Terminology: Trigger Shoe

by
posted on August 14, 2013
** 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)

A trigger shoe is a block of metal configured to fit snugly on the front face of the trigger of a designated firearm. 1911 Match pistols often had trigger shoes installed, as did many types of Smith & Wesson revolvers. Usually held in place with a couple of Allen screws, the trigger shoe is wider than the original trigger and extends a little farther forward. In use, the shooter places the trigger finger on the shoe and gets contact over a wider area. This tends to make the trigger pull feel a little lighter.

He or she can also get a little better placement of the trigger finger on the trigger for a straight back pull. Trigger shoes were popular in the Golden Age of bullseye work and I can recall several variations in that great old Gil Hebard catalog. They helped many shooters, including this one, to improve their scores.

However, I would caution all shooters to avoid using them in any type of shooting involving speed or where the gun must be manipulated quickly. These are not devices for combat shooters. For that matter, I don’t like target triggers on combat guns. Both are intended to make the trigger easier to pull. Under stress, this might seem to be a good idea, but it really is not.

I once built up a fighting 1911 on a Gold Cup frame, with that gun’s characteristic wide target trigger. Being familiar to a regular long trigger, I got a couple of down range AD’s and it scared the devil out of me. Anything that increases trigger surface or materially lowers trigger pull weight is poison for a gun that is to be used fast.

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

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

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.