Anatomy of a Marksman (Part 4) – Trigger Control Explained: The Secret to Consistent Pistol Accuracy
Trigger Control Explained: The Secret to Consistent Pistol Accuracy - The Anatomy of a Marksman
Part 4 of 6
This article builds on visual fundamentals by focusing on trigger control, breath timing, and follow-through as the primary drivers of consistent accuracy.
The Shot Must Not Move the Sights
Most misses occur just before the shot breaks.
Trigger Press
A straight, uninterrupted press to the rear:
- Take-up
- Break
- Reset
🔰 Goal
Move nothing but the trigger finger.
Trigger Press Stages
Understanding the stages of a trigger press is essential for controlled shooting. This cutaway diagram shows the sequence of "take-up," "wall," "break," and "reset" on a typical striker-fired pistol.
Breath Control
Fire during the natural respiratory pause after exhale.
Follow-Through
Maintain grip, visual focus, and posture after the shot breaks.
🎯 Diagnostic Reading
- Tight group, wrong location → sighting issue
- Wide group → execution inconsistency
➡️ Read Part 5 → Practice Methods That Build Real Pistol Accuracy
Continue the Series
→ Read Part 1: Firearm Safety and the Fundamentals of Pistol Marksmanship
→ Read Part 2: How to Grip and Stance a Pistol for Accuracy and Recoil Control
→ Read Part 3: Sight Alignment vs Sight Picture
→ Read Part 4: Trigger Control Explained
→ Read Part 5: Practice Methods That Build Real Pistol Accuracy
→ Read Part 6: Defensive vs Competition Pistol Shooting
Ready to improve your accuracy?
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