Terminology: Target Trigger

by
posted on September 18, 2012
** 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. **
wiley-clapp.jpg (2)

Primarily applying to Smith & Wesson revolvers, target trigger means an extra-wide trigger that curves gently under your finger. As the term suggests, it is intended for formal target competition.

In theory, if the trigger is wider, more of the surface of your finger will be in contact. This allegedly makes it much easier to pull. S&W used them on its top-end revolvers for decades, along with its lower, wider spur. Many shooters, who work their guns with both DA and SA trigger systems find the target trigger something of a nuisance.

I can remember one of our range masters working over an original narrow trigger to produce one with a straight ridge down the center of the finger pad. Lock the crease of the first joint of your trigger finger on the ridge and go for it! So much for theories.

Latest

Gotw Marlin 1894 Trapper 10Mm 1
Gotw Marlin 1894 Trapper 10Mm 1

Gun of the Week: Marlin Firearms Model 1894 Trapper 10 mm

One of the latest Marlin lever-action rifles on the market is the Model 1894 Trapper, and the company now offers the platform in a 10 mm Auto chambering.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Six-Hour Gun: Saving a Family Heirloom

Simple math would have told anyone it wasn't worth fixing a $150 revolver. But to one family, this simple, common revolver meant everything.

Idaho Voters Choose the Winchester Model 1873 for their Official State Firearm

On November 3, Idaho voters picked the Winchester Model 1873 rifle (nicknamed the “Gun that Won the West,” in .44-40 cal.) as the leading candidate to be their state firearm.

PROOF Research Opens New Montana Facility

PROOF Research held a grand opening of its new manufacturing facility in Columbia Falls, Mont. at the end of October.

Making the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

After more than 10 years, Smith & Wesson discontinued production of its original M&P Bodyguard .380 and began plans for a second-generation model. But the path to the Bodyguard 2.0 wasn't a linear process.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.