The Best Resting Trigger Finger Position - Critical Mas Ep. 06 with Massad Ayoob

Published on July 1, 2021
Duration: 14:31

Massad Ayoob, a highly experienced firearms instructor and expert witness, details the safest and most effective trigger finger resting position. He strongly advises against common but dangerous practices like resting the finger on the trigger guard or barrel. Instead, he advocates for the 'flexed finger' technique, resting the finger against the frame, which enhances safety, weapon retention, and speed in defensive scenarios.

Quick Summary

Massad Ayoob advocates for the 'flexed finger' position as the safest way to rest your trigger finger when not actively shooting. This technique involves resting the finger against the firearm's frame, above the trigger guard, which prevents accidental discharges and enhances weapon retention.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Trigger Finger Safety
  2. 00:30Dangers of 'On Target, On Trigger'
  3. 01:35Flawed Resting Positions
  4. 02:25Case Study: 1970s Officer Incident
  5. 04:55Case Study: Peter Liang (NYPD)
  6. 08:55The Recommended Flexed Finger Position
  7. 10:30Weapon Retention Benefits
  8. 11:45Conclusion: Safest Technique

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest way to rest your trigger finger when not actively shooting?

Massad Ayoob recommends the 'flexed finger' position, where the finger rests against the frame of the firearm above the trigger guard. This method enhances safety by preventing accidental discharges and improves weapon retention compared to other common resting positions.

Why is resting your finger on the trigger guard dangerous?

Resting your finger on the front of the trigger guard is considered a safety violation because it increases the risk of the finger slipping inside the guard during a struggle or sudden movement, potentially leading to an accidental discharge.

What are the risks of resting your finger on the barrel or ejection port?

Resting your trigger finger on the barrel or ejection port poses a significant burn risk, especially during rapid or sustained firing. This can cause severe injury and distract from the primary task of safely controlling the firearm.

How does the flexed finger position improve weapon retention?

The flexed finger position, resting against the frame, provides a more secure grip and makes it considerably more difficult for an assailant to grab the firearm and attempt a disarm. A straight finger can be more easily manipulated or hyper-extended.

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