Joined
·
18,205 Posts
Seems the forums are loaded with questions and comments about trigger pull in a favorite gun. I thought I would present some issues and solicit comments from the forum.
To start, a good trigger pull doesn't make a gun more accurate, it just makes the shooter more accurate (usually). So many times I see people judging a gun by the trigger pull rather than things that really count, like fit and function. It's almost like judging a car by the steering wheel.
There are three things I look for in a nice trigger pull. First is how well the gun fits me. Second is the smoothness. If a trigger feels raspy or has too much creep, it can do a job on your accuracy. Last is the actual trigger pull weight. Though a light pull weight is nice, it really isn't necessary as long as it is not too heavy or too light.
There are two important issues involving trigger pull. I call them pre-sear release and post-sear release. Most shooters only think about pre-sear and don't even consider post-sear. As we all know, when you line up the target in your sights and begin to squeeze the trigger (pre-sear release), holding dead on target is very important. After the sear releases (post sear release), the gun's muzzle can move off target quite a bit before the bullet exits the muzzle.
Pre-sear release is mostly a mechanical process dictated by the internal parts in the gun. Post sear release is mostly an ergonomics issue related to how well the gun fits you. This includes grips and matching the trigger's rear most position to the length and position of your finger.
If you hold a handgun and watch how your finger moves when you operate the trigger, you may see your finger joints and muscles have a hard time pulling the trigger back without making the muzzle move. When a gun fits you really well, the trigger can be pulled from its static position to where it stops and the muzzle will remain very stationary.
So my contention is: though pre-sear release is important, the real marksmanship potential comes in post-sear release. In other words, get a gun that fits you and don't worry so much about trigger pull weight.
I would appreciate hearing your comments.
To start, a good trigger pull doesn't make a gun more accurate, it just makes the shooter more accurate (usually). So many times I see people judging a gun by the trigger pull rather than things that really count, like fit and function. It's almost like judging a car by the steering wheel.
There are three things I look for in a nice trigger pull. First is how well the gun fits me. Second is the smoothness. If a trigger feels raspy or has too much creep, it can do a job on your accuracy. Last is the actual trigger pull weight. Though a light pull weight is nice, it really isn't necessary as long as it is not too heavy or too light.
There are two important issues involving trigger pull. I call them pre-sear release and post-sear release. Most shooters only think about pre-sear and don't even consider post-sear. As we all know, when you line up the target in your sights and begin to squeeze the trigger (pre-sear release), holding dead on target is very important. After the sear releases (post sear release), the gun's muzzle can move off target quite a bit before the bullet exits the muzzle.
Pre-sear release is mostly a mechanical process dictated by the internal parts in the gun. Post sear release is mostly an ergonomics issue related to how well the gun fits you. This includes grips and matching the trigger's rear most position to the length and position of your finger.
If you hold a handgun and watch how your finger moves when you operate the trigger, you may see your finger joints and muscles have a hard time pulling the trigger back without making the muzzle move. When a gun fits you really well, the trigger can be pulled from its static position to where it stops and the muzzle will remain very stationary.
So my contention is: though pre-sear release is important, the real marksmanship potential comes in post-sear release. In other words, get a gun that fits you and don't worry so much about trigger pull weight.
I would appreciate hearing your comments.