Is Pulling the Trigger With Your Middle Finger More Accurate? 

With the revolver, I was expecting some burning on the extended index finger from the cylinder gap. A little surprised that didn't happen.

Paul cuts his hair. Everyone: Who are you?! Identify yourself!

Here's my wager of Paul's conclusion: You'll be more accurate using whatever technique you train the most!

I was absolutely prepared for Paul having completely lost his mind and giving us the finger in increasingly creative and ellaborate ways for the next 19 minutes.

Paul's outfit, haircut, and Beretta make him look very "Stargate: SG-1" today.

After going through aggressive radiation treatments on my neck, back in 2007, I could barley pull the trigger on my service pistol, Glock 22, due to nerve damage. The trigger felt like it was 25 or more lbs. and I would get a sharp pain that ran from my index finger up to my shoulder. My qualification scores were normally 116 to 118 out of a possible 120 before cancer, but almost a year after treatments I had a hard time shooting a score of 85. My buddy , Mike, was one of the range instructors and was working with me to get me to meet POST qualification standards. After two days of shooting and getting nowhere Mike suggested that I use my middle finger to pull the trigger. I gave it a try and found that the trigger was much easier to pull and there was no pain. After practicing for three days, I fired two post courses with a score of 113 & 115. The next day I fired two more courses with scores of 112 and 116. For the next four years I qualified shooting with my middle finger. I was able to go back to using my index finger the fifth year and until I retired in 2000.

I love it “peace, ok”? “Here’s your share, alright”. Lmao I love Paul’s mannerisms and comments. Absolutely straight to the point.

Paul I'm older than most of your viewers, as a kid we had town trash dumps where we were allowed to shoot as many rats as we could after it was closed for the day. All of us kids back then had bolt action 22's. I was a champ, shooting my bolt action Remington 513, secret was I left my first finger wrapped around the bolt with my thumb and shot with my middle finger. Once I got used to doing it that way I could shoot accurately and much faster than any of the other guys with bolt actions. It all came to an end when they started selling semi-auto 22's at Western Auto for cheap money. After that Christmas, there weren't any rats left at the dump to shoot. Those were the good old days. Thanks so much for your work I enjoy it very much.

Here's one: So if you shoot with the middle finger. Is that called a "bird" shot?

this has been and still is my favorite video. rest in peace Paul.

I've been doing this for years and have been afraid to tell anyone I use my middle finger as my trigger finger because I was sure everyone would tell me it was bad form and unsafe. I'm glad that my horrible secrets has been brought to light, tanks Paul!

I almost didn't recognize Paul without his Einstein hair, but when he started using his middle finger, I knew it was him.

Holy shit, the demonstration in the beginning was pretty damn great. Thanks, Paul.

Came here for nostalgia's sake. Thank you, Mr. Harrell.

Paul is a superhuman, he wears a jacket in hot son, and short sleeve in winter months, he also films when it rains. One of, if not the best gun channel on RU-vid, imo

Well, this is it. The day Paul flipped everyone off and we loved him for it.

This is very interesting to me because I just took my father to the range yesterday to shoot handguns which he never shot before (I live in NY laws are tough) and he actually lost his index finger 45 years ago… had to shoot with his middle finger. He did much better then anyone else I had learn how to shoot handguns for the first time.

"EZ Shot Targets were Provided by the manufacturer". You deserve more of this!

I went out and tried this today. Using the middle finger was easier to learn than I expected. It had an unexpected benefit. When shooting with a red dot I was able to find the dot quicker and more consistently.

I love this man as a mentor and a friend, even though having never met him he has brought so much wisdom to my life and by extension those around me.

I was told early in my career as a tanker was to pick a technique, commit to it, and train the hell out of it.

One of those "finer points" discussions I've often wondered about . Leave it to Paul Harrell.

"When enemy is far strike with your pointer, when enemy near, shoot him the bird" -Sun Tzu, The art of war

I’m over 60 years old and I was dang near rolling in the floor when you raised your middle finger. 1. I am quite mature, 30 years in the Army with 20 in SF. I’ve been to combat twice (decorated both times as an SF Medic). 2. Humor is still great and it just doesn’t matter how many times you tell me not to. As for the technique. I’m betting a hole in a donut (not to be confused with a donut hole) that either technique could be equal or better if having been used and trained properly over the decades of your experience. Why do I make that bet :)? Because you demonstrated the technique with excellent results regardless of the decades of experience. Thank you for another great video and my morning humor!!!

I started using the middle finger pull about 1 year ago and instantly corrected my low and left shooting drift...I find the use of the index finger as a pointer helps me keep my shots straight.

When Paul goes to the range the targets shoot themselves out of fear and respect.

"Peace✌️; here's your share🖕." - Paul Harell 😎

Caveats aside, he probably just wanted to show his haters the finger for once.

Interestingly enough, when rapid-firing my Enfield No.4 Mk1, I use my middle finger as it's vastly faster. You pinch the bolt handle with your thumb and index finger, and your middle finger naturally lines up with the trigger. Using this method, I can easily shoot all 10 shots in 12 seconds (some people can do it in 5-6 seconds) while maintaining a 6"-8" group at 50 yards thanks to never having to lose my cheek weld or sight picture. I'm gonna stick to my index finger for my other guns, though.

This man's knowledge and humor makes him a f*cking national treasure.

I had cancer under the nail of my index finger. After multiple surgeries to save the finger I still have it but it is partially paralyzed due to nerve damage. So I use my middle finger. After several years of using just my middle finger my accuracy actually is slightly better. I have to be careful because the finger is longer and I had to make sure I did not shove it too far through the guard

It almost feels like an honor getting flipped off by Paul. He's looking like a Marine corps drill instructor. I was scared before I even seen a gun.

I always like to watch Paul's videos sitting behind my big desk while wearing a powdered wig and judge robe, gavel in hand.

Thank you again. I just started shooting and find your videos very informative and easy to understand...and your dry sense of humor is great-don't stop.

I’d love to see a presentation about different types of foregrips, what their advantages and disadvantages are, and what Paul thinks of them.

Be careful when using the middle-finger with revolvers. When using the middle-finger with a revolver, the index-finger (trigger-finger) might get in the way of the gap between the cylinder and the barrel. The gases released between that gap might be strong enough to really damage your index-finger (especially, with high-caliber revolvers). When it comes to revolvers...just use your index-finger as the trigger-finger.

I'm here for 20 minutes of Paul giving us the finger haha.

Paul looks like he just got recalled and is shipping out tomorrow.

In Vietnam, I knew a helicopter pilot who got nicked on the wrist by a 7.62/39. It barely broke the skin and was later treated with a band-aid. HOWEVER, that nick caused his entire arm from shoulder to tip of finger to be paralyzed for about 2 hours, then he was OK. So this brings me to the point I hope you might address: Shooting a HANDGUN with your WEAK HAND (because your strong hand is disabled or you have to shoot weak handed around a corner, etc). Actually, you could address the issue of firing any weapon (pump shotgun?) when the strong hand or arm is disabled. REGARDING MIDDLE FINGER: I was DRY FIRING my S&W Bodyguard 380 (10-12 lb trigger) strong handed & index finger with 7 yard pie plate accuracy. Then I switched to weak hand, and accuracy went to 55 gal drum accuracy. Since I MAY have to defend with weak hand because I got nicked by a .22 or a 45, or I have to shoot around barrier, I tried DRY FIRING weak hand, middle finger with back to pie plate accuracy again. Dry fired again with my Ruger p95 with strong hand/weak hand MIDDLE FINGER with same results. So whenever I shoot in training, l will now use middle finger on both hands and also will practice 50-50 with both hands. Avoiding trigger finger proximity to moving parts, spent shells, etc. is great advice. I agree with JC Knives about how improved your MIDDLE finger accuracy might be if you had decades of practice with your MIDDLE finger.

Finally getting caught up on Paul.. How can ANYONE not like the basic, down to earth and VERY realistic demo/instruction he presents. GREAT job again Paul, keep up the GREAT work!

I have never done this with firearms, but with drills, and impact guns my dad taught me to do this when I was a kid. It keeps the tool more stable, and gives you more control. I never thought about doing it with my handguns, but in theory it makes sense.

Had to come and see Paul demonstrate the middle finger technique lol

Paul is the funniest man I know that has never cracked a smile.

He did not have to give us the story behind the blanket but I am glad he did.

paul, you're so pure. i love how well you adress everything. i could listen to you talk all day long.

As a Missourian, I'm a little skeptical of the claim that this video was filmed in Missouri. I didn't see any radical weather changes, and the video is over 10 minutes long

Not for me lol, jerry michulek seems to be pretty accurate using his pinky finger and holding it upside down

Given' Paul's credential's, I'm going to assume he has a license to fly that bird.

I've seen this done before and my experiences follow your points. Following a car wreck where his trigger finger was injured, my father used this technic for a while until his finger healed. He was using a revolver at that time, and his results were similar to yours. On another occasion I was at the range with a coworker. He had shot some growing up, but hadn't shot in a few years. He was shooting my Colt Government 1911 in .45. I was standing to his left as he fired with his right hand, two hand grip. The gun kept jamming. It was working fine for me. It wasn't until I stood to his right as he fired that I saw the problem. He was pulling the trigger with his middle finger. His trigger finger was pushing on the slide stop, pushing it out of position and causing the malfunction.

This is an interesting topic, Paul. However, I'd stick with what I've always practiced, being it's the closest I'll get to retaining muscle memory.

Call me immature, but I found my laughter from this video significantly louder and harder than I normally do in most videos by Paul Harrell. Which would indicate that mr. Harrell is much more accurate with his humor than before his training began with his middle finger. Good video Paul..🤣🤣🤣

I don't know if you are planning to do one but I am absolutely hoping you give us another fantastic Thanksgiving special presentation this year.

Paul's humor is why I'm still human. Btw, nice hair cut man. Looks good.

OK! You gave me a good laugh, provided a little surprise too :) As for the powder burn - I did get a powder burn (small) when I shot my 22 Mag using my middle finger. My index finger had a cut that prevented me from using it. I learned to not put my index finder towards the top of the cylinder gap :) Thanks Paul! P.S. - Nice bug :)

Well I was glad to see this. I for one , for the last 29 years had to fire a firearm with my right middle finger, since I lost 2/3rds of my index finger in a lathe. Also it forced me to learn to shoot with my left hand as well. And it has allowed me to be a bit better at single hand firearm operations then many of my friends. Many who thought at first, I was not able to shoot proficiently. I had even fired a .50 AE Dessert Eagle, with only my right hand. and that was a fast to tire situation for me. But through vigilance and practice I can fire the Dessert Eagles and S&W 500 fairly accurately. And AR-15 pistols as well, without threading my hand through the brace .

Temp 80 and Humidity 80? Those are rookie numbers, everybody in Houston says let's get these numbers up.

Thanks, Paul & Co. I enjoyed that clip at the end. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for the Paul Harrell nature documentary.

I like how you try to include revolvers in most of your handgun drills. As someone who almost strictly carries one, I appreciate it.

I sometimes shoot with my middle finger- a habit I picked up in my teenage years playing paintball. I still do it with monte carlo stocks. I find the wrist angle more relaxed and therefore more comfortable. At the end of the day, I think whatever you practice and are comfortable with is going to be your fastest and most accurate.

Great video. Thanks Paul !

babe wake up new Paul harrel just dropped

I'm glad he layed a blanket on that table. Wouldn't want to scratch that sweet, sweet Tapco stock. 🤣🤣. Loved the presentation! Great "finger" work.

Giving my middle finger is an accurate description of how I feel about joe and beer

I have found shooting the Bond arms derringers using my middle finger to pull the trigger works better. Not only is it easier to pull but the recoil goes directly into my palm. Of course you have to make sure your index finger has to be tight on the side of that short barrel. I was hesitant at first thinking I might shoot my finger off. I guess it’s like any thing else. Constant training leads to perfection.

Holy Hell! The Jungle BDU's were absolutely my favorite uniform ever. Damn I miss them!! Thanks for that blast from the past, bro! Oh, and BTW, Nice Shootin' Tex!!! (Seriously, PH, great content as always. Thank you!)

Nice praying mantis Paul! Definitely my favorite insect. Havent seen many in my part of PA in the past few years sadly. Thankfully though that this year they are all over the place. Love it!

I seriously find this channel instructive. I never want to miss handle a firearm. I understand this guy is professional, and NO WAY would I attempt to copy him.

Paul's really giving it the finger on this one. I love it.

I love his humor !

Your timing couldn't be better. Was just looking into this Friday.

1:03 is hilarious. Injured pointer finger so qualified as sharpshooter with M16 flipping the bird. 1000-inch range. 1981

I have a hard time believing this is Paul with such a neat haircut… it might be an impostor

Upon closer analysis of using the index “ trigger finger “ ......I personally experienced a higher center of gravity In Relation to the trigger of my firearm. In context, to the use of the middle finger to pull the trigger, I experienced a more lower center of gravity more straight alignment with the trigger itself, thereby minimizing the “ side to side “ movement the index finger creates when shooting. This is probably why the groups appear to group tighter in the case of the pistol. As for the rifle scenario, it is totally the opposite, because the position of the shooting hand is in a slightly “ tilted foreward“ shooting position, than the position of the pistol.........In the end, it’s all up to personal preference, and comfortability of the shooter, and the amount of practice one is willing to put the time into. Great analysis sir, thanks for posting.

I have a friend with a missing index finger who has shot his 92FS for decades with his middle finger. He was once pretty competitive with it in IDPA and it didn’t hamper him much- but this was of necessity, not choice. Paul did a great job here with a balanced view of this “old but new again” topic.

It works well if you’re trying to do the mad minute with a bolt action 🤷🏼‍♂️

When i injured my index finger i used the middle finger for a month. At times it seemed that i was shooting more accurate. Definitely not the most comfortable especially with 3", and 2.4" barrels. It was interesting, and I would encourage people to try it out.

Done this for years with shotguns while bird hunting when quick acquisition in a short time is most useful. The index finger becomes a "Natural quick-index tracking system" . Works for me, but individual results may vary... A buddy tried it and would probably have missed a barn if he was standing inside it. 😁 Get some clays and give it a shot... Or 50.

Paul dont think I've ever thought about shooting with middle finger, but as usual you are comprehensive

Dear Paul & crew, I follow some 12 gun channels. Some for fun/entertainment, some for new product review,and one for self defense examples. But I get really happy when I see a new offering from you guys. Because I have complete trust and respect here plus Paul knows how to say "can you hear this"? to the dopes that come here to criticize.🤝

I'm here in equal parts for the shooting advice and demonstrations as for the dry middle finger flipping humor that I know Paul enjoyed more than he likes to admit.

Regardless the accuracy it's good to practice shooting with middle finger in case the trigger finger is inoperable.

Shooting with your middle finger reminds me of being a kid in the 80s and early 90s with those VP70 looking toy guns that shot the discs. They had the trigger that had a 28 inch pull at 97 pounds and you HAD TO use your middle finger because your trigger finger simply wasn’t strong enough.

Great video as always. I enjoy your class room here. I've been shooting for decades but I always learn something useful here. These videos are something I always look forward to. Seems I understand your peticular way of deseminating useful information. I hope you can continue to do so. I will put more effort into supporting you. When the airwaves are full of sitcoms about multiracial non conventional marriages and CNN pretends to be news your content is like a clear water sandy bottom creek on a summer afternoon. I simply love it. Thank you Paul!!

I am a lifelong aircraft structures mechanic and drill lots of holes into airplanes.. I've been trained by Boeing for a drilling for quality course, and our aviation Palm drills are set up to use the trigger with your middle finger. It allows an even pressure point from the tip of the drill bit to run all the way through the gun to your palm, all the way up to your elbow in a straight line.. hold the palm drill like you do a pistol, then the center line is no longer from your elbow to the end of the drill bit. it's off center and out of balance..... effective in aviation drilling but in the firearm world I don't think it will do much because your hand does not grip to a higher position, and gives you less control on the grip... This technique is also utilized in Motocross and motorcycle riding. Every time I ride a wheelie I'm holding on with my last two fingers and using my middle and index finger for the clutch and brake.. . I guess this concept just breaks down to if it works for you or if it don't

I thought the middle finger technique was mostly used for speed shooting a bolt action SMLE because it puts your hand up higher to more quickly operate the bolt

G'day, I have suggested to several "new" shooters to try using the middle finger on the trigger (rifle only) This was to help them point and get the target in the scope. I have been told that it helped with "finding" the target. The truth is once they are "on target" then they could move the pointer to the trigger. After doing this a few times they usually transition.

I was just thinking about this. I am a Carpenter and always use my middle finger to pull the trigger on the drill and I was curious about how that would apply to firearms.

I injured my left wrist last year and cannot activate grip safety on 1911 to consistently fire. I have been training myself to use middle finger. Haven't live fired because I didn't stock enough ammo. Unlike you I don't know if my trigger finger is in the way of the slide operation. This video did make me aware of what middle finger shooting entails. Thanks.

Interesting... I watched a video some years ago now on this topic, and the guys were basically working with drawn weapons in what I guess you'd call a combat situation. They walked toward target, and began shooting from what you'd call the hip and gradually raised the weapon to full aim, firing the whole time. The idea was that you get the instinctive aim from the pointer finger while you are raising the weapon, giving you valuable hits even as you eventually get to the fully aimed point. My thought is that this is useful in this type of situation when you are looking to take an attacker down before they can take you down. More hits in less time...??? Otherwise, it's a matter of preference and practice, yes? The 'why' of the shooting is perhaps the important factor here, I guess. just $.02 from a carpenter, lol...

I already love the middle finger bit.

Love to hear how you're liking out tropical paradise of Missouri Paul! You're just in time for the Monsoon season!

Used my middle finger almost exclusively while playing paintball. Found it less fatiguing than using my index finger for sustained ROF. Also provided faster point/shoot reflex shots while shooting on the move. Never tried it with a real firearm. Granted paintball and real firearms are significantly different but it's interesting to see there's legitimate application in real world shooting.

Awesome demonstration:) Thanks Paul

Always enjoy your vids. Very non bias and you let the results speak for themselves thanks for posting

🤣 Paul had me rolling with his middle finger intro. Never expected that from Professor Harrell

As a Swampeast Missourian, I always wonder where in the state he visits when he comes here. He’s at what looks to be a MDC range but which one? I imagine he likes to keep that to himself so as to not be interrupted by those of us in the area who are fans of his work.

The cylinder gap on a revolver would discourage me from shooting with my middle finger...especially on any gun more powerful than a .22.

Those clothes remind me a lot of my dad's old Vietnam fatigues, especially the slanted breast pockets to make for faster access. I used to dress as a Vietnam grunt in my dad's old fatigues each year in high school for Halloween, and my best friend who was super cut went as Rambo using my dad's worn out second set that he let him cut up for the costume. We used cardboard M16 cutouts and knife cutouts because that's all the school would allow us to have in the way of weapons to go with our costumes. Still, it was always a hit because of the authentic uniforms and jungle boots (I think he purchased them from the army when returning home).

Rest in Peace Paul

I know Paul usually uploads presentations on Fridays, definitely kept me hangin! I was beginning to worry, but glad to see all is well, even if Paul is giving me the finger :-D