How to correctly pull the trigger on a CM9/PM9.

[WilliamG]

So, since having bought a Crimson Trace grip, I can test my dry firing quite well to see what my PM9 does when I pull the trigger.

I have above-average-size hands, and pulling the trigger the "correct" way (i.e. the first pad of my right pointer finger), I end up jerking the gun to the right.

However, if I pull the trigger with the SECOND pad (i.e. after the first bend in my finger), I can pull a dead straight trigger to the rear, and the laser point doesn't move at all.

So, for those having trouble with their aim, you may want to adjust your trigger finger. Sub-compacts are often tricky things!

[BuckeyeBlast]

I was surprised by this as well. I found that using the backside of my knuckle, between 1st and 2nd pad, keeps my front sight perfectly still while using the pad also causes jerking.

[garyb]

I agree. It is well published that trigger finger placement makes a difference. This is something that can easily be tested and adjusted for placement to fit each individual and for each gun. Hyperextending the most distal (first joint), by flexing the second joint is another way to get the finger square/perpendicular to the trigger travel, so the gun is not pulled to either left or right. I've seen video of this on Utube.

[WilliamG]

I agree. It is well published that trigger finger placement makes a difference. This is something that can easily be tested and adjusted for placement to fit each individual and for each gun. Hyperextending the most distal (first joint), by flexing the second joint is another way to get the finger square/perpendicular to the trigger travel, so the gun is not pulled to either left or right. I've seen video of this on Utube.

I saw this video, too, and think it's ridiculous. Why? Because in a (heaven forbid) SHTF situation there's no way I'm going to be able to flex that second joint! I'm going to be tense as HECK! I just want to pull the PM9 out and pull the trigger. The end!

In any case, long double-action-style triggers like the PM9 need the user to practice where their trigger finger should be. Hopefully this helps. :)

[Old No7]

"Because in a (heaven forbid) SHTF situation there's no way I'm going to be able to flex that second joint! I'm going to be tense as HECK! I just want to pull the PM9 out and pull the trigger."
True enough, but...

What you're forgetting is that while "practice does not make perfect" -- "perfect practice does make perfect". So the more you do well when you practice, that will build up confidence AND muscle memory.

Then in a real SHTF situation, you will revert to the way you've been training -- thus accurately AND confidently hitting your target well.

At least, that's what I want to happen "if and when..."

Tight groups.

Old No7

[CJB]

The age old technique of dry firing while "calling the shot" is very useful in gaining the muscle memory needed, for what to many is a new and different type of trigger pull.

My shots were going low, left... it took a decent amount of dry firing to get my hand to not do what it naturally wanted to do (or maybe remembered it was supposed to do from shooting 1911s?). Either way, there is a learning curve, its not hard to overcome at least to a decent point, and mastery is a matter of continued practice.

[WilliamG]

True enough, but...

What you're forgetting is that while "practice does not make perfect" -- "perfect practice does make perfect". So the more you do well when you practice, that will build up confidence AND muscle memory.

Then in a real SHTF situation, you will revert to the way you've been training -- thus accurately AND confidently hitting your target well.

At least, that's what I want to happen "if and when..."

Tight groups.

Old No7

Sorry, but fancy wording doesn't impress me. :p

Fact remains unless you can 100% simulate a SHTF situation so I can really practice being truly frightened and full of adrenaline, I can NOT guarantee how flexible my finger will be. I'm more likely to be able to guarantee where my finger goes on the trigger.

[bigmacque]

Regarding the title of the thread, 'How to correctly pull the trigger .... "

The first step is usually to appeal to the wife's sense of entitlement. You work hard for your money, you should be entitled to buy some things that bring you pleasure, and in this case safety and security.

After some time wearing her down with the entitlement discussions, and putting off suggestions with a general tone of, 'oh, I don't really need anything honey, but thanks for thinking of me ..... ', you have to change the tactic to one of need or some other sense of urgency. "I need a good 9mm", "I sure hope production of those PM9's holds up, I'd hate to get stuck with a used one someday." Some urgency or need is called for.

Then, the coup de grace: "Honey, I just couldn't live with myself if something were to happen and I wasn't able to defend/protect/save you from harm." Or, depending on the relative size of your motivating appendages: "Honey, I just feel this need to protect and serve, at all costs." If you do well with that second one, then just go ahead and buy the darn thing.

So, after a bit of denying yourself your just desserts, and setting up a sense of urgency, and then pointing out that of course anything you might purchase that would reward you and be truly necessary you would only get it for her .... pull the trigger:

"Honey, I want to buy one of these PM9's"