Monday, June 23, 2014

BACK TO THE BASICS: TRIGGER SQUEEZE

      Its been a while since I posted, but you know stuff happens, get over it, I'm educating you some more so feel lucky!

     As far as the 8 fundamentals of pistol Marksmanship we have already covered:
1.  Stance
2.  Grip
3.  Sight Alignment
4.  Sight Picture

(Drum roll) and here we are at #5 Trigger squeeze.

     A good description of trigger squeeze is as follows:

     Placing the upper portion of the pad of the the firing finger on the trigger squeeze back utilizing the entire upper portion of the firing index finger bending at the knuckle.  Squeezing back with consistency of force not jerking or adding additional pressure as you squeeze straight back until the weapon fires.  That about does it.

     I could sit here talk about and demonstrate it, have you dry fire etc, and many people will still have problems.  Since you are taking the time to read this I will share a training technique that I have utilized for years for myself and others to get trigger squeeze down.

     The first step is utilizing your non firing thumb give a thumbs up sign.  Next with a #2 pencil part that is shaped with 6 sides (Hexagon) tape (preferred) or rubber band it to your non firing thumb with a flat side out and a flat side to your thumb.



     Now utilizing your trigger finger using your trigger finger squeeze back on the pencil.  When you squeeze back it should come straight back towards you.  For the amazing Hulks out there "DO NOT BREAK YOUR THUMB"



     If it doesn't come straight back adjust your firing finger in small increments opposite of the direction that your finger went.  Once it comes back straight memorize the feeling on your firing finger where it is contact with the pencil.   This will help you place your finger in the right place on the trigger.

     Now this device is not a one time thing.  I use this to practice my finger placement, and the constant pressure required to pull the trigger and keep the gun on target.  Some might argue that this can be accomplished with dry firing.  However I would argue that this technique actually isolates and improves your trigger squeeze.

Have a great day and I will attempt my next post next week.