TRAINING TIP TUESDAY: trigger reset
Trigger reset is an important component to the shot process that is often looked over or relegated to the long list of things that we don’t think could be improved upon. This is an interesting subject to broach given the limitations of this medium (the written word) versus an in-person ability to illustrate the differences.
We’ll discuss the philosophies behind each to get some clarity and perhaps decide what works for our application. And, to keep it simple, let’s reduce our options to two.
The first is what I call a “rifle reset.” This is where the shooter presses the trigger to the rear and holds it there through the entire recoil process. The trigger is released and reset when the gun (and sight picture) returns to its resting position.
The reason I call it a “rifle reset,” is because most of the time when we are shooting rifles with very sensitive (read that: light) triggers, it makes a great deal of sense to wait until all of the movement is done to get the trigger ready again.
The alternative to the rifle reset is the “reset/prep.” This is where the shooter resets and preps the trigger for the next shot while the gun is in recoil. This is accomplished by releasing the firing tension on the trigger just after the shot, allowing it to reset and then returning to “the wall” through the pre-travel. When the gun settles back into its natural aiming position the trigger should be ready to fire the gun.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
As with all techniques, there will be pros and cons. Let’s take a look at both of these and determine whether they have a place in our processes.
RIFLE RESET:
I prefer to use the “rifle reset” method when I’m shooting (you guessed it) a rifle. Very light, precision triggers that are found in long guns used for intermediate and long ranges are not easily manipulated under recoil and the benefits of trying it are very small… if present at all. Better to let the gun settle completely before beginning the next shot process by releasing the trigger to a reset position.
Rifles with heavier service triggers are not included in this for me. They are easily manipulated under recoil and the benefits that we’ll discuss in a second, are present and represent a benefit to the shooter.
RESET/PREP:
I use “reset/prep” primarily when I’m shooting pistols. Generally speaking, the trigger weights are heavy enough to be easily manipulated under recoil and most have a distinct “wall.” We refer to the hard spot in the trigger press where the full weight of the pull is felt. The most profound benefit to this technique is that the gun isn’t “waiting” for you when it returns from its recoil impulse.
If you have reset and prepped the trigger during the preceding shot process, when the dot returns to the intended target area, you can simply press the trigger. Whereas using a rifle reset, the gun will return and you’ll still have work to do.
This may seem like a small thing but consider that it requires you to impart unnecessary movement to the gun… after a completed aiming solution is present. It’s a pretty hefty inefficiency.
The key takeaway here is to be aware of how you are resetting your trigger. Be present enough in the shot that you can make use of such small efficiencies. It will pay dividends.
And with all things concerning the trigger, a great deal of thought and safety should be applied. Consider the pros and cons, your shooting style, your tools and what you are trying to accomplish. Find small efficiencies like this to make yourself better.
It’s the small things in aggregate that make us good at what we do.
Until next time…train smart.
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Author Bio
Duane “Buck” Buckner
After spending 25 years in the USCG, Duane “Buck” Buckner is now the U.S. Director of Training for Aimpoint. The Aimpoint Training Division conducts training courses for military and law enforcement agencies up to the Federal level as well as for the prepared civilian. Buck is widely known for his emphasis on brain psychology as it relates to combat and survival.
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