How to Squeeze a Handgun Trigger

Squeezing the trigger correctly when shooting a handgun is one of the most basic steps in becoming an accurate target shooter. The tendency for most beginners is to jerk the trigger, but this pulls the gun off target and makes for a frustrating day at the range.

Instructions

1. Get the feel of the handgun you're firing. The easiest way to do this is to dry fire the gun before you load it. It's important to know whether your gun has a light or heavy trigger pull. The typical range is from about 2 pounds to over 4 pounds of pressure.

2. Hold the gun in the shooting position pointed toward the target. Remember to breathe and hold before the shot. For precision shooting, the squeeze is like a gentle, steady caress of the trigger.

3. Increase the pressure of your pull gradually as the trigger moves backward. You won't be able to predict the precise point where the trigger releases the firing pin to shoot. This instant is always a small surprise.

4. Release the trigger after the gun fires to allow it to return to its original position for the next shot.

5. Slap the trigger for rapid shooting. The slap is just a quicker squeeze, not a jerk. It's the same sequence as the precision shot, with a steady squeeze until the surprise of the shot and the release back to the starting position.

Tips & Warnings

• Even when dry firing your handgun, treat it as a loaded weapon. Never point it in any direction where it could cause damage or injury.

• Dry firing can damage the firing pin in some guns. Be sure to purchase dry firing caps to use for practice when you're not using live ammo.