The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: MLC on March 18, 2010, 07:26:33 PM
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This week I learned that there is, in fact, a difference between a single action trigger pull and a double action trigger pull. As it turns out, the way you press the trigger in DA mode is totally different than in SA mode. The DA mode is heavier and longer, and if you press the trigger with the same force in SA as your DA shot requires, your shot can go all (to quote my mother-in-law) cattywumpus.
My handgun skills, up until this week, have never been at a level where different trigger presses make a difference in my down range results. After some tweaking (understatement of the decade) of my technique by a great shooter, I got a brief period of instruction about the differing trigger pulls. Yes indeedy, it made a difference. Who'da thunk it?
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And they say shooting isn't a team thing. Looks like your "team mate" taught you a lot of useful info that improved your knowledge and skill. Everybody has room to learn. Ask Rob P. I'd imagine that every instructor he works with on SWAT TV increases his knowledge and ability in some manner and we all know Rob is an incredibly knowledgeable guy and a heck of a shooter.
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Hey MLC, it gets even better with triggers, take up, creep, overtravel, FWIW, one doesn't necessarily "press" the trigger, or even "pull", even though thats the catchy phrase,
its more of a "squeeeeeeze",....... ;)
The goal is Paper Plate accuracy, at a given distance, regardless of trigger action. Sounds like you hooked up with a fellow shooter that can help in that.
Don't focus on 1" groups with a pistol; consistent groups whether in SA or DA, are equally valuable for self defense. If your in competition shooting, than the stakes get even higher.
I always enjoyed the word cattywumpus.. ;D
Good shooting.
tw
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Garand, I would imagine guys like the illustrious Mr. Pincus learn something from almost everyone they meet.
Twyacht, I've heard squeeze, pull and press. I've also heard the definitions of each used interchangeably. How do you define each one? Maybe that's fodder for it's own thread.
My goal with shooting accurately is to shoot A zone hits on an IPSC style target as fast as I can. The drastic reconstruction of my pistol's platform has helped both accuracy and speed. Now I just need to keep refining it, and make those good habits reflexive. That, as we all know, requires practice. Golly, gosh and shucks. I just hate dry firing and going to the range. ;D
On a different note, I've started reading Brian Enos' "Practical Shooting Beyond Fundamentals". That's some very interesting reading.
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Practice brings evolution.......we should shoot to learn.
No one should think they are immune to new knowledge (but, plenty are).
Excellent topic......I try to face life with the hope that I learn something new and positive every day.
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It may sound like verbage, but I believe it is real, as each gives a subliminal message to the brain, I prefer press over any other word. The technique is valid on everything but a release trigger. As Rob teaches, extend, touch, press.
The difference ( to me ) is take the word squeeze, its like milking a cow, the WHOLE hand squeezes, We don't want that, we only want our trigger finger to be busy, not the hand muscles.
Now pull, equals in my mind, Jerk the trigger. You can pull a boat, pull a fast one, pull certain body parts, but don't pull your trigger.
The press, is pressing the trigger straight back, regardless of the action, SA, or DA, and mindless of weight, if it is time to press, then we press, hard or soft as the firearm dictates. It is a method, and a lot of top shooters and trainers use it, because it works for all firearms. When I shoot precision firearms, and the AR15, I do not use the cheek weld, shooting thumb over the grip, and weld my cheek to my thumb, I allow my thumb to ride along side, the right side of the firearm, with this application, I cannot squeeze the grip as I press the trigger, I am right handed.
Release trigger, usually only found in shot guns, for competitive use, you press the trigger, and it fires when you let go, no possibility of a jerk, theoretically.