Finger guard checkering, what's the point?

[eflatminor]

Several custom and high end 1911 pistol builders offer optional checkering on the finger guard. My old Beretta 92fs has grooves on the guard. What I can't figure out is, what's the point? Is it just cosmetic or does it serve a function?

 

[Ala Dan]

My S&W 6906 had a small amount of checkering on the trigger guard. It
mainly is for those persons that rest a finger on the front of the trigger
guard when shooting a semi-auto; otherwise, it serves NO useful purpose.

 

[briansp82593]

i happen to use it on my beretta every time i shoot

 

[USMC Tanker]

I THINK it's for shooters who rest their finger on the front of the trigger guard when shooting.

Also to assist in controlling the weapon during rapid fire.

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[Mad Magyar]

Some of the top pistoleros use the off-hand forefinger across the trigger guard for more stability...IIRC, either Brian Enos, Mickey Fowler, or Rob Leatham have used that form...
When you are just plinking, I find it very suitable; but never could get the rhythm during fast-shooting...Of course, having a squared-guard is almost a prerequisite....

 

[nwilliams]

Its pointless in my opinion. Never had a firearms instructor that advised using those trigger gaurd checkerings.

I'm sure some people like the feature and use it, if it works for you then use it. Me I'll stick to one hand wrapped over the other. I can make one hole groups without putting my finger out there, so why change it just because the trigger gaurd has that feature?

 

[Walkalong]

I tried using the finger on it for a while, but I decided it was just a bad habit. I have a tendency to pull left if I pull and so that did not help. While it could be more stable, it made it worse if I was not carefull.

 

[Riktoven]

Every marksmanship instructor I've ever had specifically advised against putting you offhand finger on the trigger guard. Serves no useful purpose what-so-ever and can only be used to push the muzzle off-target.

I've only gotten better listening to them.

If it works for you great, but to me that feature is cosmetic only.

 

[Chuck R.]

My 5" Baer has checkering UNDER the trigger guard. I think it gives some traction for the support hand index finger that normally rides under the guard.

Between that, and my checkered grips combined with a high grip, high thumbs forward, I feel like I really have a positive grip ion the gun during recoil.

At any rate, I like the feature so I'm sending my Baer Stinger in this summer for the same treatment.

Chuck

 

[ZeSpectre]

I'm one of those guys who uses the off hand forefinger on the front of the trigger guard when I'm shooting two handed. Doesn't work for everyone but it helps me keep muzzel flip under control so I can pull faster shots with the snappier rounds like .40 S&W.

Overall I think it is just another preference thing.

 

[Grunt]

The supporting trigger finger on the front of the trigger guard was pretty much in vouge back in the 80's with the idea that it helped control recoil. It did to some extent but a far more common result was the tendency to pull shots off target to the left or right (depending on the shooter) which is why it fell out of favor. Today, you seldom if ever see any instructor (I guess I fall into this camp too) advise shooters to use this method.

 

[Dienekes]

To sell guns.

Had a Ruger P97 with the reverse hook thingy. The gun is gone now (t'was a certified lemon) but while I was still messing with it I de-hooked it. Looked a lot better afterwards.

 

[jlh26oo]

That's funny. When I first started shooting GLOCK, I noticed the checkering there and figured they wanted a finger on it. You'll shoot better in the long run if you ignore the checkering.

 

[peacemaker45]

The only guns I put a finger in front of the trigger guard with are single action revolvers. My cowboy style looks vaguely weaver-ish, but is really a separate animal. Even then, I'm supporting weight of the gun on my finger, not putting tension on the guard. with an auto, though, it seems like a recipe for pulling shots.

~~~Mat

 

[Jkwas]

I rest my finger in front of the trigger guard. I'm not a competition shooter and for me it's just a preference. I usually do so with both auto's and revolvers. Works for me!

 

[ID_shooting]

I first starting using the "finger on the front of the trigger guard" method in the Army when I first qualified with an M9. Having small hands, large-frame guns tend to jump around a bit. Since getting used to using this grip, I find I am more accurate and have more control over the gun for a second shot. It is more than just cosmetic, it just allows for a different shooting style.

I even use the same grip on both single and double action revolvers with excellent reults. IIRC Rob Lathams first piece of advice was having a consistent grip no matter which method you used.

 

[Kestrel]

I dislike the trigger guard checkering, as well as all the squared/hooked trigger guards on pistols. To me, a pistol looks MUCH better with a rounded trigger guard.