How far into the trigger guard are you?

[smolphry]

As far back as I can remember I've been told to use the pad of my finger to pull the trigger. Now that I'm getting deeper into competition and reading more about different ideas on this. Specifically putting your finger as deep as you can(let the jokes fly) when going for all out speed. What are your thoughts and experiences? Best to just stick with one style and make it work or do you vary the technique based on the need?

[FNFAN]

I have large hands and long fingers. I use just out from the first joint. For Glocks semi related tidbit I picked up in class is to use the extreme bottom of the trigger i.e. sliding across the bottom inside of the trigger guard. Suggestion came from a guy who shot thousands of rounds per month through a Glock in the .mil unit he was in. Said he had a callus on the bottoms of his trigger fingers for about a year after they went away from the Glocks. Said doing so helped some and screwed up a few people's trigger pull. It helps me.

[RJ]

I experimented once using various places (pad, distal phalange etc.) and settled on the finger location that resulted in the least amount of front sight movement.

I don’t think there is a one size fits all solution give the huge variation in human hand anthropometry, combined with the myriad of trigger mechanisms (flat bar safety tabs, curved safety tabs, no safety tabs, etc.) in modern pistols.


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[Alpha Sierra]

I experimented once using various places (pad, distal phalange etc.) and settled on the finger location that resulted in the least amount of front sight movement.

Agree. Results > dogma.

[Clusterfrack]

The most important thing is to have a consistent and effective grip on the gun, while being able to press the trigger without disturbing the sights.

You don't want to compromise your grip in an attempt to place your finger in the "ideal" spot. On the other hand (pun intended), your finger position needs to work.

One thing you don't want to do is change your finger position on the trigger based on what kind of shot you are making. You write below about "finger as deep as you can... when going for all out speed". If you're going to try a 1st joint or deeper trigger finger, you've should to be able to use it all the time--at least with that gun.

On full and compact guns, I use the pad. On mouseguns and snubbies I use the 1st joint.

Check out Surf's excellent video linked in this thread:
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?6637-Glock-Trigger-Press&p=112307&viewfull=1#post112307



As far back as I can remember I've been told to use the pad of my finger to pull the trigger. Now that I'm getting deeper into competition and reading more about different ideas on this. Specifically putting your finger as deep as you can(let the jokes fly) when going for all out speed. What are your thoughts and experiences? Best to just stick with one style and make it work or do you vary the technique based on the need?

[RevolverRob]

I experimented once using various places (pad, distal phalange etc.) and settled on the finger location that resulted in the least amount of front sight movement.

I don’t think there is a one size fits all solution give the huge variation in human hand anthropometry, combined with the myriad of trigger mechanisms (flat bar safety tabs, curved safety tabs, no safety tabs, etc.) in modern pistols.


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For somebody that ain't been shooting too long, you got the right answer. This ^^^^^

And different guns and hands will change it.

For a 1911 with a flat MSH and a long trigger, it's perfect for the pad of my finger. But a short trigger will mean more finger over the trigger.

A revolver gets down to the actual joint of the distal phalanx and medial phalanx.

An LEM somewhere in between.

It will be different for you, anyone who thinks there is universality is foolish, IMO. Go with whatever it takes to get a consistent grip and not muck up the sights when you press.

[Wingate's Hairbrush]

Reminds me a bit of "both eyes open, or...?" question where the best answer is "see what you need to"; e.g., place as little or as much finger into the trigger guard as your particular hand needs on that particular gun to get the shot. Assuming a good foundation in the basics of what generally works and what variations are available to you, the idiosyncracies of the individual shooter and their hits (or misses) have final say.

[45dotACP]

I've found that I really tend to just use the pad...but that was after experimenting a lot with it. Dry fire will show you the way.

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[CCT125US]

Typed up a long winded response, and lost it. So here is a picture:

45547

[spinmove_]

Where your finger falls on the trigger is a function of how your hand interfaces with whatever gun you’re shooting. Not all hands are created equal nor are all guns, but what it should be is as natural as possible. So whenever you grip your gun, put your finger in high register on the gun. Present to the target with your finger still in high register. Now bring your finger to the trigger and allow it to naturally rest on the trigger face. That’s where YOUR finger should be on YOUR trigger on YOUR gun. Change one of those variables and you change the end result of the equation.

[UNM1136]

Every time this comes up someone posts this video. Guess it is my turn.


https://youtu.be/G8JX2hZR_6g

I agree that your sights and called shots need to be the deciding factor, and that takes disciplined practice.

I learned the bottom of the triggerguard technique from a USPSA/IDPA GM during and Advanced Urban Rifle Class. Along with a variation of kneeling that I still teach today. I have not tried it on my current pistol, because I am currently running a G17, and or a M&P, and wear gloves enough of the year that drop safeties of those guns cause me pause and concern. It did work when I was running a 1911 with a 10-8 Flat Trigger....

pat

[CCT125US]

... running a 1911 with a 10-8 Flat Trigger....

Opinion time..

What I like about flat triggers is they seem to guide the finger straight back. The squared edges provide feedback if one gets off course, so to speak. This helps with the finish flat mentality.

What I don't like about flat triggers, is my press may not start in that perfect position, and could feel wrong based on how I initially contact the trigger. I have discovered that for me, as long as I finish flat, the path to get there is irrelevant. Flat triggers are not for me and my hands. I do understand how they are beneficial and aid in accuracy. One of these days I'll look into a short reach flat face. That may be just the ticket for me.

[RJ]

Opinion time..

What I like about flat triggers is they seem to guide the finger straight back. The squared edges provide feedback if one gets off course, so to speak. This helps with the finish flat mentality.

What I don't like about flat triggers, is my press may not start in that perfect position, and could feel wrong based on how I initially contact the trigger. I have discovered that for me, as long as I finish flat, the path to get there is irrelevant. Flat triggers are not for me and my hands. I do understand how they are beneficial and aid in accuracy. One of these days I'll look into a short reach flat face. That may be just the ticket for me.

That is pretty interesting. I’ve not heard that expressed in that way.

I perceived that my press was crisper after I replaced the OEM trigger with an Overwatch flat face aluminum shoe trigger. I may take another look at the OEM shoe.

(For sure though eliminating the Glock trigger shoe dingus was a very definite positive move; I was reminded how much I disliked it when I got my Glock 43X. That little stripe really digs into my trigger finger.)

[Clay1]

It took me so long to post that someone posted Pat McNamara's video already.

Interesting comments on the flat triggers. I have TWO Overwatch Precision Tac triggers sitting in a box by my desk right now. Haven't even opened the box, but thought that I would try one and wanted at least the backup gun set up the same way. We'll see how it works for me. Someone might end up with a great deal on a couple of TAC triggers :rolleyes:

[GJM]

I used to think how much finger mattered a lot on a Glock. Now I think wrist angle means more.

[Clay1]

I used to think how much finger mattered a lot on a Glock. Now I think wrist angle means more.

Please elaborate, just a little more.

[CCT125US]

I used to think how much finger mattered a lot on a Glock. Now I think wrist angle means more.

Good lord, it's like you're reading my mind. I have been exploring that aspect, and discovered some interesting things.

[GJM]

Please elaborate, just a little more.

First, since the support hand can mask trigger finger, shooting with one hand is a good place to experiment.

TPC described the concept of offsetting your wrist slightly, when shooting one hand, but I have experimented with it two hands. It seems to especially help with a Glock. See the two pictures.

45552

45553

[HCM]

As far back as I can remember I've been told to use the pad of my finger to pull the trigger. Now that I'm getting deeper into competition and reading more about different ideas on this. Specifically putting your finger as deep as you can(let the jokes fly) when going for all out speed. What are your thoughts and experiences? Best to just stick with one style and make it work or do you vary the technique based on the need?

My experience matches that of the Army AMU. start with the natural lay of the finger and adjust as necessary to ensure you are pulling the trigger straight to the rear. There is no one size fits all.

As such finger placement for one shooter may vary from gun to gun.

[Doc_Glock]

First, since the support hand can mask trigger finger, shooting with one hand is a good place to experiment.

TPC described the concept of offsetting your wrist slightly, when shooting one hand, but I have experimented with it two hands. It seems to especially help with a Glock. See the two pictures.

45552

45553

Do you now prefer the more extended wrist position (photo 2)?

I just looked at how I normally grip without much thought and it is very much image 2.