trigger technique, surprise break

[saikocat]

I realized something about the way I shot at the range today and tried to improve it. seems i keep the trigger squeezed down after firing, but release enough for it to reset. then when i follow for another shot, i pull slower than i would like and anticipate the break resulting in a push or pull.

Now I try to let the trigger travel all the way forward for the follow-shot and seem to shoot better w/a surprise break and smooth pull. the only thing is my self-perceived speed is slower and i want to quicken it.

does this indicate that my trigger finger just wants a lighter trigger or do i need to develop my technique? my xd is stock right now.

[mandohack]

Your original technique is exactly what you want, only releasing the trigger until the trigger resets. You can practice this while it's unloaded and can hear a click when the reset happens. You also don't want to go too slow. You want a constant-speed, confident press of the trigger.

To get over the push/pull thing, practice with it unloaded. Here's how:

1. Unload the weapon, leave the magazine out.
2. Verify it's unloaded.
3. Aim in on something you're not afraid to destroy.
4. Reach up with the off-hand and rack the slide enough to cock the gun, but not enough to lock the slide back.
5. Reset your grip if you're using a two-handed grip.
6. Using good front-sight picture, press the trigger until it fires. Pay particular attention to not pushing/pulling during this step.
7. Slowly reset the trigger until you hear it click, do not let it all the way out (bad for speed, bad for practice).
8. Return to step 4.

[mhillsing23]

Like mandohack said, I would really practice your first technique of letting the trigger back out only enough to let it reset. Once you get used to it, your shooting and speed will improve.

[rgeliske]

Originally Posted by mandohack

Your original technique is exactly what you want, only releasing the trigger until the trigger resets. You can practice this while it's unloaded and can hear a click when the reset happens. You also don't want to go too slow. You want a constant-speed, confident press of the trigger.

To get over the push/pull thing, practice with it unloaded. Here's how:

1. Unload the weapon, leave the magazine out.
2. Verify it's unloaded.
3. Aim in on something you're not afraid to destroy.
4. Reach up with the off-hand and rack the slide enough to cock the gun, but not enough to lock the slide back.
5. Reset your grip if you're using a two-handed grip.
6. Using good front-sight picture, press the trigger until it fires. Pay particular attention to not pushing/pulling during this step.
7. Slowly reset the trigger until you hear it click, do not let it all the way out (bad for speed, bad for practice).
8. Return to step 4.

The trigger will not reset unless you cock the gun again. Before you let the trigger move back forward use you non-shooting hand to pull the slide back about 1/2" and release. Now let the trigger move back forward and you will hear a click when it resets. You may find some benefit in getting an aftermarket trigger bar or adding a setscrew to the one you have. This will allow you to reduce the trigger reset significantly.