About 2 weeks ago, I released a short article about one of the basic fundamentals of shooting; Natural Point of Aim. We explored why that fundamental applies to many different events that make up the sport of competitive shooting. Another essential skill that is important for shooting a shot and hitting the point that you are trying to hit is trigger control.
Trigger control is the shooter moving the trigger to fire the gun without changing the aiming point of the firearm. Disturbing the aim of the firearm can be the difference between striking the clay pigeon or shooting a 10 to missing the intended steel plate by yards.
An "ideal" trigger pull includes two aspects; the pull of the trigger and the placement of the finger on the trigger. A good trigger pull is steady and smoothly until the shot is fired. If you lose acuity of the sight picture, reject the shot and start over; your trigger pull might be great but the shot won't be and that can have a negative effect on your subconscious. So where does one start in finding the ideal trigger pull position? Here is a dry-firing drill that any shooter can do at any time.
Step 1: Place a piece of paper, a target, or some kind of reference point in a safe direction.
Step 2: Ensure the firearm is unloaded!! Recommended to have a spent brass or shell in the chamber when you are dry-firing to help protect the firing pin from unintentional damage.
Step 3: Point the firearm at your reference point and ensure that you have good sight alignment.
Step 4: Slowly pull the trigger until the firing pin is activated. Pay attention to which direction the front sight moves.
Step 5: Repeat step 4, however, change the placement of the fingertip on the trigger shoe; this changes the direction the trigger is being pulled, as well as changing where the barrel could potentially move.
Make sense? Try it out! "Call" your shot after your dry fire and if you honestly call a good shot, then you're good! If not, reset and try again.
Want a specific topic explored? Leave a comment below or message me on various social media and I work it into the various topics over the next few months!
