When does the finger go on the trigger?

[ruchik]

I've been watching some training videos, and I see a lot of variations as to when the finger goes on the trigger. Sometimes people finger the trigger when the gun is drawn and in high compressed ready, just as the gun is being punched out; others only finger the trigger once the gun is actually pointed at a target. The rule that you should only put your finger on the trigger when you're ready to fire seems to go both ways. In one case, the shooter has already decided to blow away whatever's in front of him and is ready to shoot from a high compressed ready, and in the other case, the shooter isn't ready until the gun is fully extended. Are both ways right?

The same also applies to transitioning targets. I see shooters keeping their fingers on the trigger while going from one target to the next, and still others I see indexing their fingers on the frame while transitioning targets. Not sure what to make of it all.

[Synergy]

If I am prepared to shoot, I am comfortable with my finger touching the trigger. Till my finger bends, Its not going boom! If I am off target, my finger is outside the trigger guard.

[VictorFranko]

Get some professional training all these questions will be answered for you, and it will be fun for you too!

[locosway]

Your finger is only ever on the trigger when you're preparing to discharge a round. If you're not in a position where you need to discharge a round, your finger is outside of the trigger guard (i.e. on the frame). At no time should you put your finger on the trigger or take up slack in the trigger if you're not 100% ready to discharge a round.

Train the way you fight, fight the way you train. If you build bad habits at the range you will likely have a bad experience when you're under pressure.

And as Victor said, get some good training!

[choprzrul]

Personally, I would really like to hear from someone who has spent at least a year in the sandbox doing patrols. That has to be the most stressful situation that I can imagine. The SOP for the guys with their boots on the ground will tell us what really works, is safe for those around you, and lets you engage the threat the quickest and most effectively.

I have never been in that situation, so I am not going to venture to offer my opinion; but I sure would like to hear from someone who has the experience.

.

[locosway]

Personally, I would really like to hear from someone who has spent at least a year in the sandbox doing patrols. That has to be the most stressful situation that I can imagine. The SOP for the guys with their boots on the ground will tell us what really works, is safe for those around you, and lets you engage the threat the quickest and most effectively.

I have never been in that situation, so I am not going to venture to offer my opinion; but I sure would like to hear from someone who has the experience.

.

War time is different than home defense or self defense. However, keeping your finger off the trigger until you confirm your target is still the best option for safety, even if you're in the 'sandbox'.

Accidentally shoot someone in Iraq and it could be a w/e and ruled as a war time accident. Shoot someone on accident at home and expect to lose your home, and just about anything else that goes with a normal life.

[erratikmind]

I place my fingeron the trigger only when I am ready to make a shot. The moment I need to regain my sight picture, my finger is outside of the trigger guard.

[johnny_22]

Best Advice...

Get some professional training all these questions will be answered for you, and it will be fun for you too!

The classes are fun. I can recommend Louis Awerbuck in Santa Clara and Clint Smith in Lakeview OR. You will learn about when the finger should be on the trigger and more. I use the videos (some old VHS from Gunsite and newer DVDs) to reinforce what I learned in the classes.

[quick draw mcgraw]

Sights on target, ready to shoot: Finger on trigger!

Sights not on target or not ready to shoot: Finger OFF trigger!

[1911su16b870]

Your finger indexes the trigger when you have made the mental decision to shoot. That means you have a threat and your sights on aligned on that threat.

I am prepared to shoot every minute of everyday. Prepared means a condition 1 firearm on or condition 3 firearm near me 24/7.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Sights on target, finger on trigger. Off target, off trigger. Very simple. Train yourself, when handling the firearm administratively, to keep your trigger finger indexed on the right side of the frame.

[SJgunguy24]

Sights on target, finger on trigger. Off target, off trigger. Very simple. Train yourself, when handling the firearm administratively, to keep your trigger finger indexed on the right side of the frame.

This^^^. When my gun clears the holster and there is a threat, the decision has already been made. I didn't make that decision but I will go home to my family.
There are some people I know who have been there and done that, I listen to them.

[amd64]

Sights on target, finger on trigger. Off target, off trigger. Very simple. Train yourself, when handling the firearm administratively, to keep your trigger finger indexed on the right side of the frame.

+1.
ON ON
OFF OFF
KISS

[fiddletown]

I've been watching some training videos, and I see a lot of variations as to when the finger goes on the trigger. ....

What training videos and where?

There are some excellent training videos out there done by the folks at Gunsite, by Clint Smith from Thunder Ranch, and by other first class instructors. There are a few videos on YouTube by first rate instructors who know what they are doing.

And then there are a whole bunch of videos on YouTube and elsewhere put together by posers and wannabes who have no idea what they're doing.

On target ready to shoot, the finger is on the trigger. Otherwise, the finger is off the trigger and indexed on the frame.

[VictorFranko]

keep your trigger finger indexed on the right side of the frame.

This is especially true if you are left handed