The "Ready Gun" Position.

[Adam Helmer]

I have noticed on TV news programs and cop shows that cops and military personnel with a gun in hand, both pistols, M16s and shotguns, etc., have their trigger fingers along the frame ABOVE the trigger guard and trigger. I assume some person deemed that is another safety when a gun is about to be used if needed in gravest extreme, but I think it is not as good having the trigger finger inside the trigger guard. Curling the trigger finger in case of instant need will not fire the gun. One must consciously seek and find the trigger before the gun will go bang. It may be just a second too late.

There is a trial going on in the next county where two Sheriff's deputies were killed by a bad guy they had arrested in the past and they were about to serve some papers on the BG at his residence. BG was in the backyard when the two deputies approached him. We only have the BG's testimony since he whacked both cops. I wonder if they had their trigger fingers along the frame of their handguns as they were trained.

At my agency, per SOP, we always had our guns in our hands when we did an entry for a drug search. We had our guns down along the seam of our pants, in hand. That began because in the past an agent needed his gun and did, in fact draw it, but he had his suit coat wrapped around the grip AND blocking the trigger, because he forgot to sweep back the edge of his jacket to effect a draw. Duh.

When you need a gun, you need to be able to put it into use right away. Effecting the perfect draw starts with the gun in hand. Getting off the shot starts with your finger inside the trigger guard.

Adam