Going Tactical Ep. 13 - Managing the Double-Action Trigger

John G. Johnson, a firearms instructor, details the critical importance of a proper trigger press for accuracy. He emphasizes understanding each phase of the trigger pull, from initial contact to the final break, and how rushing or flinching sabotages accuracy. The guide covers establishing a solid grip, a smooth trigger application, and the benefits of dry-fire practice for developing muscle memory and consistency. This instruction is aimed at helping shooters of all levels improve their fundamental shooting skills.

This video provides expert advice on achieving consistent grip pressure for firearms. Lead Firearms Instructor Joel Park addresses common issues with support hand pressure, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting hand pressures and focusing on one aspect at a time during training. He suggests dedicating dry fire sessions to perfecting support hand grip before addressing the firing hand, ultimately aiming for a balanced and controlled hold.

This video addresses common grip inconsistencies in pistol shooting, emphasizing the importance of consistent grip pressure and proper hand placement. Instructor Joel Park demonstrates techniques for analyzing grip issues through dry fire exercises, including testing pressure variations between hands and observing the effect of trigger press on sight alignment. He also touches on grip circumference and hand length, and the potential for sight movement during striker fall.

This guide details dry fire drills focused on improving grip and trigger control, as explained by firearms instructor Joel Park. It emphasizes the importance of consistent grip pressure and minimizing unintended input during the trigger press. The drills are designed to build good habits that translate to live fire accuracy, even with limited ammunition.

This drill, demonstrated by Tactical Rifleman, focuses on improving the critical final stages of a firearm presentation, particularly useful in indoor ranges where full draws may be prohibited. It emphasizes starting from retention (position three) and integrating trigger press with firearm extension to achieve faster, more accurate first shots, treating each shot as an independent event.

This content emphasizes that dry fire practice is a critical component of firearm training but can be detrimental if performed incorrectly. The speaker, an experienced firearms instructor, explains that dry fire should replicate live fire conditions as closely as possible, particularly regarding grip pressure, to avoid developing bad habits. The video breaks down effective dry fire into marksmanship, transitions, and movement, highlighting how it allows for focused practice on elements that can be obscured by recoil during live fire. It advises against excessively long dry fire sessions and stresses the importance of intentionality to build good habits.

This guide details the dangers of 'thumbing the hammer down' on a loaded firearm, a technique strongly advised against by experts. It emphasizes that this action, which involves pulling the trigger while manually lowering the hammer, carries a high risk of accidental discharge if the thumb slips. The expert instruction highlights safer alternatives like engaging the manual safety for 'cocked and locked' carry or clearing the chamber entirely.

This guide details the advanced technique of hand stippling a 1911 firearm frame for enhanced grip, as demonstrated by a master gunsmith. It covers the precise application of texture using a punch and hammer, followed by meticulous filing to refine the edges. This process requires significant skill and attention to detail for a professional finish.

This guide details the proper technique for cycling the slide on a semi-automatic pistol, specifically the 1911, as explained by Ken Hackathorn. It emphasizes avoiding "gun abuse" by not slamming the slide on an empty chamber, which can cause premature wear. The explanation includes the mechanical reasons behind this, focusing on how the cartridge rim stabilizes the extractor and cushions the slide's action.

Massad Ayoob, a renowned firearms instructor and legal expert, details the critical post-Defensive Gun Use (DGU) protocol. He emphasizes that the most common mistake is failing to immediately call 911 after a DGU, even if no shots were fired. This action is crucial for establishing oneself as the victim complainant in the ensuing legal aftermath.