Release after pulling trigger

[glenns]

I tried googling this but did not find an answer.

I shoot a Glock G17 in an Action Pistol League. Just started about 7 months ago which is also about how long I've been shooting a pistol.

Question: after pulling the trigger how are you supposed to release it?

1. Just let go of the trigger right after it fires.
2. Keep your finger on the trigger after it fires.
3. Hold the trigger for a split second after it fires then let it release with your finger on it.

Thanks.

 

[Bozwell]

I don't think you necessarily gain anything by keeping your finger on the trigger as far as the bullet you just fired is concerned. The question is what you need to do next. If you're trying to fire another round quickly, then you should release the trigger until you feel it reset, line up the shot, and squeeze.

 

[rjrivero]

What you're asking about is how to properly excecute "Follow Through."

Essentially, when you pull the trigger to the rear, and it breaks the shot, you HOLD the trigger to the rear, then re-aquire your sight picture. Release the trigger just enough to reset it and begin your trigger squeeze again.

Practicing this SLOWLY will help you build all the muscle memory to make repeated shots on target, and will help you when the time comes to excecute multiple shots on target.

The principle is the same for really ANY firearm (other than full auto.)

 

[9mmepiphany]

Essentially, when you pull the trigger to the rear, and it breaks the shot, you HOLD the trigger to the rear, then re-aquire your sight picture. Release the trigger just enough to reset it and begin your trigger squeeze again.

That is certainly a good way to start...and it does keep you from releasing the trigger too soon and disturbing the trigger press...but it does waste a lot of time between followup shots.

After you learn not to snap/slap/jerk the trigger, most of the better shooters are resetting the trigger during the muzzle flip. Waiting until you re-acquire your sight picture before releasing the trigger is not only slower, but usually not as accurate...during anything except slow fire

 

[GLOOB]

+1. When you get comfy with your trigger, you'll be resetting it and prestaging it by the time your sight picture comes back around.

The only problem is what happens when you switch to a gun with a lighter trigger. You may find yourself accidentally doubling it off the paper, the first time.

Speaking of all this holding the trigger business, I once witnessed my friend getting a hot case in the glasses. She proceeded to point the gun down to the ground behind the firing line, right next to her foot, with the trigger still held all the way back. I'd say that was too much follow through.

 

[igousigloo]

after pulling the trigger and firing the gun, take your finger off the trigger and place it beside on the housing. After coming back to the target placing your finger on the trigger and firing again. repeat as necessary.
♠

 

[David E]

after pulling the trigger and firing the gun, take your finger off the trigger and place it beside on the housing. After coming back to the target placing your finger on the trigger and firing again. repeat as necessary.

I had a student who used this "technique." he couldn't hit squat. Once broken of this detrimental habit and using proper technique, he could actually hit targets on purpose.

 

[9mmepiphany]

David E beat me to it...I've had the same experience

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

You do know that with a Glock, the trigger doesn't have to return fully forward every time you fire a shot, just far enough to reset, right? If you don't wish to fire it, your finger should be off the trigger altogether.

 

[glenns]

Last night at our Action Pistol shooting practice night - I tried holding the trigger a split-second (long enought to know that I pulled the trigger and fired a shot) instead of letting it go right after firing. I was definitely more accurate.

I'll have to work on knowing when the trigger resets - I shoot a Glock.

 

[hank327]

It's very easy to tell on a Glock when the trigger resests. You can feel (and hear it) click after you let the trigger move forward just a little after firing. Glocks have one of the shorter and more positive trigger resests around.

 

[tuj]

With the Glock *18*, continue to hold the trigger back until your target is obliterated or the slide locks back.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

With experience you'll learn how much "let up" is required to reset the trigger.

Start slow and gradually let up on the trigger until you feel it reset. Speed will come with experience.

 

[wanderinwalker]

rjrivero pretty much nailed it. Hold the trigger back, then release it to reset and line up the next shot. Start slow and work your way up to speed. Glocks have short and positive resets, with a little practice you'll be able to go pretty quick. I don't hardly notice that I'm going for the reset any more; by the time I'm back on target I'm ready for the next trigger squeeze.