defensive pistol (CCW) question

[shattered00]

First off, what are yall's opinions on triggers with lighter trigger pulls for a carry weapon (I.E. glock with 3.5 lb trigger pull). To make it more specific, is there a certain weight that you won't go below when carrying a pistol?

I am not sure I understand why people don't like these lighter triggers. For me, if I am forced to place my finger on the trigger, then I am already firing to neutralize the threat. This seems to make the trigger pull weight a moot point except for using what poundage you shoot best with which is a lighter trigger in my case.

Second, are the rear sights that make a widened V shape better for carry/defensive purposes? I recall a Jeff Cooper statement where he praises them for when he hunts big game. I assume this would apply to two-legged creatures as well...

In summation, what is a good rule of thumb for trigger pull weight on defensive pistols, and what are the best type of sights for defensive purposes.

 

[mete]

For one thing, fine muscle control goes out the window under stress ! Much depends on training ,exactly what do you do in the situation ? Maintain some rational behaviour or panic ? It's hard to get an auto with less than 3.5 lbs .A typical DA pull is 12-15 lbs which can make things difficult .Somewhere between 3.5 and 9 lbs is appropriate depending on gun and shooter.

 

[pax]

The biggest problem with a lightened trigger pull is legal / political in nature. If you shoot someone in self-defense, one of the elements that must be present is that you did it on purpose: that you meant to do it, that it was neither an accident nor a mistake. That's one of the reasons why it's a bad idea to talk at the scene, because you might say something relatively innocuous like, "I'm so sorry this happened" -- and that can be used against you by the prosecutor to try to prove that your shot wasn't deliberate, and thus couldn't have been self-defense. Even if you keep your mouth shut, the prosecutor might very well decide to build a theory of the case based upon you firing accidentally and then trying to cover it up by claiming self-defense. And that superlight trigger pull which is such a joy on the range might just come back to bite you in court, in that situation, because the lightness of the trigger can be a very significant part of the prosecution's case.

On the tactical / practical end of things, your trigger finger should be so well-schooled that it absolutely positively never ever ever drifts onto the trigger when you do not intend to fire. But there's a little thing called the 'human startle reflex.' When you are already a little tense, and then are suddenly surprised, perhaps by a loud noise or by falling off balance, your body reacts in very predictable ways, clenching various muscles ... including, of course, your fists. If your hand is on the gun at the moment you are startled, unless your finger is resting on the frame faaaarr outside the trigger guard (as it should be!), it will very possibly land on the trigger as you involuntarily clench your hand. Bad juju even with a heavy trigger, but an accidental shot becomes more likely with a superlight trigger.

Personally, I wouldn't go below 5 pounds on a carry gun, and would prefer to stay within factory specs if possible. Personal preference.

As for sights, that's personal preference too. I know lots of people who love the express sights, and lots of other people who hate 'em. Matter of what you're used to, I guess.

pax

 

[Ron James]

I feel that the absolute minimum trigger pull on a defensive fire arm should be no less than 4lbs. JMHO. When things go bump in the night, and your blood is pounding in your ears even 4 lbs. seems to go off by it self. Even the police are subject to this stress and loss of fine motor skills. If I shoot someone ( god forbid) I don't want it to be by accident. I want a strong enought trigger pull that it takes a conscious effort to pull the trigger. Off the top of my head I can think of two cases here in Arizona where under stress police have killed two people. One was with a S&W revolver and the victim was a passinger in a stolen car, the other with a Glock, a 18 year old , no record, tired to out run the police in his own overly fast car. Both accidents, and both officers still have nightmares. No IMO anything less tha 4 to 5 lbs pull is asking to ruin your life, not to mention the person you didn't mean to kill, it would mess up his day also.Thats just my H/O. This not a slam, on the police, no way. I once wore the blue and one of my sons wore Scottsdale tan.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I like light triggers. I always have. I always will. Anybody who doesn't like my triggers doesn't have to pull a weapon on me.

 

[GunNut]

I prefer factory triggers pulls on guns that were originally designed for self defense. For example a Glock 34 is a competition weapon and has a lighter factory trigger pull than say a Glock 19.

I prefer Glocks for a carry gun, and will only carry them with the factory 5lb disconnector. I've had Glocks with polished triggers and 3.5lb disconnectors that were way to light for my liking.

Steve

 

[P95Carry]

IMO a smooth SA pull of 4.5 to 5# - or a DA long pull of 9-11# - is no biggie if a firearm is used defensively.

The oft mentioned comment that fine motor skills probably go out the window under stress mean to me that the poundage is not too important - tho I do wish for a smooth and creep free pull.

My 226 on DA pull is dead easy and I am certainly not gonna be disadvantaged by that ''in extremis''.

Those folks who want and use low poundage pulls for carry - fine - just hope you have no need to use them and defend your position in court.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I like long heavy pulls on my defensive guns. At least for the first shot. I would hate to be backing myself out of a hostile situation and get startled, accidentally discharging the gun. A 12 pound, 3/4" trigger pull requires deliberate effort. Yeah, yeah, keep your finger off the trigger. How many people who are going to say this have had video taped their own trigger control in a real life and death defensive situation? I'm not counting on logic in a panic situation. Remove as many variables as possible. Long, heavy pull means A) no safeties required and B) less likely to discharge resulting from flinch.

 

[plateshooter]

Great thread, now I have a good reason to like the trigger pull on my 9VE Sigma.

 

[salvador31c]

I have a good reason to like the trigger pull on my 9VE Sigma

haha yea its a good SD Trigger but no fun at the range

 

[das028]

You do know installing a 3.5 lb connecter on a Glock, doesant actually make the trigger pull 3.5 lbs.