Tips & Techniques: Determining Trigger Reset

by
posted on September 23, 2019
** 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. **
trigger-reset.jpg

Trigger reset occurs after a handgun has fired and its trigger is released forward. It signals that the gun’s internal mechanism has re-engaged and is ready to fire another shot. As the trigger is released, the reset is typically felt and/or heard at a specific point in the trigger’s forward travel. Generally, a shorter/quicker reset is preferred. Some shooters even train to press the trigger again immediately after it reaches the reset point. Such “shooting to reset,” can be incorporated into dryfire practice as follows: Starting with an unloaded firearm in a safe area, dry fire it and hold the trigger to the rear after the trigger breaks; then manually rack the slide and carefully release the trigger until there is an audible or tactile “click.” 

Additional Reading:
Tips & Techniques: Cast Bullet Fit in Revolvers
Tips & Techniques: Stock Drag
Tips & Techniques: Stay in the Scope
Tips & Techniques: When Adjusting Sights, Remember "FORS"
Tips & Techniques: "Take Out The Slack" To Keep Accessories In Place
Tips & Techniques: Rotate-To-Fire In Close Encounters

Latest

Springfield Echelon Pro 01
Springfield Echelon Pro 01

Going Pro: Springfield Armory's Echelon Pro Comp

Springfield Armory has expanded its Echelon line of handguns with several new Echelon Pro Comp offerings, bringing a number of what the company calls "performance-oriented enhancements" to the platform.

Steel Yourselves—Metal is Back

These days, it’s safe to say that injection-molded polymer of some sort is the most prevalent material from which to construct a pistol frame, but lately, that trend seems to be reversing. Metal is back.

NRA-ILA Names National Shooting Sports Foundation Official Partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour

This sponsorship through NSSF’s Protect Liberty PAC puts the firearms industry trade association on the road through Election Day.

Ori-gun-i: The ZEV Technologies FDP Carbine

The American art of folding polymer and steel into a working firearm reaches what might be its zenith with the Zev Technologies/Magpul FDP.

Study Finds Correlation Between Firearm Training & Safe Gun Storage

In a survey of more than 1,000 firearm owners across the nation, researchers found that firearm training increases responsible gun storage at a dramatic rate.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 12, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.