trigger press on Kahrs

[theneko]

I was reading a recent article by Mas Ayoob and I was surprised to hear him advocate using the joint of the trigger finger rather than the pad. What do you guys do? I have never really shot revolvers and on autos I always use the pad and I assumed this was the best way to shoot the P9/PM9. Is this a user preference or is there a "better" way? His analogy was the long, DAO-type pull was like a revolver - I guess that makes sense but I would need to re-train myself. What do you guys do- finger pad or joint?

[ripley16]

I use a very relaxed finger , the trigger almost in the joint but not quite. The relaxed digit gives me a more linear movement. I've given up trying to "target shoot" with a Kahr though and just go ahead and "press with authority" so to speak.

[yqtszhj]

I violate all rules and stick my finger all the way through and use the pad on the middle part of my index finger, past the first joint. Hands are way too big to try and use the pad on the tip or the first joint. I've shot that way my whole life and have learned to control it pretty well. I just have to focus more on a firm grip.

[shnev]

What do you guys do- finger pad or joint?

Both! Let me explain. If I am practicing my marksmanship skills, I will use the pad of the index finger. If I am practicing my defensive pistol skills, which involves dynamic movement, I am more likely to use the joint or rear pad.

[CJB]

whatever works for _YOU_ is what to use

[LorenzoB]

I was always taught to use the pad, and then my LGS said to me the same thing Mas said... With DAO, "reach" a little further in. I was like "what"?! And he said it gives a little more strength for the DAO trigger and is less straining on smaller carry guns (which I totally agree with). But I am not sure I can switch back and forth that easily!!

[yqtszhj]

I was always taught to use the pad, and then my LGS said to me the same thing Mas said... With DAO, "reach" a little further in. I was like "what"?! And he said it gives a little more strength for the DAO trigger and is less straining on smaller carry guns (which I totally agree with). But I am not sure I can switch back and forth that easily!!

My thought is shoot the same way ALL THE TIME and practice enough that you are really good at it. Just my thoughts.

[LorenzoB]

My thought is shoot the same way ALL THE TIME and practice enough that you are really good at it. Just my thoughts.

My thoughts too, but I can see their point.

[Tejano]

IMHO the trigger pull on DAO pistols takes a firm pull with a rhythm. I have to accomplish the same type of pull and rhythm with revolvers or any other DOA pistol. They are all slightly different. But the only way to master them is with practice. You practice until you reach a zone that has the appropriate pull along with the right rhythm. This may mean adjusting how you reach the trigger.

[340pd]

I think trigger shape and grip dimensions has a lot to do with it. If you have access to a laser you can watch the movement when you fire. The one that moves the least will target shoot the best for you. Now, quickly draw and dry fire from a holster and you may find your finger in a totally different position. I find for sudden self defense, under pressure, you will not have time to find the center of the pad on your trigger finger and a deeper position is what most will naturally go to. Better too much finger than too little.

[muggsy]

Being able to hit the target that you are pointing at regardless of what method of pulling the trigger you employ should be your primary concern. You will not be cognizant of the method employed to pull the trigger when the SHTF.

[theneko]

Thanks for all the comments. Food for thought.

[sharpenit]

I was reading a recent article by Mas Ayoob and I was surprised to hear him advocate using the joint of the trigger finger rather than the pad. What do you guys do? I have never really shot revolvers and on autos I always use the pad and I assumed this was the best way to shoot the P9/PM9. Is this a user preference or is there a "better" way? His analogy was the long, DAO-type pull was like a revolver - I guess that makes sense but I would need to re-train myself. What do you guys do- finger pad or joint?


I tried to follow the rule about using the pad of the finger, but because the distance between the grip and the trigger on my CM9 is so short, at least for my hand and finger size, doing so required me to use an awkward grip on the gun in order to get my trigger finger into the recommended "first pad" position. This awkward grip completely compromised my ability to hold the gun firmly and fire accurately. So this "rule" just didn't work for me.

So instead I use the first joint, which is where my finger naturally falls on the trigger, and practice my trigger pull to minimize yanking the gun off target. Having a very strong, two-handed grip on the gun, as ayoob also advises, also helps to reduce trigger-pull error.

I'm no expert and I've got a lot of learning curve ahead of me, but this "first-pad" rule just seems all wrong for me.