Hey just got back from the range and I had a buddy telling me that I was pulling the trigger with the wrong part of my finger? I generally have a pretty choked up grip on the pistol grip and can pull it with my second pad (middle). He however, told me that you should only use the tip of your finger so that you don't pull the barrel when you shoot. Is there a proper way to do this? I guess I've never really put much thought into it.
Trigger finger placement?
- Thread starter Pops1085
- Start date
globemaster3
New member
All of the training the USAF has given me in both M-9, M-16, and M-4, have all emphasized using the first pad on your finger for trigger pull. Going to the second pad, past the distant joint, I hear the CATM folks refer to as "booger hooking".
If you think about it, you will be the most accurate with the least amount of energy you impart to the rifle. That first pad allows a light touch. Getting into that second pad now requires more squeeze to trip the sear using more of your finger, imparting some side-side motion if you are not careful.
There are some great shooters on here, with many NRA-certified instructors floating around. I am sure you will get some more valuable information shortly.
If you think about it, you will be the most accurate with the least amount of energy you impart to the rifle. That first pad allows a light touch. Getting into that second pad now requires more squeeze to trip the sear using more of your finger, imparting some side-side motion if you are not careful.
There are some great shooters on here, with many NRA-certified instructors floating around. I am sure you will get some more valuable information shortly.
TheDoubleDeuce
New member
Globemaster, do you mind me asking what your AFSC is?
I not only use the first pad on my finger . I've been trying to find the best spot of the pad to use . I have found that the very tip does not work for me cus I will push the rifle to the left . Just left of center or just past the tip not quite to center works best . When placed there I do not push or pull the rifle to either side .
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chris in va
New member
Speaking of USAF, we weren't allowed to put our M16's on full auto the one time we shot them in Basic.
One guy did and got 'washed back'.
But anyway I find using the second pad to be more natural when firing my AR. I have to consciously move my finger to the first pad.
One guy did and got 'washed back'.
But anyway I find using the second pad to be more natural when firing my AR. I have to consciously move my finger to the first pad.
TRIGGER CONTROL
Chapter 3: Army Marksmanship Training Guide
Encyclopedia of Bullseye Pistol
A. GENERAL.
Correct trigger control must be employed in conjunction with all other fundamentals of shooting. The physical act of applying pressure on the trigger to deliver an accurate shot may vary from individual to individual. Proper trigger control for each individual gradually assumes uniformity when the techniques of proper application are mastered. Many shooters, for example, maintain a degree of trigger control with a relatively light grip, while another shooter may use a very tight grip. Some shooters prefer to apply consistent trigger pressure at a rapid rate, while maintaining correct sight alignment. For another shooter, a slower, deliberate application may achieve the same results. An ever increasing number of shooters use the positive approach to trigger control, that is, once it is initiated, it becomes an uninterrupted, constantly increasing pressure until the weapon fires.
Trigger control is of very great importance in producing an accurate shot. When the shooter exerts pressure on the trigger, he must do so in a manner that does not alter the sight alignment, or position of the pistol. In Figure 3-1 below, either finger position on the trigger will pull the trigger straight back and not alter sight alignment when the pistol fires. Consequently, the shooter must be able to exert smooth, even pressure to the trigger. Furthermore, the trigger must be pressed in conjunction with maximum concentration, peak visual perception of sight alignment and minimum arc of movement.
In order to produce an accurate shot, the shooter must carry out many diverse, but related, actions. Fulfilling this action is compounded by the fact that the pistol is in some degree of motion throughout the period of sighting and aiming. The movement varies according to the stability of the shooter's stance. Consequently, the sight alignment deviates from the aiming area. Often it will move through the aiming area, pausing only for a short period of time in perfect alignment with the target. It is impossible to determine when, and for how long the properly aligned sights will stay in the center of the aiming area. This difficulty is aggravated further by the fact that the shooter is trying to execute coordinated actions when reflex action seeks to contradict them. Such a situation requires the development of conditioned reflexes, and improvement of coordination.
Figure 3-1. Correct Placement of the Index Finger on the Trigger. (a) With Joint of Index Finger. (b) With First Bone Section of Index Finger.
================
From the "Four Fundamentals of Marksmanship" for the M16A2
Trigger Finger. The trigger finger (index finger on the firing hand) is placed on the trigger between the first joint and the tip of the finger (not the extreme end) and adjusted depending on hand size, grip, and so on. The trigger finger must squeeze the trigger straight to the rear so the hammer falls without disturbing the lay of the rifle. When a live round is fired, it is difficult to see what effect trigger pull had on the lay of the rifle. It is important to experiment with many finger positions during dry-fire training to ensure the hammer is falling with little disturbance to the aiming process.
Chapter 3: Army Marksmanship Training Guide
Encyclopedia of Bullseye Pistol
A. GENERAL.
Correct trigger control must be employed in conjunction with all other fundamentals of shooting. The physical act of applying pressure on the trigger to deliver an accurate shot may vary from individual to individual. Proper trigger control for each individual gradually assumes uniformity when the techniques of proper application are mastered. Many shooters, for example, maintain a degree of trigger control with a relatively light grip, while another shooter may use a very tight grip. Some shooters prefer to apply consistent trigger pressure at a rapid rate, while maintaining correct sight alignment. For another shooter, a slower, deliberate application may achieve the same results. An ever increasing number of shooters use the positive approach to trigger control, that is, once it is initiated, it becomes an uninterrupted, constantly increasing pressure until the weapon fires.
Trigger control is of very great importance in producing an accurate shot. When the shooter exerts pressure on the trigger, he must do so in a manner that does not alter the sight alignment, or position of the pistol. In Figure 3-1 below, either finger position on the trigger will pull the trigger straight back and not alter sight alignment when the pistol fires. Consequently, the shooter must be able to exert smooth, even pressure to the trigger. Furthermore, the trigger must be pressed in conjunction with maximum concentration, peak visual perception of sight alignment and minimum arc of movement.
In order to produce an accurate shot, the shooter must carry out many diverse, but related, actions. Fulfilling this action is compounded by the fact that the pistol is in some degree of motion throughout the period of sighting and aiming. The movement varies according to the stability of the shooter's stance. Consequently, the sight alignment deviates from the aiming area. Often it will move through the aiming area, pausing only for a short period of time in perfect alignment with the target. It is impossible to determine when, and for how long the properly aligned sights will stay in the center of the aiming area. This difficulty is aggravated further by the fact that the shooter is trying to execute coordinated actions when reflex action seeks to contradict them. Such a situation requires the development of conditioned reflexes, and improvement of coordination.
Figure 3-1. Correct Placement of the Index Finger on the Trigger. (a) With Joint of Index Finger. (b) With First Bone Section of Index Finger.
================
From the "Four Fundamentals of Marksmanship" for the M16A2
Trigger Finger. The trigger finger (index finger on the firing hand) is placed on the trigger between the first joint and the tip of the finger (not the extreme end) and adjusted depending on hand size, grip, and so on. The trigger finger must squeeze the trigger straight to the rear so the hammer falls without disturbing the lay of the rifle. When a live round is fired, it is difficult to see what effect trigger pull had on the lay of the rifle. It is important to experiment with many finger positions during dry-fire training to ensure the hammer is falling with little disturbance to the aiming process.
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There prolly is an optimum finger placement
on a trigger.
But the most important act is to practice,practice
pulling the trigger straight back no matter where your finger
is on the trigger. Once you got this instilled in muscle memory.
It don't matter where your finger is placed.
on a trigger.
But the most important act is to practice,practice
pulling the trigger straight back no matter where your finger
is on the trigger. Once you got this instilled in muscle memory.
It don't matter where your finger is placed.
Kreyzhorse
New member
Using the second pad, at least when shooting a handgun, causes your wrist to turn inward. Try it using the index finger on your opposite hand as your "trigger" and you will notice how it your wrist wants to "break" inward.
Using just the tip of your finger helps to keep your wrist straighter in my experience. As a result, not matter what I'm shooting, I use the tip.
Using just the tip of your finger helps to keep your wrist straighter in my experience. As a result, not matter what I'm shooting, I use the tip.
globemaster3
New member
PM sent with AFSC info.
Figure b in what Bart provided was what my meager words were trying to describe.
Figure b in what Bart provided was what my meager words were trying to describe.
If using a target gun with a very light pull I usually use the 1st pad. On most hunting rifles and shotguns I use the joint between the 1st and 2nd pad. When using the joint you have bone against the trigger instead of padded flesh. This really helps with consistent pull, especially on 3+ lb triggers.
big al hunter
New member
Try both ways and use which one gives the best groups on target.
So from the discriptions above it is okay for me to go back to shooting with the joint... I can hear the argument for increased trigger sensitivity with the pad but I have to pull so much less with the joint. As long as I'm not jerking hard I don't see a problem
Exactly, as long as you've "trained" your finger and mind to pull
straight back each and every time (muscle memory) ,place your
finger wherever it's most comfortable on the trigger. It's just more
difficult mechanically the further you move towards the knuckle.
Exactly, as long as you've "trained" your finger and mind to pull
straight back each and every time (muscle memory) ,place your
finger wherever it's most comfortable on the trigger. It's just more
difficult mechanically the further you move towards the knuckle.
spacecoast
New member
I shoot a lot of double action revolvers... definitely the first joint for me.
2 on the trigger
Maybe I'm a little different with my 2 hand grip, but it works for me. Seems most comfortable, and the groups are smaller when I have my left trigger finger on the trigger in position A (above) and my right trigger finger is on top of my left finger using position B, literally 2 fingers on the trigger. I squeeze with both. It works for me.
As giaquir said, practice, practice, practice, and I'd add use whatever works best for you.
Maybe I'm a little different with my 2 hand grip, but it works for me. Seems most comfortable, and the groups are smaller when I have my left trigger finger on the trigger in position A (above) and my right trigger finger is on top of my left finger using position B, literally 2 fingers on the trigger. I squeeze with both. It works for me.
As giaquir said, practice, practice, practice, and I'd add use whatever works best for you.
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Experiment and use what works best for you. The main objective is to pull the trigger rearward without moving the rifle. If you can do it by sticking your finger further past the first pad it is fine.
Shooting techniques are generally very traditional, but don't bew afraid to adapt to what works for you. I personally don't use perfect pad placement and tend to favor more toward the joint. It allows me a more natural position using the standard AR grip (which is neccessary for HP Service rifle) and gives me better leverage on the trigger. Again, the objective is to be able torelease the hammer without moving the gun.
Shooting techniques are generally very traditional, but don't bew afraid to adapt to what works for you. I personally don't use perfect pad placement and tend to favor more toward the joint. It allows me a more natural position using the standard AR grip (which is neccessary for HP Service rifle) and gives me better leverage on the trigger. Again, the objective is to be able torelease the hammer without moving the gun.