The "Vermont Technique"

I thought it was a good article. In particular, it points out the major safety problem with the "vermont technique" -- where do you put your trigger finger when it isn't on the trigger? We all know that when startled, you tend to clench your fists. When using the normal grip, when your finger is not on the trigger, it is on the side of the frame. So if you are startled, you won't pull the trigger accidentally. But with the Vermont technique, you can't put your trigger finger on the frame, because your index finger is already there.

One issue that they didn't address is that the Vermont Technique reduces the strength of your grip on the gun, thus reducing your ability to the retain the gun in the event of a gun grab.

Oh, and just to be clear, the S&W article is strongly against the Vermont Technique, sighting the safety concern described above.

M1911

[This message has been edited by M1911 (edited 03-19-2001).]

The only place I have seen this technique being used effectively is on a paintball gun. Anyone crazy enough to try this in a "combat" situation is asking for trouble. The only reason it works is that paintball guns, or "markers" as the PC types refer to them, have virtually no recoil and are easy to use in the above-mentioned way. I know this because I used to play paintball and am guilty of using this same technique while on the field. Of course, I always get nailed, but I think that has to do more with my size (6'4" and 350+, not really easy to hide behind a bush or a 4x4 stuck into the ground ) than anything else.

Bottom line. Your index finger is called the "trigger finger" for a reason.

The middle finger is known as the "up-yours" finger for an entirely different reason

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Blackjack
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"The price of freedom is eternal vigilence"
-Thomas Jefferson

"I'd rather take matters into my own hands if, say, someone were to break into my home, steal my possessions, violate and possibly murder my wife, and try to end my life as well."
-Blackjack_21

[This message has been edited by Blackjack_21 (edited 03-20-2001).]

Well, that's true too, arcades are murder on your trigger finger. I should know, I've blown many a roll of quarters at the local arcade



------------------
Blackjack
---------21----»

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance"
-Thomas Jefferson

"I'd rather take matters into my own hands if someone were to break into my home, steal my possessions, violate and possibly murder my wife, and try to end my life as well. In short, don't enter my house unannounced. You might leave on a stretcher."
-Blackjack_21