Self Defense- Pistol Primer (Part 3)

Firing Hand Transitions:

     A situation may arise in which the shooter must change firing hands (for best utilization of support side cover, or in an instance in which the firing hand has been wounded).  The proper method to transition firing hands is to bring the new firing hand from underneath the pistol (see figures 17a and 17b).

 Figure 17a, Right Hand to Left Hand Transition

Figure 17b, Left Hand to Right Hand Transition

     Note:  For range purposes, firing hand transitions should be completed only after the pistol has been decocked. 

Trigger Reset and Follow Through:

     As we have noted, to maximize accuracy a smooth press of the trigger straight to the rear is essential.  Along with the proper high grip and ever increasing sight picture focus as ranges increase, shooters must have trigger finger control as well as trigger finger discipline (remember Cooper's Rule #3). 

     Trigger reset is simply maintaining contact with the trigger face (best accuracy is achieved by using the pad of the trigger finger or no farther than the last distal joint of the trigger finger, dependent upon hand size), after the shot is fired.  The trigger finger then maintains contact with the trigger face until the shooter feels the pistol’s disconnector reset (there is also an audible “click,” if one listens close enough).  The trigger can then be immediately pressed straight to the rear again, if another shot is desired.  By learning proper trigger reset, the firer can eliminate much unnecessary movement of the pistol which results from completely releasing the trigger between each shot (often referred to as “trigger slap”). 

     Follow through refers to the practice of always taking an extra sight picture on the target.  For example, if the shooter fires one shot, they should see two sight pictures; the initial sight picture and another as soon as the pistol recovers from recoil.  If the shooter fires two shot, then they should see three sight pictures, etc.   Follow through reinforces accuracy fundamentals and provides for quick, accurate follow up shots. 

     Note.  Every shot must be intended and gun fights are not scripted affairs.  Some threats may be stopped with one well placed round, while others may keep filling the shooter’s sight picture for many rounds before ceasing to be a deadly threat.