Striker-fired pistols are all the rage, and they have earned it. However, the double-action firing system still has its place in concealed carry and the shooting sports. Unfortunately for some, the longer, heavier trigger pull makes the platform harder to achieve the same accuracy as striker-fired pistols. If you fall into that category, the tips below will help you improve your accuracy and build confidence with the platform.
Improve Your Double-Action Shooting Game
Say what you want, the double-action firing system’s merits are well-established, and some shooters prefer them. However, as mentioned, the trigger on a DA pistol is longer and heavier than that of striker-fired or single-action pistols. This can lead to frustration and make some shooters abandon the double-action platform.
So, how do you tame the harder trigger and get better accuracy when shooting a double-action pistol? We’re glad you asked. The following tips have been successful and proven for years among training professionals. If your double-action shots are suffering, here is where you start.
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Press with the Distal Joint of the Finger
A common bad habit some people develop is shooting with the pad of their finger. This will not cause an issue with a 1911 or lighter striker-fired or single-action pistols. However, it will negatively impact double-action shooting.
The pad of the finger isn’t very strong in and of itself. The additional pressure exerted by the finger pad to actuate the double-action trigger will pull the shot wide, often to the left.
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Instead of the pad, use the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, or the last knuckle of the finger. You’ll want to contact the trigger on the crease of the finger or just ahead of it. The DIP is stronger than the fingertip. So, you can make a harder, smoother squeeze without pulling the gun off-target.
A High and Tight Grip On Your Double-Action Handgun
The proper handgun grip is a matter of some debate. Some say it should be sufficient to avoid limp-wristing while remaining supple. Others insist you want to throttle the grip like it owes you money. With a double-action gun, you need to grip as hard as you are comfortable.
The hand, minus the trigger finger, has to be a stable platform so the trigger pull doesn’t move the sights off target. You want your shooting hand high on the back of the grip, with the web fully under the backstrap. Then, you can select the thumb placement that works best for you. Many professional shooters prefer either the thumbs-forward grip or interlocked thumbs.
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Either option will give you a good, stable grip. You want firm, constant pressure with the fingers and thumb that hold the gun steady.
Stop Stacking the Trigger and Ride the Reset
Next is the trigger stroke itself. Years ago, a popular method of double-action trigger operation was the two-stage pull, a.k.a. stacking the trigger. The idea is you take up the slack, pause (and realign the sights), and then squeeze the trigger.
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Instead, a double-action trigger squeeze should be like making a tackle in football or a punch in boxing. You don’t make light contact and then push; you hit through the target. The squeeze should be smooth and uniform from the first millimeter of take-up all the way to the rear.
After discharge, let up the pressure but don’t break contact. Ride the reset instead of lifting off. Doing so precludes slapping the trigger on the next shot and ensures your finger stays in the sweet spot.
Don’t Neglect Dry Firing
Make sure you’re dry-firing. If you want to improve your shooting, you’ll get more mileage out of dry firing than almost anything else. This is also how you can fine-tune your grip and trigger technique.
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For years, the two best dry-fire methods were the wall drill and the balance drill. In the wall drill, you pick a spot on the wall or set up a target, then align your sights and dry-fire. The object is to fine-tune your grip and trigger control so that the front sight doesn’t move.
Similarly, in the balance drill, you place an object on top of the slide (such as an empty cartridge). In this method, the object is to pull the trigger continuously without the object falling off. This is particularly difficult with a rounded slide, like that of the SIG P226. The purpose here is to train your grip and trigger control to keep the gun stationary and on target during strings of fire.
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It is important to remember the rules of safety and ensure that your firearm is unloaded and there is no ammo in the area.
As technology advances, so do dry-fire training opportunities. Along with virtual reality training systems, there are also systems that allow you to use your own firearm. A couple of popular options today are Mantis training systems and Laser Ammo systems like the i-MTTS Arena.
As with anything, the more you practice, the better you get. So, when you are not on the range practicing your grip and trigger control, you should be at home dry-firing. Before you know it, you will experience better accuracy and be more comfortable with your double-action pistol.
