Trigger Control
Trigger control is one of the most critical aspects of accurate handgun shooting. Proper trigger control involves pressing the trigger smoothly and consistently without disturbing the gun's alignment or sight picture. Here’s a breakdown of how to achieve effective handgun trigger control:
Key Elements of Trigger Control:
Finger Placement on the Trigger:
Use the pad of your trigger finger, not the joint, to press the trigger.
Place the pad of your index finger on the center of the trigger for the most control and leverage.
Make sure that your finger presses the trigger straight back towards you, not to the side, to avoid pulling the gun off target.
Steady and Smooth Pressure:
Apply gradual, even pressure to the trigger. Avoid jerking or slapping the trigger, which can move the gun and disturb your aim.
The trigger press should be smooth and controlled throughout its entire range of motion until the shot breaks.
Trigger Reset:
After firing a shot, allow the trigger to reset only as far as needed for the next shot, without fully releasing it.
This minimizes unnecessary movement and allows for quicker, more accurate follow-up shots.
You should feel and hear a “click” as the trigger resets.
Surprise Break:
Aim to create a “surprise break” where the shot goes off without consciously anticipating it. This helps avoid flinching or jerking the trigger in anticipation of recoil.
Focus on maintaining sight alignment and picture while applying steady pressure until the shot fires.
Follow-Through:
After the shot breaks, maintain focus on your sight alignment and continue applying rearward pressure on the trigger.
Keep the gun steady and avoid lifting your finger off the trigger too early.
Follow-through helps ensure that you don’t move the gun right at the moment the shot fires, increasing accuracy.
Trigger Control Techniques:
Press-Squeeze:
Press the trigger straight back in a smooth, steady motion until the shot breaks. There should be no sudden or sharp movements.
Trigger Slack:
Some triggers have a bit of “slack” or “take-up” before the shooter hits the resistance point. Gently take up this slack before applying final pressure to fire.
Dry Fire Practice:
Practicing dry fire (without ammunition) helps improve trigger control by allowing you to focus solely on the mechanics of pressing the trigger without recoil distraction. This can help you master smooth pressure application and follow-through.
Common Mistakes:
Jerking the Trigger: Pulling the trigger too quickly or with excessive force, which often results in pulling the gun off target.
Anticipating Recoil: Flinching or tightening your grip as you press the trigger, disrupting the sight picture.
Slapping the Trigger: Rapidly releasing and pressing the trigger without control, leading to inconsistent shots.
Practice Drills:
Wall Drill:
Aim at a blank wall (or a target with no distractions) and press the trigger slowly while focusing on not moving the front sight. This helps develop smooth trigger control.
Penny Drill:
Place a coin or empty shell casing on the front sight and practice pressing the trigger without letting the coin fall off. This helps improve steadiness and follow-through.
Summary:
Finger placement on the trigger is crucial for control.
Apply smooth, steady pressure without jerking or anticipating the shot.
Master the trigger reset for quicker, more accurate follow-up shots.
Focus on creating a surprise break to prevent flinching.
Consistent follow-through ensures greater shot accuracy.
Proper trigger control, combined with good sight alignment, is key to accurate and effective handgun shooting.