Whether you are shooting at Swindon't premiere shooting club or somewhere else, you will have more success once you have mastered trigger control.

Watch the short video (1 minute 55 seconds) below.

Once mastered you will start to see tighter groupings!

Grip:

Ensure a relaxed grip on the rifle. Your shooting hand should be strong enough to keep the rifle stable but not tense. Place the rifle in the "V" formed by your thumb and index finger. Ensure your trigger finger is positioned correctly, with the pad (not the joint) on the trigger

Trigger Finger Placement:

Position the pad of your index finger (between the tip and the first joint) on the center of the trigger. Ensure the trigger finger is independent of the rest of your hand. It should move straight back without disturbing your grip.

Breathing Control:

Inhale deeply, then exhale and hold your breath momentarily before taking the shot. This helps stabilize your body and reduce movement.

Sighting:Align your sights or scope on the target before focusing on the trigger. Maintain a consistent sight picture as y

Steps to Master Trigger Control

Dry Fire Practice:

Practice firing your rifle without ammunition. This helps you focus solely on trigger control without the distraction of recoil. Ensure your rifle is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Perform this exercise regularly to develop muscle memory.

Trigger Squeeze:

Apply steady, gradual pressure on the trigger until the shot breaks. The trigger pull should be smooth and continuous, without jerking or flinching. The goal is for the shot to come as a surprise, preventing anticipation and flinch.

Follow Through:

Maintain pressure on the trigger after the shot breaks. Keep focusing on your target and the sight picture for a moment after the shot. This helps prevent premature movement that can affect accuracy.

Consistency:

Strive for consistency in every aspect of your shooting: grip, sight alignment, breathing, and trigger pull. Consistency leads to predictability and better performance.

Mental Focus:

Develop a routine to focus your mind before each shot. Visualization techniques can help reinforce proper trigger control habits.

Tips for Continued Improvement

  • Regular Practice: Frequent and deliberate practice is key. Incorporate both dry and live fire sessions.
  • Feedback: Use tools like laser training devices or electronic targets to get immediate feedback on your trigger control.
  • Record Keeping: Maintain a shooting journal to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

By diligently applying these principles and techniques, you'll develop excellent trigger control, leading to improved accuracy and confidence in your shooting abilities.