TV and the "Shooting finger"

[Tower75]

Hi all,

Yes, one of "those posts again".

While watching countless American crap* on TV, I've noticed that anyone who whips out a handgun automatically holds it in a Weaver stance with their trigger finger lying along the frame, away from the trigger, be they trained military or housewife.

I watched the other day the good-guy draw his SiG and take a bead on the bad-guy while shouting something heroic, no doubt. Now, the good-guy's finger was lying along the frame, and was not touching the trigger. Now, I will be the first to label myself as a soft civvie with NO military training, but surely if you actually want to shoot something your finger should be on the trigger, no? Just seems odd to me. Why's your finger off of the trigger? You actually want to shoot this guy/guys. Okay, the time taken to whip your finger from frame to trigger is minute, but it's still a delay, and I would even say, a possible way of knocking the trigger when you don't want to.

I'm all for firearm safety, and I understand the "lying finger". Whenever I hold a firearm off-of the range my finger lies along the frame or stock. But when I shoot, my finger's on the trigger.

The only thing I can think of is either:

1) Safety on-set means that you don't put your finger on the trigger while you're actually pointing a firearm at a fellow actor/actress, or:

2) The firearm advisor of the show wants the watcher to know that the show's got an advisor who know's his stuff; that's why HouseWifeA drops into a Weaver stance and adheres to all firearm safety procedures while her life is being threatened.

Thoughts?

*It's not crap because it's American, btw, but just the type of rating-run, crime drama/triller stuff that's flooded TV at the moment. But, hey, give the People want they want, an all that. Funny how they never give me what I want.

[kennyc]

finger on the trigger to fire, if the point hasn't arrived where the gun is wanted to go BANG! then the finger stays off the trigger, too many guns have gone BANG! due to unexpected twitches reflexive finger movements etc, saying heroic things probably means there's a bit more time to fill in before the shoot scene

[Chuck]

As kenny says, finger off the trigger until ready to take the shot

Also they hold the thing like a rifle these days, thumk on the slide (almost) and the old "cup and saucer" hold has been re-introduced in cop shows. .............ahh style.

[Burner]

Andrew it all depends upon when and by who you were trained.
Trained usefull firearms handling or PC wussied feel good training.
When I was young if you were on patrol your piece was locked, loaded, safety off, finger on trigger ready to shoot.
If you aint ready you are already dead.
Now the young squaddies are taught this movie s***, finger on the side of the gun safety on untill you are aimed and ready to actually fire.
No wonder so many get killed.
Just like all that TV crap of a light mounted on the gun. Damm stupid.
The Sargent taught us "see that light? aim there, guarenteed kill shot".

Safety on a controlled range is one thing, safety in a combat situtation is totally different.

[kennyc]

it was probably the number of Police shooting themselves and others accidentally that encouraged the change of training methods? times move on, not everything new is great, however not everything new is bad.

[Chuck]

burner, quote]walk about finger on trigger all day[/quote].you talking military i take it..... or police - just a thought.

Agree for handguns round chambered, hammer down and safety off or "cocked and locked" for the 1912 brigade. Horses for courses of course.

BTW, saw two movies today where the weak arm is placed under the chin across the chest to grip the firing shoulder..WTF? Also the old "cup and saucer" routine making it's way back in - as is holding the gun muzzle up at your head in line with your eyes and ears.

[Tower75]

Interesting. I just always wondered, is all. As I say, I just thought it was odd. I'm thinking that if you actually need to shoot, put your finger on the trigger.

[Burner]

BTW, saw two movies today where the weak arm is placed under the chin across the chest to grip the firing shoulder..WTF?

Chuck, I have, and do sometimes fire a rifle in this manner. I find it helps control the shakes after I have had too much coffee.

Military, Chuck.

[Chuck]

Cheers burner....

OH I also fire a rifle like that, in the cases I mentioned this was a pistol being fired...

[Blackstuff]

BTW, saw two movies today where the weak arm is placed under the chin across the chest to grip the firing shoulder..WTF?

Isn't that the old FBI "bulletproof arm" technique?