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

Armed Citizen Podcast John Commerford F
Armed Citizen Podcast John Commerford F

NRA-ILA’s John Commerford on What’s to Come for America’s Rifle

When the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases—Grant v. Higgins and Viramontes v. Cook County, Illinois—that challenge bans on popular semi-automatic rifles in its next term, fear and trepidation ran like tremors through the public statements of anti-gun groups and the politicians they support.

Gun of the Week: GForce Arms LVR410

When it comes to the lever-action platforms, rifles abound, but the concept has been rarely applied to shotguns. Today, only a few makers offer lever-action shotguns, and one of those is GForce Arms and its LVR410.

The Armed Citizen® July 10, 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 Fire Control Sequence: 3 Steps to Perfect Round Placement

If you want to hit your target, you need three things: a gun, a target and a method by which to hit that target with that gun. Shooting well is the result of a specific process.

Why Does the .44 Special Keep Hanging On?

What is it about the .44 Special cartridge that makes it, well, special?

CAA USA Under New Ownership, Consolidation of Manufacturing

CAA USA has been acquired by Plastimold Products, owners of META Tactical, unifying all three brands and their manufacturing capabilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.