Right way or wrong way to shoot?

Question
I have been into shooting all types of firearms since early childhood, introduced through a family friend. In all those years ( and a 6 year stint in the U.S. Army ) I have learned over and over again certain techniques and safe handling ( ALWAYS ) of any firearm. Recently I finally took the plunge into handguns and took my NRA certified course. I have shot many handguns over the years at ranges and have a question as to whats right and whats wrong. My instructor stated ( as I had always practiced )that the finger should NOT be on the trigger until ready to shoot ( common sense ) but he requried me to remove my finger completely from the trigger after EACH shot ,by this I mean , removing the finger totally from the trigger guard and along side the gun after EACH shot. I feel this is incorrect in my belief that if the gun is loaded , the safety is off, and is being pointed downrage, this is a "ready to shoot" scenario and does not require the finger to be totally removed from the trigger assembly, not to mention it does not enforce good technique as it changes grip slightly everytime this is done, hurting accuracy. So, whats right and whats wrong?  

Answer
Mark,

NRA target shooting is a lot different from "Practical" or "Combat" shooting.  You don't use a 6 oclock sight picture for the latter nor do you remove your finger from the trigger.
It's a good habit to release the trigger completely between shots, even in a combat situation.  Some weapons require it for the sear to reset or in a revolver, for the hand to engage the next cog to rotate the cylinder.  Especially on weapons that have been modified for competition with lighter springs etc.
Don't piss off an instructor, just do what he says and then move on.  If you have a handgun for target only, then it doesn't really matter, but if you ever need it for personal defense, removing the finger completely from the trigger guard is more dangerous than not.
What you practice on the range will fall into natural habit in a situation where you don't have time to think.

He is not wrong and you are not wrong.  It's a matter of opinion and mine is that as long as a weapon is pointed down range or at an intended target, keep your finger in the trigger guard.

Dave Miller
Deltona, Florida