Bad Trigger Pull VS. Good Trigger Pull - Law Enforcement Local and International Law Enforcement Community

**TimothyJ** · 06-05-2008

In this thread, I will post two images. The purpose of this thread is to give very clear demonstrations of Good Trigger Pulls and Bad Trigger Pulls. Additionally, I've learned a lot about shooting since I began, so I thought I'd share my knowledge with anyone else who is trying to learn as well!

The first image is of a target I shot on May 14th, 2008. I had recently purchased my XD-45, and it was my second outing with it. This target was shot with bad trigger pulls.

You can see in the above image that 75% or more of the bullets are not only off to the left by several inches, but many of the shots fall below or above the "X" by a wide margin. This indicates that when I fire the gun, I *was* pulling the trigger too hard or too jerkily, and it was causing the gun to lurch slightly to the left and/or down.

~~~

Remember that the difference between an Amateur and an Expert is Consistency. Excellence is not an act but a habit. This applies to shooting so very well. (I'm not an expert yet)

This second image is of a target shot June 4th, 2008. (Just yesterday) I've worked really hard to get comfortable with my grip on the XD-45 and, more importantly, the stability of my grip while pulling the trigger. I've improved, but I still have a ways to go. The target in this image was shot with Good Trigger Pulls.

In the above image you can clearly see that there is much more control and consistency in the firing of the 10 shots. The speed at which I fired the rounds at both targets was roughly the same, for all intents and purposes. If you look closely, you can see that Four of the rounds went through the "X". Two went through the "10", and Four went through the "9". Not bad! With time and practice, though, it could be better.

The next step is to maintain more comfort and more control over the recoil of the pistol. The result will be that the Four bullets that did not make it into the "X" or the "10", will. With enough time and practice, all of the bullets that fire out of my gun will make it through the "X". Bear in mind, however, that this is only while firing at a slow and steady pace. (1 shot every 2-3 seconds) Firing at a more rapid pace and/or using Double Taps are a whole different matter.

Thanks for reading!

**Swattie** · 06-05-2008

Nice. But I could correct you a bit on your terminology. Bad trigger pull is correct, however the other should be Good Trigger Squeeze.

Pulling the trigger is always bad.

**TimothyJ** · 06-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swattie

Nice. But I could correct you a bit on your terminology. Bad trigger pull is correct, however the other should be Good Trigger Squeeze.

Pulling the trigger is always bad.

I was struggling to find a proper word, and you're definitely right. Squeeze is a better term indeed.

**Lord Flasheart** · 06-10-2008

There are dozens of variables involved as well as trigger control. Shooting to the side might not be caused by trigger pull, but too much finger on the trigger, or indeed, not enough finger on the trigger.

**TimothyJ** · 06-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Flasheart

There are dozens of variables involved as well as trigger control. Shooting to the side might not be caused by trigger pull, but too much finger on the trigger, or indeed, not enough finger on the trigger.

That is included in the concept of bad trigger pull.

(where I'm from, anyway)

**Swattie** · 06-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Flasheart

There are dozens of variables involved as well as trigger control. Shooting to the side might not be caused by trigger pull, but too much finger on the trigger, or indeed, not enough finger on the trigger.

This is true. Which is why I posted the correction target in another thread. That way you can see what you are doing.

**Lord Flasheart** · 06-11-2008

Of course it might have been nothing to do with the trigger control. Might just have been poor sight picture.

I liked to stress the importance of a consistent grip when drawing or holding a pistol and then sight picture. The trigger squeeze will often be forgotten in combat but as long as the grip is good and the sight picture (even just a blurred flash sight picture) is there, then the results usually follow. Muscle memory often takes care of it.

Distance and available cover can allow more time for the trigger squeeze, although the stress of the situation tends to negate that.

**TimothyJ** · 06-11-2008

I appreciate the colorful critique, but, in case you didn't clearly read the original post, that first target is behind me now. I don't at all shoot that way anymore, it was one of the first targets I shot with my XD-45 when it was new.

I didn't post it to put myself on the grill, I posted it to show not only how far I've come in a short period of time, but also to help others who may be beginning early on.

With respect, I'd appreciate it if you'd save your critique for someone who doesn't go to the range twice a week and who hasn't made a strong dedication to becoming the best he can be.

And, for the record, I was causing the pistol to jerk, originally, with my over-pulling of the trigger. I knew that then, and I fixed the problem. Hence, the second target in the original post.

**Lord Flasheart** · 06-12-2008

Timothy, I apologise if my posts appeared to criticise you. That was definitely not my intention. They were just meant as observations on general faults that can cause the problems you described. I was trying to help, as you may not have had a bad trigger pull but another fault entirely. Never mind, I'll refrain in future.

[Although I live in the UK I do have some experience with firearms as I was a National Police Firearms Instructor, which included training trainers from Police and Special Forces, for 20 years.]

**TimothyJ** · 06-12-2008

fair enough.


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