Where do you keep your finger when not firing?

[holdencm9]

Where do you usually place your trigger finger when not firing, above the trigger area alongside the slide, or on the front portion of the trigger guard.

I usually go with 'B' because I can reach it with my finger on most guns, and it sort of gives me a "reference point" that I have the right grip. Still feels safe; the only way I would accidentally let my finger into the trigger guard would be if my first knuckle broke in half and my finger bent backwards. But I have seen it both ways. If you can't reach the front of the trigger guard then it is an obvious answer to keep your finger up over the top. Some guns like an AR I would avoid that though because you are getting dangerously close to the mag release button.

This is all in fun, and just out of my curiosity, since I see it both ways. But I would be interested in knowing why, which guns, if you think one is "safer" etc.

PS: Option 4 is a trick, hopefully there are zero responses to it!

 

[Skribs]

My hands are too small on most double-stack pistols to keep my finger in front of the trigger guard, I have to do along the slide.

 

[jcwit]

C or D, Just depends on what I'm doing.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

I usually keep it in my nose, where it's gainfully employed...

Seriously, though, my trigger finger is kept outside the trigger guard, comfortably pointed in the same direction as the weapon.

 

[GlackAttack]

A. It is good habit IMO. If you were to suddenly trip, get pushed, or even have a stroke(for example), less chance the gun will go off when you hit the ground.

 

[tydephan]

As far away from the trigger as I can, whilst still maintaining a grip on the gun.

I keep it pointed along the slide.

 

[JEB]

i index along the frame.

 

[303tom]

A..............

 

[Frank Ettin]

I answered "A".

There's a good reason to prefer the finger indexed along the frame rather than across the trigger guard. That's the phenomenon of interlimb interaction. This was discussed at all the classes I've taken at Gunsite, and see here.

Briefly, it's part of the startle response. If one is surprised or startled, especially under stress, he is likely to squeeze his hands, including the trigger finger. It's a reflex, automatic and involuntary. If one's trigger finger is along side the trigger guard, instead of indexed along the frame, when startled or surprised, he is more likely to allow it to slip into the trigger guard, onto and pressing the trigger.

 

[mavracer]

I answered C because it depends but I usually use A.

 

[holdencm9]

A. It is good habit IMO. If you were to suddenly trip, get pushed, or even have a stroke(for example), less chance the gun will go off when you hit the ground.

I agree maybe "less" chance, but I don't know if any of your examples would cause your finger to go into the trigger guard. My finger is straight, pad of finger on trigger guard, so like I said, my knuckle would have to break and my finger bend backwards to go in. I suppose if it was up along the frame it would have to slide down AND break backwards, so there is one more element of movement that could probably not happen. I will see about shifting it up there next time I am at the range.

 

[Krogen]

Option A.

It is so ingrained, that when pick up a cordless drill motor my finger sticks straight out. I used to feel a little foolish, until I realized it was training and muscle memory kicking in.

 

[BCRider]

A: Always A: If I find myself doing anything else I slap myself upside the head and move the finger.

My two primary reasons for getting into the shooting sports were and still are IPSC and IDPA. Either will happily hand out a DQ for anything less. And doing anything less is carelessness.

Like Krogen I find I'm doing the same thing with power tools that are anything remotely gun like.

 

[holdencm9]

My two primary reasons for getting into the shooting sports were and still are IPSC and IDPA. Either will happily hand out a DQ for anything less. And doing anything less is carelessness.

I don't think B is careless at all. Didn't know you'd get a penalty for it though. Good to know if I ever get into those games.

 

[beatledog7]

Depends on the gun I'm holding. But not inside the trigger guard.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I teach A and use A when around other shooters.

Shooting alone I use mostly D with a little A thrown in.


I've been using D for over 60 years (I still shoot 4-6 days a week) and I see no reason to change now.
If I get senile enough that I can't control my trigger finger to the point that I fire the gun without meaning to, I'll just give up shooting.

 

[holdencm9]

I guess if you have short fingers and can't reach, or can barely reach the front of the trigger guard, it could be dangerous. I'm going to try to get in the habit of holding it up higher, right along the slide. Seems that is the consensus. I agree it is safER not to imply that B is inherently unsafe.

I hope those that answered D simply did it in jest, to be funny

 

[M2 Carbine]

I hope those that answered D simply did it in jest, to be funny

Not at all.



I learned from the best when I was 18. The lesson was simple, "If you don't want the gun to fire, don't pull the trigger".
As I said, I see no reason to change now.

 

[Krogen]

Hey M2 Carbine.... I definitely respect The Best and what they do and teach. I have to wonder though, what they're teach young guys now? Agreed, they are indeed the best and will adapt to changing situations. Perhaps today's training is different.

 

[jcwit]

Hey M2 Carbine.... I definitely respect The Best and what they do and teach. I have to wonder though, what they're teach young guys now? Agreed, they are indeed the best and will adapt to changing situations. Perhaps today's training is different.

I agree with M2 Carbine, its also the way I was trained. Thats why I answered as

C or D, Just depends on what I'm doing.

I'm sure the training has changed now, but I have not taken the new training.

 

[waterhouse]

I keep my index finger hooked up near the ejection port. Sounds odd and it took some getting used to after years of keeping it along
The slide, but after training that way for a while it feels natural now
And prevents my finger form being anywhere near the trigger if I trip.

 

[Warp]

I think they have learned that inside the trigger guard is not the best choice

 

[Plan2Live]

It depends. If I just shot a particularly outstanding group it might be pointng at the target while I grin widely and try to get my friends' attention!

Ok, seriously this time, indexed along the frame and OUTSIDE of the trigger guard. It's just a habit now.

 

[CmdrSlander]

Usually, my computer's mouse.

But seriously: Outside the trigger guard, extended.

 

[Reloadron]

Generally with a pistol along the slide above the trigger guard.

@M2Carbine, thanks for the picture with the Q-Huts in the background. Now once again the nightmares will persist!

Semper Fi
Ron