For many shooters, increasing accuracy can feel like a long, difficult process. But what if there was a technique you could start using right now that could make a difference within minutes? This “trigger trick” is surprisingly simple, but it’s something that even experienced shooters often overlook. By mastering this technique, you’ll be able to achieve more accurate shots without needing extensive practice.
Why Most Shooters Struggle with Consistency

One of the most common issues shooters face is inconsistent accuracy. Even if their sights are lined up perfectly, their shots still veer off target. This problem is usually caused by slight movements during the trigger pull. Learning how to control these movements can be challenging, but understanding the trigger’s mechanics can make a huge difference in minimizing errors.
The Key to the “Trigger Trick”

The secret to this accuracy trick lies in understanding and preparing your trigger. Many firearms have a “wall,” or point of resistance, in the trigger pull. This is where the trigger slack ends, and any additional pressure will cause the gun to fire. Knowing how to prepare your trigger just before this wall can eliminate unnecessary movements and improve your accuracy instantly.
What is Trigger Slack?

Every trigger has a bit of slack – an initial movement before the trigger actually engages and fires. This slack is the loose, unresponsive movement that doesn’t affect the firing mechanism. Mastering the technique of pulling up to the wall (but not past it) will help reduce anticipation and nervous movements that might throw off your aim.
Reaching the Wall

The wall is the point where the slack ends and the trigger begins to engage. Many shooters are taught to pull up to this wall and wait until they’re ready to fire. But here’s the trick: instead of stopping right at the wall, you can learn to pull slightly past it, right to the point where the trigger is just about to break. This is what’s called a “fully prepped trigger.”
Understanding the Fully Prepped Trigger

A fully prepped trigger is one where you’ve taken up all the slack and stopped just before the break. At this stage, the slightest pressure will cause the gun to fire. When you’re at this point, your shot will be almost instant, which leaves less room for last-second movements that can throw off accuracy. Mastering this technique can be challenging, but it’s well worth the effort.
Why This Trick Works

The reason this trick is so effective is that it removes the time gap between deciding to fire and the actual shot. This “gap” is often when a shooter’s grip or aim will shift, even if it’s just slightly. By getting the trigger fully prepped, the gun fires immediately, eliminating room for error and increasing the likelihood of hitting your target.
Practicing with Dry Fire

To perfect this technique, dry-fire practice is essential. Begin by ensuring your gun is unloaded, and practice finding the wall and prepping the trigger without firing. Dry firing lets you understand your gun’s trigger mechanism without the pressure of live rounds. You’ll get a feel for how far you need to pull to reach that final prepped stage, where you’re on the edge of firing.
Using Live Fire for Validation

Once you’re comfortable with the technique in dry fire, test it with live rounds. Find a small target, aim, and focus on prepping your trigger right before the break. This step is essential to confirm that you’ve mastered the technique and can apply it when it counts. Live-fire practice will show you the real difference in your accuracy when using a fully prepped trigger.
Different Triggers, Different Walls

It’s worth noting that different firearms have different trigger walls. Some guns may even have more than one wall or stage in the trigger pull. Understanding the specific mechanics of your firearm will allow you to adapt this technique effectively. This requires patience, but once you understand how to fully prep the trigger on your specific firearm, you’ll see a noticeable improvement.
How This Technique Builds Confidence

A fully prepped trigger not only improves your accuracy but also builds confidence. Knowing that your shot will break exactly when you want it to allows you to focus on your aim rather than worrying about minor adjustments. This confidence can be a huge benefit, particularly in high-pressure situations or competitions.
A Simple Change with Big Results

Mastering this “trigger trick” may be one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in your shooting arsenal. By learning to find the wall, take up the slack, and fully prep your trigger, you can boost your accuracy almost immediately. It’s a small change with a big impact, showing that sometimes the smallest details make the biggest difference. With practice and patience, this simple technique can transform your shooting performance.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.