my trigger finger

[Jesse H]

Is it possible that I shoot better with an unconventional trigger finger? I've always been taught and read that you want to use just the pad of the tip of your finger. I've always learned it that way and shot pretty decently.

After a 3 year haitus from shooting on a weekly basis I've been going to the range again and trying to put at least 200-300 rounds downrange each week. I've discovered that I'm consistently shooting to the left...except when I'm shooting the Ruger 22/45.

Because of this I've chalked all this up to flinching so I continued to do lots of dry firing and shooting. No help. I'd have respectable groups with the 22/45 and they'd really open up with my HS2000.

This last trip to the range I tried using more trigger finger, to the first joint. My groups are actually centering now. What gives? I use the same method with the 22/45 and the groups stay the same.

 

[Detachment Charlie]

I Give It The Finger

I don't know. However every time I get a new pistol, I start with he pad of my trigger finger centered on the trigger. If I am putting the shots left of intended POI, I just add more finger and it solves the problem quickly. This is especially true with SA semiautos.

 

[massad ayoob]

Old time double action revolver shooters used to call the distal joint of the trigger finger "the power crease." The finger has much more leverage at that point, making a rearward pull of a heavy trigger seem much easier. For me and for many other people, it works just fine on short-pull triggers too, and seems to allow more of a straight-back pulling movement.

YMMV. A lot of it has to do with the length and geometry of the individual's index finger, vis-a-vis the trigger reach on the given firearm, as well as the pull weight.

Glad it's workin' for ya, Jesse. You're not alone.

 

[AirForceShooter]

if it works do it.

AFS

 

[ColoradoKid]

trigger finger

Jesse,
If your fingers are real long and you were using the finger tip pad to contact the trigger...it could have caused the slight deflection in the muzzle. Remember, also, the trigger finger should, ideally, be at a 90 deg. angle with the bore as it contacts the trigger to allow that press straight to the rear......try the finger tip pad again and check that angle. It is the more consistent technique for shooting pistols than the first joint method.