Why do I always... (Trigger finger habits)

[UpTheIrons]

One thing I've noticed over time is that:

Whenever I pick up a revolver, I almost always want to curl my trigger finger inside the trigger guard instead of letting it rest on the frame. Not that it happens, my hand just "wants" to do it that way.

Whenever I pick up a semi auto, I virtually never want to put my finger in the trigger guard - it always points straight ahead and rests on the frame.

Is this a function of the curved grip of the revo versus the squarer grip of the semi? A subconscious hindbrain action that makes the forebrain think it is 'safer' because it is a DA firearm? A bad habit I picked up somewhere?

Does this happen to anyone else? Or is the reverse true for you?

[9mmfan]

Mayhaps it is the idea that a revolver is double action, and therefore would require a harder, longer trigger pull to discharge, therefore leading to the faulty idea that it is safer to do so. As I am sure you know, the habits that we build are safety training for the time that we all dread. Which is to say if we ever have to draw down on another human being. Adrenaline, mixed with other factors, that finger resting on the trigger of a revolver could just as easily end up being shooting someone we did not intend to shoot. I read somewhere, quite possibly on this board, that a seasoned shooter would grab a bottle of Windex, point it in a safe direction, and have their finger resting under the nozzle. I don't recall if that is how I pick up Windex, but is enough to make one stop and think. Happy holidays to you, my brother, or sister, as the case may be.

[android]

I just got my first revolver this week and I kind of understand what you're saying. The curved grip kind of points your finger into the guard more directly and I had to make a more deliberate effort to index up under the cylinder. I'm sure I'll get used to it with time.

Perhaps it's because they were designed in a time when the safety rules were not so ingrained and explicit?

[UpTheIrons]

Good (I guess). I'm glad to know that it isn't just me!

I always force myself to index my finger to the frame on a revo, but it just takes more effort than with a semi. I know the drill, though: Practice, practice, practice...Train, train, train. My usual carry gun is a 1911, and I just acquired a Ruger LCR for those more 'discreet' occasions, so I noticed the 'curl' of my finger almost instantly the first time I picked it up. Looks like I've got more training to do before it goes into the rotation, though. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to y'all and yours, too!

[TDDude]

Yea, well do any of you guys use proper trigger discipline when shooting your 14.4 cal. DeWalt?

I pick that sucker up and it just feels funny to have my finger on the trigger unless I'm ready to "shoot" some rack screws.

[The Annoyed Man]

I own both revolvers and semi-autos, and I exercise trigger discipline on all of them. What's more, I didn't have to be taught that. It just came naturally...

...except for that one negligent discharge with a .44 magnum...

But that's another story.

[Oldgringo]

One thing I've noticed over time is that:

Whenever I pick up a revolver, I almost always want to curl my trigger finger inside the trigger guard instead of letting it rest on the frame. Not that it happens, my hand just "wants" to do it that way.

Whenever I pick up a semi auto, I virtually never want to put my finger in the trigger guard - it always points straight ahead and rests on the frame.

Is this a function of the curved grip of the revo versus the squarer grip of the semi? A subconscious hindbrain action that makes the forebrain think it is 'safer' because it is a DA firearm? A bad habit I picked up somewhere?

Does this happen to anyone else? Or is the reverse true for you?

It's something that was ingrained from watching cowboy and Indian movies as we grew up in a more gentle time. The cowboys always had Peacemakers and kissed their horses. The Indians had bow and arrows with an occassional rifle thrown in for good measure.

OTOH, today's kids watch drug and sex filled killer-dillers which depict a lot of Glocks where the hero/bad guy doesn't kiss his horse or put his finger on his trigger. Here endeth the lesson.

[MadMonkey]

I had to run to the safe after reading this.

I naturally index my finger along the frame of my autos, but on my "traditional style" RG revolver, I tended to curl my finger in without thinking about it... I think it had to do with the grip. Somebody with an old SA revolver would probably do the same... I think it's the design.

Something like a newer Taurus revolver with a thick, auto-like grip makes me index like an auto though. Interesting.

[mr surveyor]

Yea, well do any of you guys use proper trigger discipline when shooting your 14.4 cal. DeWalt?

I pick that sucker up and it just feels funny to have my finger on the trigger unless I'm ready to "shoot" some rack screws.

yes

I have a pistol grip spot light I carry out every night to "air out" the dog.... I catch myself indexing my finger when I pick it up.... good habit I suppose

surv

[9mmfan]

TDDude, funny you should mention that. Any time I pick up my drill, it always makes me giggle that my finger is resting on the button that sets the direction of the driver for the bit. I understand totally what you are bringing up. Cross discipline. Good thing.