Looking for a trigger pulling training tool

by SteveJewels 1/4/2025, 7:46 pm

I am new to precision handgun shooting. I was on this site a year or so ago and saw a built pistol, Nelson conversion, Sightron S-30 and bought it. I had no idea what I was going to do with it, it looked cool and I would figure out the what later.

Last spring I found a local (an hour away LOL) fun match which was perfect for this pistol. I shot a few matches and finally decided I should do some practicing between matches.

Seems I have a tendancy to shoot to the right.

Looking for a trigger pulling training tool Trigge12

Using this to diagnose perhaps I don't have enough finger on the trigger. I am left handed.

I went to the range today did some practicing, consciously placing my finger further across the trigger. I could see some improvement but I am looking for more immediate feedback.

Is there a training tool that will help with this? Maybe something like a laser in the chamber so I can see the movement on the target in real time to learn better technique?

Thanks!

by Jack H 1/4/2025, 8:47 pm

What you have seen here has been in the AMU Advanced Pistol Guide for a long time:

"Dry fire a few shots watching the front sight carefully. If the front sight moves at the instant the hammer falls, reposition the trigger finger to the left or right, up or down, on the face of the trigger. Repeat the dry firing and adjusting the position of trigger finger until the release of the hammer causes no movement of the front sight in the rear sight notch"

I add that trigger finger position is limited in a narrow range by your finger length and hand size. Also by the pistol grip girth and width, and the length of pull. As I wrote elsewhere, there is an ideal for your hand.

by BE Mike 1/5/2025, 9:09 am

Whatever allows you to press the trigger straight to the rear without disturbing your sight alignment. Everyone is built a little differently. Do you begin by holding the slide/ barrel by the non-shooting hand and seating the pistol into the shooting hand?

by Drawman623 1/6/2025, 8:25 am

BE Mike wrote:Whatever allows you to press the trigger straight to the rear without disturbing your sight alignment. Everyone is built a little differently.

Differences in proportion can also call for equipment adjustments. Maybe your trigger reach is adjustable or as with a 1911 pistol, various trigger lengths can be installed.

Learning I prefer a narrow blade closer rather than a longer reach was a game changer for me.

by Ed Hall 1/6/2025, 9:03 am

You could tape a laser pointer to the pistol if you're interested in seeing what is happening at a distance. Electronic trainers can show lots of information also. The best use of such devices is to improve your perception of the activity via the sighting system.

by BE Mike 1/6/2025, 9:33 am

Ed Hall wrote:You could tape a laser pointer to the pistol if you're interested in seeing what is happening at a distance. Electronic trainers can show lots of information also. The best use of such devices is to improve your perception of the activity via the sighting system.

If one uses a laser pointer or laser grips, etc. I would suggest that the person videotape his/ her self, or have someone observe the projected dot, otherwise the shooter is focused on the red or green projected dot instead of the front sight, if using iron sights.

by lbfarmer 1/6/2025, 12:51 pm

Strikeman makes a laser that will indicate point of impact at the time of trigger release. Comparing this to your sight picture could provide feedback for trigger pulling training.

by SteveJewels 1/7/2025, 1:37 pm

Thank you! @ibfarmer

I got a Strikeman training system for $88.45 including shipping, tax, and protection.

No 22LR option so I got the 9mm laser cartridge. I have a couple of them. Smile

by Ed Hall 1/8/2025, 3:57 pm

BE Mike wrote:
Ed Hall wrote:You could tape a laser pointer to the pistol if you're interested in seeing what is happening at a distance. Electronic trainers can show lots of information also. The best use of such devices is to improve your perception of the activity via the sighting system.
If one uses a laser pointer or laser grips, etc. I would suggest that the person videotape his/ her self, or have someone observe the projected dot, otherwise the shooter is focused on the red or green projected dot instead of the front sight, if using iron sights.

Actually, I would suggest doing this while not trying to use the sighting system. But, you should also not try to use the projected dot as the sights. What you should do is work on the trigger operation and observe what happens when you bring the trigger back without trying to correct perceived aiming deviations. Perhaps best would be to hold the pistol a bit lower than normal and record the dot without looking at either the sights or the dot.

Perhaps of interest:: Improving Hold and Trigger Manipulation

by jareds06 1/8/2025, 8:21 pm

I use a blank wall or a small black circle I stuck to the wall. I keep several pistols on my desk and every chance I get, I'm picking one up and dryfiring it to make sure the sights don't move as the shot breaks. Rinse and repeat one billion times

by chiz1180 1/8/2025, 10:05 pm

Jack H wrote:What you have seen here has been in the AMU Advanced Pistol Guide for a long time:

"Dry fire a few shots watching the front sight carefully. If the front sight moves at the instant the hammer falls, reposition the trigger finger to the left or right, up or down, on the face of the trigger. Repeat the dry firing and adjusting the position of trigger finger until the release of the hammer causes no movement of the front sight in the rear sight notch"

I add that trigger finger position is limited in a narrow range by your finger length and hand size. Also by the pistol grip girth and width, and the length of pull. As I wrote elsewhere, there is an ideal for your hand.

A goal should be to have an equal outcome from both dry fire and live fire. If your dryfire is "perfect" but your live fire results are not, this is an area that warrants some visitation and training.

by SteveJewels 1/9/2025, 6:04 am

Great information. Very helpful and very much appreciated.

Up until now the handgun shooting I have done is combat type or Handgun Silhouette. Neither require the level of precision of BE type shooting. 10's of thousands of rounds of bad habits to unlearn. LOL The link Ed posted is very useful in that regard.

by rich.tullo 1/9/2025, 9:54 am

Mantus X could be a good resource and I suggest getting into the habit of calling your shots when shooting slow fire.

Dry firing is a must but you have to be honest in your evaluation and go slow. I see a lot of new shoots dry fire and looking at the front sight or even worse learning how to try to snatch a X.

by Jack H 1/10/2025, 5:39 am

For a trigger pulling training tool, I suggest using iron sights. First, forget the target. Point at a blank wall. Get good lighting on the front sight so you can really really focus on it. Dry fire with the goal to see the front sight stay motionless in the rear notch when the hammer drops. When you can do that you are on the right track.

by DK 1/10/2025, 10:29 am

jareds06 wrote:I use a blank wall or a small black circle I stuck to the wall. I keep several pistols on my desk and every chance I get, I'm picking one up and dryfiring it to make sure the sights don't move as the shot breaks. Rinse and repeat one billion times

I agree wholeheartedly with this advice. Instead of saying, “I’m going to set aside a single chunk of time each day to dryfire,” simply incorporate it into your daily activities, if possible of course. Keeping the pistol at hand so that you can spend a minute or two at practice before you have to return to your other life activities means that you are more apt to do it. Another benefit of multiple short sessions spread throughout the day is that you have the opportunity to hone your mental game. You get several reps of clearing your head and getting focused instead of just one time at the beginning of a long dryfire session.

by DK 1/10/2025, 11:04 am

A small rare earth magnet makes a great aiming ‘dot’ that attaches to a wall. They are strong enough to hold to a buried drywall fastener, trim nail head, etc. and can be removed (or not) before your next formal dinner party.

I suggest first locating the fastener with a stronger stud finder magnet

Looking for a trigger pulling training tool Img_0415

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by samtoast 1/10/2025, 9:15 pm

Mantis X Elite is a great tool to help you understand what is happening as you pull the trigger.

It can be used with any pistol (and even with a rifle, shotgun or a bow), dry or live fire!
It has challenges which make it fun to dry fire. It records your performance, and can even sort it according to caliber or specific gun.

https://mantisx.com/products/mantis-x10-elite?srsltid=AfmBOopDEkOy4qY2RDNyNVksGTAKosRSmRRyXyN_YHt47NQhj84LSFuv

I didn't know even know how to load a magazine 3 years ago. Mantis X helped me so much. If the cost is not a big factor, I would definitely recommend it!

P.S. If you are interested, I may be posting mine for sale soon.

by Gravy 1/18/2025, 12:28 pm

Steve,

I had the same question(s) a few years back and considered/tried out the Mantis, Accurize, SCATT, and others. They all have their purpose; but, all I wanted was to improve my trigger pull and not drastically change the dynamics (e.g., weight) or feel (i.e., nothing tethered to the pistol) of my pistols. So, I combined the iTargetpro system with the Accurize lasers. What I use is simple and works with Ruger, Browning, S&W, Pardini, Les Baer,...). Here are a couple links:

iTargetpro Website (note: also available on eBay)
Accurize inserts from eBay.

The software is free and works on Android or Apple smartphones. Most any laser will work with the iTargetpro software because it is frequency and sensitivity adjustable. The targets that it works with are downloadable from the iTargetpro website.

I have tried various lasers (cartridge and inserts). For my purposes, the Accurize inserts work best and I have them for .17, 22, 32, and 45. They are available for most popular calibers and they energize momentarily with sound/vibration (e.g., fall of the hammer). The cartridge inserts also work good (e.g., for wheel gun training); but, the point of impact on the target changes with insertion of the cartridge. I always insert the Accurize laser the same way each time and it holds the same point of impact, as long as the barrel is clean and the laser is not turned. Yes, turning the laser will change the point of impact. So, I have a mark on the top and align it with the sights.
I have seen negative reviews of iTargetpro. But with the Accurize lasers, it seems to be is as accurate as my Pardinis and Les Baers and they will hold x-ring at 50 yards from a Ransom Rest. So, it is good enough for me.

To use the system, I just mounted a board on the wall for the sled and my box is on a bench about 35' away. I also have a board mounted on another wall so I can shoot the length of the shop or 50 yards by going outdoors; but, it is not as convenient to use. If you have questions, i would be happy to try and answer them.
Below are a couple pics of how it is setup in my shop.

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