Which Part of the Finger on the Trigger?

[Tequila jake]

I've been shooting a long time and, when shooting revolvers, I've always placed the crease of the distal joint of the finger on the trigger. A number of experienced handgunners recommend doing it this way. However, I've also read articles by a number of gunwriters who recommend putting the tip (pad) of the finger on the trigger.

Opinions? Recommendations?

Tequila Jake

 

[greener]

I'm not sure there is a correct placement. I think you put the part that brings the trigger back without bobbing and weaving is the right part.

 

[Justaman]

whatever feels the most natural to you

 

[ChristopherG]

If you can do it with the pad--i.e., if you have a light enough trigger and/or a strong enough finger that you can do it without pulling the gun out of alignment--then using the pad rather that the joint will produce faster repeats and (with practice) greater control. In other words, that's how Jerry does it

Most people don't have this combination of equipment and skill, and so do better with the joint. If you want to be a really good sixgun shooter, though, using the pad is something worth aspiring to.

 

[Tequila jake]

Which Part of the Finger on the Trigger

ChristopherG,

I forgot to mention that most of the revolvers I shoot are variations of the S&W Centennial and are, of course, DAO. I have shot them for years using the distal joint on the trigger but recently tried it with the pad or finger tip. I've found that the pull is noticeably harder that way. And, since these revolvers will be used only for self-defense at close ranges, I don't think that target-grade accuracy is necessary. So, it looks like, for me at least, that double action will be fired using the distal joint on the trigger and single action will be fired using the tip, or pad, of the finger.

Thanks for the input,

Tequila Jake

 

[ChristopherG]

Yeah, a Centennial is a great gun, but hard to use real refined techniques on. I shoot with the pad on an N-frame or a K-frame, but on my Centennial, I choke up on it and jam a big ol' pile of finger in the guard. It's a harder trigger (with the coil vs. leaf spring) as well as being a very light gun (340PD), so it wiggles around real easily on the pull. And, there's so little grip for your hand to grab on to. So yeah, I'd say you're doing fine using the joint on a J.

Happy shooting, and stay safe.

 

[Tequila jake]

Which Part of the Finger on the Trigger

ChristopherG,

I've been shooting a 340 PD lately and it seems to me that the trigger pull is harder than on other Centennial-style J-frames I've shot. This is not good because I bought it for my wife and she doesn't have the finger strength to pull the trigger with one finger. I've dry-fired and live-fired it for a total of about 1600 cycles, but the trigger pull doesn't seem to have gotten any lighter. I didn't buy it for it's .357 Mag capabilities but for it's light weight since my wife refuses to carry a heavy handgun in her purse. I also have a 638 which is, of course, a little heavier than the 340, but I may have to give that one to my wife since the trigger pull is lighter. Which brings up a question: I know that the Centennials use a coil spring, but how about the Bodyguards? I've always kind of assumed that because they have a hammer, that they use leaf springs. Am I correct?



Tequila Jake

 

[ChristopherG]

I think all j-frames are coil springs.

If you want to try improving it, you could get a set of Wolff reduced-power springs from Midwayusa or somesuch--but installation on a j-frame may be a bit intimidating if you're not accustomed to mucking around in revolver guts. And, you'd have to test your ammo thoroughly to be sure your hammer still had enough power to ignite your primers.

Of course a trip to a smith would be another option.

 

[RonJon]

.

 

[RonJon]

Tequila Jake:

"I know that the Centennials use a coil spring, but how about the Bodyguards? I've always kind of assumed that because they have a hammer, that they use leaf springs. Am I correct?"

The Centenials have a hammer too - It's just completely enclosed inside so that you cannot see it without taking off the side plate.

Ron

 

[moewadle]

An experienced cowboy action shooter told me

that you do not use the knuckle joint and you do not use the pad of your finger as such. You are supposed to have the trigger placed just adjacent to the joint. Not near the tip of the finger on the pad. Do you see what I mean? The trigger should be just beside the joint without being on it. I was impressed by this because I am still a beginner. He told me this and my shooting improved significantly. I was shooting consistently to the left because I did not have enough finger on the trigger. Try it. By the way, this Cowboy action shooter is a retired deputy sheriff and wins lots of shooting contests. He seems to know of what he speaks.