Article By: Sam H.
For decades, firearms instructors have diagnosed every low-left miss as a “trigger control” issue. We tell students to “squeeze slow” and “let the shot surprise you.” But if we are being honest, professional shooters worldwide have already debunked this. If your grip is a 360-degree vice, you can “slap” that trigger like a screen door in a hurricane and the sights won’t move.
The truth is, we don’t have a trigger finger problem; we have an anticipation and confidence problem.
The “Empty Chamber” Revelation
We’ve all seen it: a student produces a perfect, motionless trigger press during dry fire. Yet, the moment a live round is chambered, that same student “mashes” the gun downward. The mechanics of the finger didn’t change—the student’s brain did. Once the brain knows recoil and noise is coming, it initiates a defensive reflex to fight the recoil before the bullet has even left the barrel.
Recoil is a Constant: The “Working Gun” Mindset
As instructors, we must instill a vital truth: Recoil is a constant, not a variable. The gun will move regardless of how strong you are. I tell my students: Don’t let the gun control you, you control the gun. Accept the recoil and the noise, and be happy your gun is working. In a defensive situation, a “bang” is a good thing; it means the tool is functioning. If you press that trigger and it goes “click,” you have a much bigger problem than a little bit of recoil. When the gun goes off, it isn’t a surprise to be feared; it’s a confirmation of reliability and it did not jump out of your hands you were able to control it.
The Power of “Micro-Meter” Improvements
Instruction isn’t just about corrected stance; it’s about building the shooter up. If a student is struggling, encouragement is the best tool in your kit. Everyone improves—even if it’s just by a micro-meter.
I tell my students to look at where they were a few days ago compared to where they are now. If they are moving in the right direction, they are doing great work. The more they practice, the more their confidence grows, and as confidence rises, the fear of the recoil fades away.
Conclusion: Stop Coaching the Finger, Start Coaching the Mind
If a student’s sights are moving, stop looking at their index finger and start looking at their wrists and their mindset. Tighten the grip to create a platform that is “trigger-proof,” and provide the encouragement they need to stop fighting the gun. Once a shooter accepts recoil as a constant and trusts their grip, “trigger control” ceases to be an issue.
Instructor’s Note: A confident student is a capable student. Keep them happy, keep them encouraged, and remind them that every round downrange is a step toward mastery.
This is one of the best videos out there supporting the principles of this article.
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