Trigger Control Tips

Dry fire is the key to acquiring this skill. Trigger control does not mean a SLLLOOOWWW squeeze to the rear; it means smooth continuous pressure to the rear until the break point is reached. Once the break point is reached, ride the trigger back to its staging position. Every attempt should be made to keep the surface of the firing finger in contact with the trigger. Take note that you use a snap cap to avoid damage to your firearm.  Trigger control is the most important component of firearms manipulation due to its complexity and effect on hit ratio. Jerking or slapping the trigger will alter the position of your sights on target at the most critical point in the firing cycle.
The majority of the problems that shooters encounter are from poorly fired shots, not poorly aimed shots.
Learning proper trigger control is divided into four aspects.

1. Smooth Trigger Pull: Trigger control is defined as the proper application of continuously increasing, positive, rearward, even, and uninterrupted pressure upon the firearm trigger.

2. Trigger Control Finger Placement: center the first pad of the trigger finger on the trigger while maintaining optimum sight picture and avoiding lateral pressure to the firearm, until the hammer falls and the firing process is completed.

3. Trigger Break-Point: After a smooth trigger pull is mastered you must learn where the trigger breaks. This break point should not come as a surprise. Shooters should know the break point intimately. This knowledge will help you time your shots to coincide with full presentation of the pistol; when the decision to fire has been made before the weapon is presented to the target. This skill will also aid you in a split second decision not to fire should the target change before the shot breaks.

4. Trigger Reset Point: The reset point is where the sear is re-engaged after the previous shot has been fired. You can feel and hear the reset if you hold the trigger to the rear and cycle the weapon. Then, slowly let the trigger forward until you feel and hear an audible click. The weapon is now ready to be fired again.

At this point there may be some slack in the trigger that may be removed before encountering the break point. (This portion of the trigger control is also part of the next element of firearms manipulation, follow-through).

Finding your Reset Point is necessary for Trigger Control Training:
1.) Place the weapon, which has been cleared and made safe, in your firing hand and control the trigger to the rear and hold it there.

2.) Now with your other hand work the slide in a manner that re-cocks the weapon.

3.) Then, slowly, release the trigger until you feel the trigger/sear reset.

4.) As soon as you feel the reset, remove the slack to the break point.

This can also be practiced with a partner. While gripping the weapon with both hands take up a combat shooting stance; have a partner manipulate the slide/charging handle and perform all above steps while maintaining and regaining your sight picture.