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

Hk Cc9 GOTW 1
Hk Cc9 GOTW 1

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch CC9

The Heckler & Koch CC9 isn't merely just another micro-compact. It's the result of a significant amount of work on the part of the company's US subsidiary to create the first truly American-made HK.

The Armed Citizen® May 22, 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.

Political Report | Braced Pistols’ Status Unresolved

The U.S. Supreme Court has characterized handguns as the “quintessential” Second Amendment arm. Pistol braces increase accuracy and ease of operation for large-format handguns, especially for users suffering from physical disabilities.

The PROOF Research PXT: A New Approach to Barrel Rifling

PROOF Research has introduced PROOF eXponential Twist (PXT)—an advancement in rifling that improves durability, accuracy and shootability—to the commercial market.

Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker

Back when American Rifleman reviewed Springfield's Model 2020 Waypoint, we noted that we ...couldn’t help but wonder if a tactical-version Model 2020 rifle might be a logical future offshoot of the Waypoint hunting rifle." With the Model 2020 Heatseeker, that version is finally here.

Marlin Goes Mad: The Marlin Mad Pig Customs Model 1894

Marlin’s latest Model 1894 lever-action rifle, a collaboration with Mad Pig Customs that is a far cry from traditional, delivers “modern, factory‑installed features previously found only on custom builds.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.