When it comes to trigger manipulation, there are various techniques. Recently, I encountered two contrasting approaches from well-known shooting coaches, each highlighting a distinct philosophy on trigger control.
Schools of Thought on Trigger Manipulation
Coach 1: The Deliberate Approach
This coach promotes a deliberate trigger press, applying consistent pressure while maintaining gun alignment, with the press starting only after sight alignment is achieved. While they downplay the necessity of explicit “trigger prep,” they acknowledged its value in a podcast, offering a more nuanced perspective that somewhat contradicts their original stance.
Coach 2: Immediate Trigger Contact
In contrast, another instructor promotes a different method on social media, recommending that the finger should make contact with the trigger immediately after clearing the holster and remove slack before fully aiming. Although this method has its logic, the timing raises safety concerns—especially in practical or tactical environments. Engaging the trigger prematurely can be riskier compared to the more deliberate approach endorsed by Coach 1.
These two methods focus on how the trigger is pressed, not how it is reset. In practical shooting, law enforcement, and military applications, it’s becoming widely accepted that the trigger should be reset immediately after felt recoil. The technique of “pinning” the trigger, often used in bullseye or precision rifle shooting to maintain sight alignment until the bullet leaves the barrel, is inefficient in a practical shooting context.
My Approach: Balancing Safety and Efficiency
There is no one-size-fits-all rule for trigger manipulation—each shooter can press the trigger in their preferred way, provided the gun remains in alignment until recoil happens. Personally, I blend both perspectives, treating trigger prep as a spectrum that adapts to the situation while always prioritizing safety.
- Mid-Range to Long-Range/Difficult Targets
For challenging or distant targets, I recommend prepping the trigger as soon as the gun is aligned with the target during presentation. With double-action guns, this means prepping up to about 75-80%, indicated by the hammer beginning to cock. For striker-fired guns, I prioritize removing slack early during the presentation and bringing the trigger to the ‘wall’—the moment the trigger feels noticeably firm.
“Presentation” refers to the moment when both hands are firmly on the gun and it is moving toward the target. I avoid placing my finger on the trigger immediately after clearing the holster, especially if movement is required before shooting. In competitive shooting, this could risk disqualification;
in a professional context, it could signal amateurism and compromise safety.
Through regular practice, I’ve developed the ability to pause just long enough for proper alignment before applying steady pressure to complete the press. This method works particularly well with my CZ Shadow 2, a gun I’ve spent hundreds of hours with. Even with my Glock, removing slack and prepping the trigger proves equally effective.
* Manipulating a single-action trigger on difficult targets doesn’t always require prepping the trigger, but I find that touching the trigger first, then pressing it, can be helpful. This can vary depending on the platform you’re using. If you’re shooting a finely-tuned 2011, trigger prep might be less of a factor.
- Close-Range/Easy Targets
Close-range targets often tempt shooters to rush the trigger press due to the larger aiming area. However, it’s essential to apply the right amount of pressure—over-pressing (e.g., applying 12 pounds of pressure on a 5-pound trigger) can lead to movement and misalignment in the gun.
While it may seem like one smooth motion, the prep process for close targets begins during the presentation to the target. For these targets, the prep naturally blends into the press, with less emphasis on deliberate preparation. The goal remains to maintain alignment and avoid gripping errors caused by improper trigger manipulation.
* For close or easy targets with striker-fired or single-action triggers, I’m fine with slapping, smashing, or jerking the trigger, as long as it doesn’t disrupt your grip or misalign the gun. The key is to move only your trigger finger while keeping a solid grip.
* What is a solid grip? It’s hard to talk about trigger control without addressing grip. If you ask top shooters how they grip the gun, you’ll get a variety of answers, but many share common principles. Without diving too deep, a firm support-hand grip is crucial—it needs to clamp down. The shooting hand should hold the gun firmly, but not so tight that it sacrifices trigger finger dexterity. Your wrists should remain locked. When I press the trigger, the gun should recoil consistently and return to alignment in a predictable manner.
Key Takeaways: Adapting Trigger Prep for Different Scenarios
This adaptive approach offers flexibility across various shooting situations:
- For mid-range to long-range or difficult targets, deliberate trigger prep enhances accuracy by isolating the trigger finger and minimizing movement from other fingers.
- For close-range or easy targets, the trigger press integrates with the gun’s movement toward the target, with less emphasis on prep but still maintaining control to avoid movement in the gun.
Think of trigger prep not as a rigid “prep then press” sequence but as a head start. Prepping the trigger during presentation shortens the distance your finger travels when your sights align, reducing the chance of disruption from excessive hand movement.
Varied Techniques from Top Shooters
Even top-level shooters approach trigger prep differently:
- Eric Grauffel and JJ Racaza emphasize trigger prep but adjust their method based on target difficulty.
- Ben Stoeger advocates for a full trigger press with steady pressure after aiming, similar to Coach 1.
These examples demonstrate that there is no singular “right” way to manage the trigger—each shooter, even world champions, finds their own effective method.
Considerations
If you frequently switch platforms in practical shooting sports, mastering shooting fundamentals on a single platform can help break through skill plateaus. I believe that becoming proficient with one gun will make you competent with most guns.
* If you’re using a light double-action hammer spring or a refined single-action trigger, your prep might just involve touching the trigger. At that point, you can apply Coach 1’s technique of pressing the trigger consistently once you’re on target. While gear can help, chasing gear solutions to fix shooting issues is a common trend across shooting communities. Prioritize mastering technique first, then seek performance enhancements through gear once your skills are solid.
* At a fundamental level, the principles of shooting remain consistent across various platforms. However, the choice of firearm can influence how these fundamentals are applied and perceived. For instance, high-end guns such as 2011s or other single-action models can sometimes obscure a shooter’s errors. These advanced firearms are designed to be highly forgiving of mistakes, which can lead to a false sense of proficiency.
Conclusion: Find What Works for You
While I don’t claim my method is best for everyone, I encourage shooters to experiment with different techniques to discover what works for them. Becoming a skilled shooter involves exploring various methods, practicing consistently, and finding what complements your abilities and goals.
Trigger prep, like many aspects of shooting, is personal and situational. Whether you favor a deliberate or adaptive approach, the key is finding what allows you to maintain control, accuracy, and above all, safety.
Wes Cronin
Active LEO / USPSA Grand Master
U Suck At Shooting 
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