Mastering Trigger Control in IPSC

One often overlooked aspect of IPSC shooting that plays a crucial role in this is trigger control. A popular drill, known as 'Trigger Control at Speed,' is widely used for practicing this skill. This drill can be conducted in both dry fire and live fire settings, offering a comprehensive training experience.

Trigger Control at Speed: The Dry Drill

The essence of this drill lies in simulating practical shooting scenarios. It begins with aiming your unloaded pistol at a target.

On hearing the beep from a timer, you quickly 'smash' the trigger back. The objective is to condition the shooter to react swiftly and accurately upon the signal.

This drill is crucial for several reasons:

1. Simulating Real Conditions: It mirrors the real-world scenario where quick sight acquisition and immediate trigger pull are necessary.

2. Speed Emphasis: Unlike traditional methods that encourage slowing down for accuracy, this drill maintains the element of speed.

3. Developing Muscle Memory: Repeated practice helps in refining the hand's steadiness and the ability to pull the trigger straight back without disrupting the sight alignment.

Incorporating Live Ammo

Transitioning this drill to live fire adds another dimension. In a live setting, the shooter starts by prepping the trigger and then, upon the beep, presses through.

Start this drill with the trigger prepped (slack taken up). As you progress, move your finger increasingly off the trigger. Eventually, beginning with the finger completely outside the trigger guard and then pressing the trigger upon hearing the tone.

Advantages of the live-fire drill include:

1. Immediate Feedback: Live rounds provide tangible results, showing exactly where shots land, which is vital for improvement.

2. Increased Difficulty: Beginning with the finger off the trigger adds a layer of complexity, enhancing the skill.

3. Realistic Experience: Handling live ammunition brings the drill closer to real-world scenarios, preparing the shooter for actual competitions or situations.

Conclusion

'Trigger Control at Speed' is an invaluable drill for any practical shooter aiming to enhance their speed and accuracy. Whether in a dry or live fire setting, this exercise offers an excellent platform for mastering one of the most critical aspects of shooting.

By incorporating these drills into regular practice, shooters can significantly improve their performance, making them more competitive and proficient in practical shooting scenarios.

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Pro Tip: Use a Mantis X for your dry fire. The 'Compressed Surprise Break' on the App is the one that matches this drill. The App is free to download from Apple or Google App stores.