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

Allan Cors In Memoriam
Allan Cors In Memoriam

Past NRA President Allan Cors, 1936-2026: Liberty Takes A Loss

One of liberty’s champions, past NRA President Allan D. Cors died on August 10, 2026.

Moving to the Micro Red-Dot: An Old Dog Learns Some New Tricks

After shooting open-sighted handguns for more than 40 years, the author's aging eyes finally caught up to him, and his concealed-carry pistol now sports a red-dot optic.

Record-Setting Number of Women Receive Free Firearms Training in Michigan

Across two days of free training at Recoil Firearms in Taylor, Mich., a record-setting 2,454 women were given hands-on instruction in the safe and effective use of firearms.

7 New Pistol Suppressors for 2026

For handgunners, having a suppressor makes range trips much more comfortable, and many new suppressors have been designed for maximum compatibility across today's most popular handgun styles and chamberings.

A Victory That Ends A Gun Registry

On August 5, U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the Northern District of Texas held that key regulatory provisions of the NFA are unconstitutional as applied to certain categories of firearms.

Criminal Clues: Tips to Avoid Appearing Like a Soft Target

You don’t have to be the hardest target, but you don’t want to be the softest. Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming a target for a criminal looking for his or her next opportunity.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.