Help Center"One of the eternal truths is this: The purpose of shooting is hitting… and the consensus of the masters is that a fine trigger is the single most important desideratum in any rifle.”
– Jeff Cooper
While a trigger might seem like a small component, it plays a pivotal role in achieving accurate and effective shooting. This article explores why triggers matter and how they impact your shooting experience.
The Importance of a Quality Trigger:
- Focus on the Target:
- If your goal is hitting the target, the trigger is paramount.
- When aiming, your attention is divided between the target and your sights.
- The moment of firing should be seamless.
- Minimizing Distractions:
- Any trigger that requires significant management (creep, grit, staging, heavy pull) diverts attention from the target and sight alignment.
- This loss of focus costs valuable time and can compromise accuracy.
- Applicable to All Shooting Disciplines:
- Whether you're a benchrest shooter, hunter, sniper, or defensive shooter, a quality trigger enhances accuracy and speed.
- It is about hitting the target with the required precision as quickly as possible.
- "A great trigger is great because of what it’s not, distracting."
What Makes a Trigger "Bad"?
- Distraction:
- A "bad" trigger is one that demands your attention during the shot.
- Imagine trying to make a precise shot with a heavy, gritty trigger.
- You're forced to focus on trigger control, diverting attention from the target and sights.
- Increased Time and Risk:
- Struggling with a poor trigger increases the time required for accurate shots.
- It can also increase the risk of accidental discharges.
- While you can make accurate shots with a poor trigger, it increases the difficulty, and the time required to do so.
What Makes a Trigger "Great"?
- Invisibility:
- A "great" trigger is almost invisible during the shot.
- It becomes noticeable only after the shot, due to its seamless performance.
- A light take up, like on a 1911, allows the shooter to know they are on the trigger, and at the engagement point.
- Seamless Operation:
- Your attention remains focused on sight placement.
- The trigger provides a clean, surprise break, free from any mechanical distractions.
- The trigger is mute, and you feel no mechanical operations during the trigger pull.
Conclusion:
A high-quality trigger is essential for accurate and efficient shooting. By minimizing distractions and providing a seamless shooting experience, a great trigger allows you to focus on what matters most: hitting your target.