Trigger Finger Placement Dilemna

V

VictorLouis

New member
OK, some of you frequent flyers here know that my preference leans toward DAO. I have always used the meaty part of the first pad of my index finger to work the trigger, even in SA guns.
In dry-practice with my new P9, I discovered that such placement causes the underside of the 1st knuckle to rub against the inside bottom of the trigger guard. Being plastic, I estimate that it is about 3x thicker than its steel cousin, with which I have no trouble. Well, when I transition to using the 1st joint of the finger, the problem is not present. As a bonus, I seem to have better control in keeping the sights on target through the length of the pull. So far, so good.
Today, I brought out my two larger framed pistols to try in this manner. They allow for repeat strikes, so you can dry-fire far more rapidly than having to re-set the slide each time with the Kahr. The problem is, I seem to be able to pull the trigger faster with my usual placement. And I can do it "stronger", judging by how many times I can fire before fatigue sets in. Yet, the "control" experieced using the joint is manifest with them also.
What do you folks thinks matters more: The speed of fire? Or, the arguable gain in target accuracy with the other method? Bear in mind, defensive shooting and compatability between the pistols are my concerns.
(Oh, and please spare me the diatribe against DAOs. I'm already aware that many of you feel that they are a less then "efficient" choice. :))
 
Victor,

I recently read an article by Mas Ayoob where he actually advocated using the joint of the finger for the reasons you mentioned. I'm not a big fan of Ayoobs for various reasons, but at least one "respected" firearms authority teaches it.

I say if you can consistently hit your target with the technique and can do so rapidly with a reasonable degree of accuracy, then go for it.

As for speed vs. accuracy, smooth is fast and you can't miss fast enough to win, so take your time in a hurry (how's that for mixing a bunch of weathered shooting maxims :) ).

I personally don't use that technique, but my hands are probably a different size than yours (and I hate DAO :) ), but again it's a matter of preference. Since you are changing technique, the decline initial decline in accuracy could easily be from the transition, and I see no reason that your accuracy should not increase with time and conditioning.

Regards,

Chuck
 
When firing DO you want to use the joint between the fingertip and the knuckle. When firing SA use the finger point just about 1/4" above that.
 
I typically use the first joint just forward of the crease of the knuckle. That's where I get the most control of the trigger. There are different schools on the matter, but this is what Uncle Sam taught me.
 
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