Point and Shoot

Question
Recently I have been reading some material on the Web about a (mostly) handgun shooting method in which the gun is held with the index finger along the frame just below the slide, for an autoloader, and the middle finger is the trigger finger.  The technique is promoted only for close range combat where conventional sighting might be a hindrance.  What are your opinions on this technique?  Thanks for sharing your expertise.

Answer
Dallas,

I have come across this 'technique' a couple of time.  I don't particularly recommend for a couple of reasons.

First, most people do not have the level of dexterity with their middle finger as they do with their index finger.  Because of that inferior level of dexterity, the trigger pull can be imprecise resulting in off target shots.  The other factor to consider is that the muscle and tendon group that controls the middle, ring and little fingers and all grouped together for the primary purpose of providing gripping strength with the hand.  The index finger has a muscle and tendon that is separate from the grouped tendons of the other fingers, allowing better independent movement.  If you don't believe me, hold your hand palm up, extend your fingers of your hand and then bend your index finger towards your palm.  It moves independently without difficulty.  Now do the same thing with your middle finger. If you are like most people, you will find that your range of motion is more limited and that if you really try to get your fingertip all the way down to your palm, your ring finger is very likely to start to bend in 'sympathetic' way along with your middle finger.

Second, I think there are better 'point shooting' techniques.  One that I teach is the concept of simple aligning the plane of the slide with the desired point of impact on the target.  This notion of simply 'placing metal on meat' is effective and more instinctual in my view.  At ranges of 5 yards and closer, a hit on target is virtually assured.  The other aspect of this involves delivering multiple shots on target in a very short interval (5 or so shots in about 2 seconds) which requires a well educated trigger finger.  The index finger again is much more likely to deliver the desired result that another 'less dexterous' finger.

This technique could be effectively used in a situation where the index finger was injured or missing.  I have a former student who lost his index finger in an industrial accident and who uses his middle finger as his trigger finger.  He does just fine, but he also has practiced a great deal...

There are a lot of folks out there that would take a technique that might have a clearly defined purpose and change it around to come up with a 'new take' on an old concept.  I am all for that, but only when actual application proves it to be superior to the established technique.

I'd stick with tried and true techniques and take a good point shooting class...

Best regards,

Doug