I have only one criticism of the Appleseed program...

[Niskibum]

How bout pull the trigger?  Or maybe activate? Perhaps work the trigger? I'm going with moving the trigger to its rearward detent position.

[mac66]

Personally I squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze a trigger and press a button. That's from my own orientation to the difference of squeezing i.e, pulling back vs. pressing which is pushing forward.

On the other hand, if pressing the trigger while squeezing it helps someone understand the concept then I am all for it. I will definitely keep that in mind at the next shoot I do.

[malabar]

Honestly, is this the most important thing we've got to burn brain cells on?

TaosGlock is right: The tradition we're teaching uses "squeeze." 

There are other shooting curriculums I teach where we use "press," as in "trigger press." And shotgunners really do "pull" the trigger.

None of that is important.

What's important is:

-- no "trigger "yank"
-- no dragging wood
-- no milking the cow
-- firm handshake grip
-- pulled firmly back into the shoulder pocket
-- only the pad of the finger on the trigger

If they do these things right, the trigger actuation will be correct and it won't matter what you call it.

But the program calls it "squeeze."

[jmdavis]

There are other shooting curriculums I teach where we use "press," as in "trigger press." And shotgunners really do "pull" the trigger.

None of that is important.

What's important is:

-- no "trigger "yank"
-- no dragging wood
-- no milking the cow
-- firm handshake grip
-- pulled firmly back into the shoulder pocket
-- only the pad of the finger on the trigger

If they do these things right, the trigger actuation will be correct and it won't matter what you call it.

But the program calls it "squeeze."

The program also teaches you not to teach the negative but the positive. In other words don't teach what not to do, but instead teach what works (which is almost always more than one way). Show what works. In other words don'y spend time talking about trigger "yank".

None of the trigger control issues above is important. What is important is activating the trigger without disturbing the sights. That is the whole goal of the exercise.

If a shooter is "dragging wood" but shooting V's and 5's, it is obvious that the act of dragging wood isn't affecting his shooting (and particularly not affecting it within the 4moa standard). Instead of watching the trigger finger and looking for space between the finger and the stock, try watching the muzzle and the target. If you see muzzle movement during the trigger activation, then diagnose and correct.

We could examine "firm handshake grip" but we will save that sacred cow for another barbeque.

The other specific example that I want to mention is "only the pad of the finger on the trigger", I used to teach this, but I was wrong. The reason that I was wrong was that for some people the best position is the pad, short fingers may have to use the tip (even with a thumb on triggerside hand position), and long fingers may need to go to the joint.

A number of years ago, some German writers who were also good shooters produced the book "Ways of the Rifle". This book examines the positions, equipment, and techniques of the worlds best shooters between 2004-2008. They went in to the book thinking that they would examine these shooters, find that the best did similar things, document those things and produce a book to help other shooters.

They found something very different and much more valuable. The cookie cutter doesn't work. For every Olympic champion's prone position, there are variations, in some case major variations. It was the same with offhand and kneeling. The point is that a one sized fits all approach cannot meet the needs of Olympic rifle shooters or Appleseeders. You have to know the doctrine, and then know when to break it to help your student succeed.

In terms of trigger control, the only thing that is important is activating the trigger without disturbing the sights. It doesn't matter if you squeeze, or press, or tickle for that matter. All that matters is that you do it in such a way so as to shoot a 5 or a V.   

[Josey Wales]

..I tickle the trigger too..   
..God Bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving to all my fellow Patriots....and thanks for all you do my brothers and sisters, I am thankful for Project Appleseed and all its volunteers..

.......Strength & Honor..............Josey Wales......................

[Nickle]

You folks do know that activating the trigger is one of those places where rifles, pistols and shotguns are different, don't you?

You "pull" the trigger on a shotgun (overriding factor is to the break the shot at the precise time).

You "push" the trigger on a pistol. Because squeezing indicates a whole hand, which can easily take you off target.

You "squeeze" the trigger on a rifle. Always been that way.

As to a tactical school like Gunsite teaches, that's their business. We teach traditional riflery, and truth be known, we're a history organization that teaches marksmanship.

When the Gunsite boys can shoot under 1/4 MOA @ 200 meters (in other words, best me), then they can start saying more. I'm not saying I'm better than them overall even (that would be boasting), nor am I saying "I'm right". Gunsite is a different discipline, and they use a different program. And, by the way, timing is very important there, unlike here.

But, I am saying "I'm not wrong".