10 Jan 02

More on fingers and triggers, from a friend who runs a prestigious indoor pistol range:

"We hired a new instructor to teach our state-mandated concealed carry courses. I got to the point where I was unable to do them all myself.

In any event, the new instructor teaches the out-of-date ‘sights on target, finger on trigger' system. During his last class his students had three ADs! In all cases, they occurred when he made the command, ‘Target!' As per his instruction, the students put fingers on triggers as soon as their sights were on target, but they were still waiting for a command to fire. In all cases, the students broke a shot prematurely, and without intent. This new instructor has a low key demeanor, and a soft voice, so I see the stress load on students as low.

My conclusion is simple: these students cannot be blamed for their unintentional discharges. They were acting exactly as directed, under the direct supervision of their instructor. The technique he is teaching is the obvious culprit. At my insistence, the curriculum is changing at once!"

/John