Thursday : September 2 : 2010
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Different from the commercial Crimson Trace brand, all new products have been built from the ground up using new technologies and resources that are innovative solutions for today's hostile environments requiring white light, IR (infrared) and quick change day-to-night sighting systems.
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The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has announced the addition of Aimpoint to the growing list of industry supporters of First Shots®, the NSSF-developed program that introduces newcomers to target shooting. Aimpoint has pledged its support and sponsorship of First Shots through 2010.
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Sentry Solutions announces the official launch of the Sentry Solutions Facebook Fan Page. The goal of the page is to create a place for fans and dealers to interact directly with the company and with other enthusiasts.
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Skill Set: Trigger Finger
by Tiger McKee (He's back!)
During my time off from the Wire I've been teaching almost non-stop. One of the issues that I see a lot, especially with new shooters, is when the finger should and should not be on the trigger. This is an important factor for everyone, no matter how much training/practice we've had.
The bottom line is that your finger and brain working together is your safety, regardless of the weapon you're holding. We use mechanical safeties because they provide an extra layer of protection from making a mistake, but if you're not thinking about keeping your finger and trigger eventually you'll end up in trouble.
When should your finger be on the trigger? When your sights are on target. How do you confirm when the sights are on target? By looking through them. When your sights are on target and you're looking through the sights your finger should be on the trigger ready to press off an accurate hit. Once the sights come off target or your eyes come off the sights your finger should be off the trigger. And off the trigger means indexed on the frame or slide, clear of the trigger and guard.
At all other times, with the exceptions of firing from a retention-position or other close quarters type situation, your finger should be off the trigger. I lower the weapon down to a ready position, the sights come off the target and my finger comes off the trigger. My weapon is indexed on the threat but my eyes come off the sights to perform a quick scan. My finger comes off the trigger. When you think about it your finger is off the trigger more than on.
There are two places for your trigger finger. Off the trigger and clear of the trigger guard, or on the trigger in anticipation of firing. Having your finger on the trigger at the wrong time makes you dangerous to everyone, including yourself. This goes double when things start going wrong, someone is trying to put some hurt on you, and lives are at stake. If forced to shoot it's because lives depend on shooting accurately to stop the threat, accuracy being defined by the shot you're attempting. Lives also depend on you not making a mistake, firing a negligent shot and injuring someone not involved in the conflict, or shooting yourself. (Note: Everyone I know who shot themselves said they knew it immediately, and it hurt like hell. People shot during a fight sometimes never know they are hit until the fight is over.)
Do not let yourself get into the habit of the finger being indecisive, wriggling around in the air between your "safe" index and the trigger. This is a sign of a clouded mind. One thing we can't afford in a fight is indecision. It doesn't do us any good, and threats will pick up on this to use to their advantage. Assess the situation, decide on a proper course of action, and then perform safely and efficiently.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama, author of The Book of Two Guns, a staff member of several firearms/tactical publications, and an adjunct instructor for the F.B.I. (256) 582-4777 www.shootrite.org
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The bottom line is that your finger and brain working together is your safety, regardless of the weapon you're holding. We use mechanical safeties because they provide an extra layer of protection from making a mistake, but if you're not thinking about keeping your finger and trigger eventually you'll end up in trouble.
When should your finger be on the trigger? When your sights are on target. How do you confirm when the sights are on target? By looking through them. When your sights are on target and you're looking through the sights your finger should be on the trigger ready to press off an accurate hit. Once the sights come off target or your eyes come off the sights your finger should be off the trigger. And off the trigger means indexed on the frame or slide, clear of the trigger and guard.
At all other times, with the exceptions of firing from a retention-position or other close quarters type situation, your finger should be off the trigger. I lower the weapon down to a ready position, the sights come off the target and my finger comes off the trigger. My weapon is indexed on the threat but my eyes come off the sights to perform a quick scan. My finger comes off the trigger. When you think about it your finger is off the trigger more than on.
There are two places for your trigger finger. Off the trigger and clear of the trigger guard, or on the trigger in anticipation of firing. Having your finger on the trigger at the wrong time makes you dangerous to everyone, including yourself. This goes double when things start going wrong, someone is trying to put some hurt on you, and lives are at stake. If forced to shoot it's because lives depend on shooting accurately to stop the threat, accuracy being defined by the shot you're attempting. Lives also depend on you not making a mistake, firing a negligent shot and injuring someone not involved in the conflict, or shooting yourself. (Note: Everyone I know who shot themselves said they knew it immediately, and it hurt like hell. People shot during a fight sometimes never know they are hit until the fight is over.)
Do not let yourself get into the habit of the finger being indecisive, wriggling around in the air between your "safe" index and the trigger. This is a sign of a clouded mind. One thing we can't afford in a fight is indecision. It doesn't do us any good, and threats will pick up on this to use to their advantage. Assess the situation, decide on a proper course of action, and then perform safely and efficiently.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama, author of The Book of Two Guns, a staff member of several firearms/tactical publications, and an adjunct instructor for the F.B.I. (256) 582-4777 www.shootrite.org
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