As mentioned last week, the basic idea of the press-out is to coordinate the movement of the gun with the trigger pull, so that as the gun gets to its final firing position (FFP), the shot breaks. This accomplishes a few things for the competent shooter. First, it reduces the amount of time needed to break an accurate shot. Instead of presenting the gun and then aiming and then pressing the trigger, you are combining those three actions so that they occur simultaneously. New shooters have to do all three separately, but as they get some skill, most can usually combine the first two. At that point, the press-out combines two steps, the presentation and the trigger press.
Another benefit of the press-out is that regardless of how long and heavy your trigger pull is, since you are starting it when the gun is first pointed at the target by the time the gun gets close to its FFP, 90-95% of the trigger pull should be done, leaving only a small amount left to do. This allows for more accurate shots to be fired faster than usual, regardless of the initial weight and length of the trigger pull. This is the way to shoot a double-action auto, and Ernest Langdon wrote a now classic article on it which can be found in our articles tab.
This understanding and skill allows you to take advantage of the inherent safety benefits that a good double-action trigger provides which basically amounts to less chance of an ND in almost all situations. From a public safety point of view, the ability to issue safer guns to police forces while also improving their ability to hit what they aim at should not be overlooked.
The press-out is only meant to be employed once the decision to shoot has been made. If you are searching, if you have drawn your gun because you might need it soon, your finger is off the trigger and in the register position. Once you decide to shoot, the press-out takes over. Other than the fastest, closest shooting, or more precise shots taken at a further distance with more leisure, the press-out is the most useful trigger technique there is, and it applies to the broadest range of circumstances.
In our next and final chapter, we will look at correctly performing and practicing the press-out.