Shoot upside down with ring finger?

DrLewall · #1 01-13-2008, 09:02 PM

I normally carry a 1911 45 and just recently I started to carry as a BUG a little 38 snubby in my pocket.

The problem I had was that the butt of the snubby would fall out of my pocket thus giving away my concealment.

What I had to do was turn the pistol with the butt facing forward in my pocket, which would mean that when and if I had to draw, it would come out of my pocket upside down and I would have to use either my ring or my middle finger to pully the trigger.

Starting tomorrow (monday), I will train my self to operate this snubby with live ammo. I have done a few dry runs (drawing with no ammo) and it was a bit awkward but with regular practice, I can see me getting use to this.

Anyone else practice shooting your weapon upside down with other than the regular "booger hook"?

#2 01-13-2008, 09:35 PM

hmmm..... I understand your problem, Doc, as the same thing has happened to me with my snub. In response, I either mexican carry in the waist of my jeans or wear a longer shirt to conceal the grip (dress around the gun). To satisfy my curiosity, I've attempted to fire each of my pistols upside-down. It's a total disaster and unsafe. The gun just bucks too much in the hand.

stay safe - don't do it

Brainchild · #3 01-13-2008, 10:12 PM

Booger hook!? :D
Well,be very careful.
I've never tried this before,but I would say use alot of caution.

Red Hat · #4 01-13-2008, 11:08 PM

When we were using S&W Mod 15 in the Air Force I use to demonstrate firing it upside down double action with my little finger just to show that double action is accurate if you practice. I've fired complete courses with it upside down acing it every time. Just make sure you apply more pressure with your thumb around your fingers. When pulling the trigger the little finger tries to pull the weapon to the right. The extra pressure with the thumb will compensate and keep the weapon from moving. If you use the sights just sight as normal and it will hit the target. It takes a little while for your little finger to get use to the pressure and will be sore for a while. With a lot of practice it becomes second nature in gripping and firing the weapon. Plus it's a lot of fun!

Jay · #5 01-14-2008, 07:52 AM

I would hope that firing any handgun upside down is not the best idea that anyone ever had.

ecocks · #6 01-14-2008, 10:29 AM

are usually worth what you pay for them but I sure hope you think that through Doc.

I guess it is certainly possible to learn to fire in that way, but would question whether your training will hold in the heat of the moment if you drop/lose your primary and go for the BUG with a totally different grip, draw and firing position while under stress. It may be a great exercise to demonstrate reliability but as a standard fighting or defensive position it sounds like a recipe for confusion. Maybe I am being too Spock-like but it just doesn't seem logical (or natural) to expect a smooth transition under those circumstances.

Maybe more experimentation with a pocket holster, ankle or IWB would produce something more confidence-inspiring? Then again, you are a big boy and responsible/accountable for your own actions. Maybe we are too much "in the box" on this one.

DrLewall · #7 01-14-2008, 01:01 PM

Tnx all for the input..some of you have concerns, all justified for sure...I do prefer to hold and shoot a gun as it is intended, just like anyone else. But I can see where if you traing and practice enough to shoot upside down and get comfortable with it, I can see where it could be to your advantage in doing so.

The pants I wear, cargo pants, do not allow the snubby to be buried deep in my pocket as stated above so the BUG is backwards. I will train and practice with it and if it becomes uncomfortable or unsafe to my liking, I will change method of carry. I see this as a learning experience and I know it can be done as I have seen it done. I will follow up with it here for you guys to let you know how it is going.

kwo51 · #8 01-14-2008, 02:29 PM

How long can you stand on your head? Would a pocket holster not correct this problem.I believe all was of firing should be praticed . You never know.

DrLewall · #9 01-14-2008, 02:42 PM

Maybe I should have stated that the snubby is in a pocket holster and as stated, the butt of the gun hangs outside, thus the turning is backwards to keep the butt inside the pocket which means the gun will be withdrawn upside down..will report back after a while after firing.