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

EAA XXX 01
EAA XXX 01

EAA's Witness2311 CMX XXX & SC9 XXX: A More Practical 2011 Design?

New for 2026, EAA Corp. is downsizing the Witness 2311 CMX design with the CMX XXX and SC9 XXX, two handguns that are built around an entirely new magazine.

Lessons Learned About Long-Distance Shooting at FTW Ranch

At the SAAM/Impact Precision Advanced Course offered by FTW Ranch, students learned a few important lessons about long-range shooting that others might overlook.

I Carry: Springfield Armory SA-35 Polished in a Falco C631 Gorham Holster

In our latest episode of "I Carry" above, we're taking a closer look at the details of the new Springfield Armory SA-35 Polished, and we're packaging it with a high-quality leather holster from Falco Holsters, along with a new EDC knife from Work Sharp.

ATF Suffers Major Cybersecurity Incident

On Aug. 27, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced that an outside group had breached its systems in what it termed a "major incident."

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 28, 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.

A Conversation About Gun-Making in America

Recently, a paper titled “The American Tradition of Self-Made Arms" written by Joe Greenlee, director of NRA-ILA's Office of Litigation Counsel,was cited by a court in an important ruling on frame-or-receiver litigation.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.