Perfect trigger control means learning to squeeze the trigger without disturbing the cross-hairs that are aligned on the target, as you look through the rifle scope. All movement of the rifle, as it sits on its rest must be eliminated. The only movement taking place is that of the trigger finger with a slow, straight back and constant squeeze on the trigger, to the rear. The shot being fired should come as a surprise to you as you hold the rifle and the scope’s cross-hairs completely still on the shoulder of the animal you are shooting at.
For the hunting field, and for most people, a good trigger is one that is tuned by a gunsmith to fire at 2 to 3 pounds. A good trigger can also come from an after-market manufacturer. Jewell, Shilen, Timney, are the top of the line triggers.
THIS IS HOW TO SHOOT THE SHOT:
- Get into the Correct Shooting Position for the conditions at hand, and Get Comfortable. Make sure the Rifle is on a Suitable Rest (bipod, rear bag, shooting sticks, etc.)
- Get your Scope Dialed In and On Target, and Get a Good Sight Picture.
- Pull the butt of the rifle firmly into the shoulder, and hold it there. (Finger Off Trigger) Keep the Cross-hairs of the Scope Fixed on that Specific Point on the Target. Take the SAFETY OFF!
- Get your Breathing Under Control, Slow and Steady. Breathe in Deeply, Exhale, Letting Half Out and Hold.
- As you keep your mind and your eye focused through the scope on that specific target point; With the tip of the pad of your index finger placed on the “sweet spot” of the trigger, begin to Slowly Squeeze the Trigger straight back without stopping, in one steady and fluid movement.
- Keep Your Eye(s) Open, as the shot breaks, and Concentrate on where the cross-hairs are on the target as the hammer falls. The Shot should “Feel” Good!
- As soon as that shot breaks, continue to Keep a Rear-ward pressure on the Trigger, and the same grip on the rifle, and same body position as much as you can through the recoil of the rifle. This is called “Follow-Through”.
- Strive to keep your grip on the rifle, your head position and cheek-weld on the stock; Looking through the Scope to SEE Your HIT on the Target. The goal is repeatable consistency, time after time, shot after shot.
- Practice Perfect Trigger Control by Dry-Firing Drills, alone, in a low lighted room, with no distractions. Also use a “Snap-Cap” style dummy round to Protect the Firing Pin as you dry fire! DOUBLE CHECK to Insure Your Weapon is EMPTY and Pointed in a SAFE Direction. Perform 50 repetitions, practice on your technique. Get a feel for your trigger, and burn that feeling into your mind and muscle memory.
Look through the scope and know where the cross-hairs are on the target as the shot breaks. Part of calling the shot is being able to SEE the HIT and Admitting to Yourself if you flinch, or if you jerk the trigger. You must practice to control your body and Resist Flinching, this is where muzzle breaks help. You must eliminate any and all movement of the rifle as the hammer falls and the shot breaks. When practicing trigger control, the more times You Can “Honestly Call The Shots That Are Good”, and it is Reflected on the Target paper, or the Steel Gong, the Better Long-Range Marksman You Will Become!
The importance of Trigger Control cannot be overstated. The jerking, slapping, incorrect finger position, any side movement on the trigger will show. Your Concentration will be on Making your Breathing, Grip, Sight Picture, Trigger Squeeze, and Follow Through “Flow In Unison”. The only way to Achieve Smaller Groups, and Hit the Steel Plate at Distance is to Practice; and learning how to Call Your Shots by Keeping your Eye(s) Open.