thumb or middle finger for trigger pull?

[GSG222]

I read about this "instictive shooting" thing the other day. Has anyone here tried and liked it? Basically, you keep the index finger on the frame parallel to the slide, while using the strong hand middle finger or the supporting hand thumb to pull the trigger. The theory is that you won't need sighting because your index finger will point naturally to the target. I tried the middle finger method, it didn't feel right with my heavy 1911, but seemed to work out well with G26. I think I will try it this weekend at the range.

[jigenax]

I used to train with that method on M9s in the Marines but it also felt weird with my 1911s. I was told it was due to the difference in trigger pull lengths. On the M9 and to some extend the Glocks, the longer trigger pull helped us maintain control by allowing more time during the squeeze of the trigger. As with anything else, you can achieve the same results with the 1911 with lots of practice.

[sevensix2x51]

i think any "instinctive pointing" benefit would be more than offset by my invariably crappy trigger pull using my untrained middle finger. i aim with the silhouette of the pistol when im shooting fast anyways, so its a solution for a problem i dont have... ymmv.

[orangeusa]

I shoot sideways.

[pyromensch]

i am still trying to figure out, why/how you could/would use the "thumb" not the most delicate or controlable appendage

couple of spelling errors....

[GSG222]

i am still trying to figure out, why/how you could/would use the "thumb" not the most delicate or controlable appendage

couple of spelling errors....

I am guessing here based on my understanding of the theory - I assume by "most controllable appendage" you mean the index finger. That is indeed the case for most people; however, the index is also the most accurate pointing finger. Using the middle finger or the supporting hand thumb to pull the trigger allows you to point more accurately - at least that's the theory.

[paul0660]

that is how you do an Enfield mad minute.........otherwise, the trigger finger got that name for a reason................

[The Original Godfather]

i think with proper training and time (to allow your middle finger to adapt), this would be a good method in a high stress situation (and relatively close proximity) self defense situation. but then again what do i know...

[orangeusa]

I'm dying to know why every Tactical instructor I've ever met and every person I've seen in IDPA use their trigger finger.. And every one in the Military ....

Heck Clive Owens used a carrot in "Shoot 'Em Up".

[esskay]

I'll pass, but here's a site extolling the virtues!

http://www.pointshooting.com/

[UserM4]

Without a gun in hand, when I point my index finger straight out and try to mimic a trigger pull with the middle finger, my index finger wants to instinctively curl. I would think that that would introduce movement in the front sights. Maybe it won't matter when shooting close quarters but maybe I'll instinctively jerk my index finger and miss the bad guy all together.

[orangeusa]

+1 on that. My middle finger causes ring finger AND trigger finger to move - some strange prehensile tendon thing methinks.

This came up on another forum. Guess what. It's a fad that comes and goes, and was actually in Ayoob's 'Combat Handgunnery'. I don't do fanboy, but Ayoob had very little positive to say about it - except if you lose your trigger finger.

I'd rather try to figure out how the Rifleman can shoot so fast... (Just found those old B&W reruns!!)

[resident-shooter]

Pinky ftMFw !!!

[LouDog]

21st finger Ftw!

[Munk]

21st finger Ftw!

Trigger guard would be an issue, otherwise i'd have made the same joke.

on topic... This seems like it'd be tougher on a large frame like the 1911, but with something mid-sized to compact, this could be a viable method of being semi-accurate.

However, remember, no little trick can be a substitute for good practice and/or training.