The Long & Short of Trigger Fundamentals, Demonstrated

In this episode of Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS, you'll see how trigger fundamentals make (or break) your shot.

posted on March 4, 2022

The best, most accurate shots are felt, not seen. Although it may be tough for a new gun owner to wrap their mind around, the truth is that if your shooting fundamentals are solid, you'll know when your shot struck home without having to see the bullet hole.

There are a number of shooting fundamentals, from breath control, to balance, to sight picture and more. Those fundamentals are all fairly easy to describe verbally, but when it comes to where the rubber meets the road—where your finger touches the trigger—reading a description just isn't enough. This video from Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS series, starring instructor Ken Scott, gives you a much better picture of what a good trigger squeeze should feel like, and what it's like to feel the shot break.

Dry-fire practice is a terrific way to work on your fundamentals. That said, as Scott demonstrates, live-fire practice is essential to understanding how your body and brain coordinate with the controlled explosion happening inside the gun. It's only at that moment that you can truly appreciate the way in which all of those fundamentals come together when your finger is on the trigger and the range is hot.

Latest

Deering 4 Words Condition Orange
Deering 4 Words Condition Orange

The Four Words to Use in Condition Orange

When you’re facing a potential threat who is advancing on you, what he does in response to these four words will inform what you do next.

 

What Does Brandishing a Weapon Mean?

You need to be very careful to only use your concealed-carry firearm as a last resort, or risk running afoul of laws regarding brandishing a weapon.

Do Compensators Make Sense for Defensive Handguns?

This year more 9 mm pistols are available with ported barrels. Are they right for you?

Nock, Nock! Who’s There? Millions of Kids Being Drawn to Archery

Archery programs in schools are known to contribute to improved student concentration, motivation, behavior and school attendance rate. Read more to learn how archery is one of the fastest-growing and safest sports—and how you can help start a program in your child's school.

4 Defensive Handgun Chamberings You Might Not Have Considered

Everyone knows about the 9 mm, .45 ACP and .380. But have you considered one of these other, less common chamberings?

 

What to Buy Your Gun-Loving Mom for Mother’s Day

Need last-minute ideas for Mom? You won’t go wrong with something off this list.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.