that they are applying off axis pressure.
I saw an interesting example on the Top Shot show the other night. Kid was shooting the Colt Peacemaker, and was shooting to the left. Others had shot the same gun, and were on target. The shooting coach had the kid put his left thumb against the recoil shield, to counteract the pull he was applying when he pulled the trigger. For him, it worked, and he shot very well after that. Obviously this will not work with a lot of guns, or some shooters. I just mention it to illustrate that it must be changes in the shooter's grip and/or the way they pull the trigger to correct for the lateral pressure, not changes to the gun.
Many things have been tried over the years. Some specialty shotguns have been made with release triggers, but I don't think that is a good idea for a handgun!
