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Originally Posted by ken swart
I suppose you don't know what I'm talking about, or you would not have responded to my suggestion the way you did. I speak from experience, not theory.
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OK Ken, let’s talk experience: I went through my first basic academy in 1979, my first firearms instructor school (12 weeks 8 hour days) in 1985. Since that time I've been a full time firearms instructor with one agency or another. During my career I've taught many weapons and systems from .177 cal Olympic Free Pistol to 81mm mortars with a large spectrum between. I have 2 AAs in firearms instruction and maintenance and a BS in Education. Presently I teach pistol, revolver, rifle, subgun and shotgun on a daily basis depending on agency needs. For instance, today I'll be teaching a pistol speed shooting class this morning and a tactical shotgun class this afternoon. To say that I feel qualified to answer these questions based on experience, education and training would be a massive understatement. Nothing that I stated was a theory.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ken swart
If the trigger is shaped correctly, pulling with the first knuckle is natural and fast. I'm talking about up close or long range, point-isosceles or Weaver, free hand or bench rest, 5 yards or 50. This method is all about smooth, STRAIGHT BACK trigger pull with NO rotational movement and no shots pulled off center.
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To check this one merely has to watch the motion of the index finger (from the side) as it curls and you will notice that the joint moves in an arc. This arc is what can cause lateral movement in the handgun during the press. If instead, the trigger contact point is moved from the joint to somewhere in the middle of the first digit then that first digit can be flattened out and moved directly to the rear achieving a more straight back press. I'm talking about biomechanics here, not theories.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ken swart
And the ball and dummy drill keeps your vertical flinch under control.
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Most of this is correct and I use ball and dummy drills frequently. I would ad that a flinch normally involves some degree of lateral movement as well with the majority of that to the support side. In other words; when a shooter flinches, or experiences a subconscious muscular contraction in response to the report and recoil of the gun, that contraction is usually experienced by the majority of the shooting hand's control muscle groups. When all of the fingers contract on the grip of the gun then a rotational movement is imparted to the support side. To demonstrate this for yourself, hold the pistol or revolver in one hand, align the sights, then while watching the front sight very closely suddenly increase your grip pressure. You'll probably see the front sight move toward your support side. Combine this with the preemptive push down against the recoil and you have shots that are low and left for a right handed shooter and low and right for a left handed shooter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ken swart
As you said, to each his own, but this method works.
Ken
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Ken, that may work for you but for the majority of shooters (especially those starting out) the first digit is a much better working point.
Steve