Master Trigger Control With Dry Practice, See Big Results

In this episode of Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS, Julie Golob explains the importance of trigger control ... and how easy it is to learn.

posted on September 14, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The key to accuracy with any firearm is hand-eye coordination, and that's why we spend so much time talking about how to use your sights and where you should focus your eyes while shooting. It's important, however, not to lose sight (see what we did there?) of the tactile component of accuracy. Specifically, the way your trigger responds to pressure in your hands is a critical part of your accuracy downrange.

In this episode of Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS, pro shooter and Second Amendment ambassador Julie Golob demonstrates how to use dry-fire practice to familiarize yourself with your gun's trigger. (Just remember to remove all ammunition from the gun, magazine and practice area, and observe all of the rules of gun safety ... no exceptions and no excuses!)

As Golob explains, there are a number of factors that you're feeling for: How much takeup does the trigger have? How much must you pull through the tension? How long does it take the trigger to reset? You'll also find yourself mastering those processes almost without meaning to ... that's the secret of dry-fire practice done right!

Latest

Deering Dice Roll
Deering Dice Roll

The Dice Roll of “Reasonableness”

If you are ever forced to use a self-defense-based justification in court following a defensive gun use, one of the factors a jury will consider is, “What would a reasonable person have done in this same situation?” The trouble is that “reasonable” is a pretty subjective term.

 

Women for Gun Rights Celebrates Inaugural National Summit Gala

The evening was a milestone for an organization founded on the belief that women have a critical voice in the national conversation surrounding the Second Amendment.

The Art of Open Sights

The two most important fundamentals of shooting are trigger control and sight alignment/sight picture. Learning the different types of sights and how to use them is half the battle.

The Armed Citizen® Reload September 18, 2026

Women fought off violent attacks by ex-boyfriends, defending themselves and their families.

Carry Elevated: Canik Prime Radian 9 mm Pistol

This fully tricked out custom defensive pistol is available at a fair price.

New Guns 2026: Henry Repeating Arms Founding Fathers Collection

The series honors the men who shaped the American republic: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay and Alexander Hamilton.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.