When shooting a rifle or handgun for accuracy, the best way to pull the trigger is with a smooth, consistent press rather than a sudden jerk or slap. This is often called a "trigger squeeze."
For proper trigger control:
- Use the pad of your index finger (not the joint or tip) to contact the trigger
- Take up the slack or "pre-travel" in the trigger gradually
- Apply steady, increasing pressure straight back toward you, not sideways
- Continue the pressure in a fluid motion until the shot breaks, almost surprising you
- Maintain your sight picture throughout the entire process
- Follow through by keeping the trigger pressed for a moment after the shot
- Release the trigger only far enough to reset for the next shot
The goal is to press the trigger without disturbing your sight alignment or anticipating recoil. Good trigger control prevents you from flinching or pushing the gun off target at the critical moment of firing, which is one of the most common causes of inaccurate shots.