How a USPSA Grandmaster Pulls a Trigger (It’s NOT What You Think)

Published on December 11, 2025
Duration: 15:04

This guide details the 'Smash' trigger technique taught by USPSA Grandmaster Mark Smith. It emphasizes prepping the trigger to the wall and applying continuous pressure to minimize the window for anticipation flinches, leading to faster and more accurate shots. The progression includes starting with the finger off the trigger and advancing to 'Wall Before Sights' for elite performance.

Quick Summary

USPSA Grandmaster Mark Smith teaches the 'Smash' trigger technique, which involves prepping the trigger to the wall (90% travel) and applying continuous, increasing pressure until the shot breaks. This rapid, uninterrupted pull minimizes anticipation flinches and reduces gun movement, leading to improved accuracy and speed in shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Incorrect Trigger Prep
  2. 01:25Why Shooters Miss
  3. 02:50Method 1: Prep and Roll
  4. 03:51Method 2: Prep and Snatch
  5. 06:10The 'Smash' Technique
  6. 12:21The 5 Levels of Smash

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Smash' trigger technique?

The 'Smash' technique, taught by USPSA Grandmaster Mark Smith, involves prepping the trigger to the wall (90% travel) and then applying continuous, increasing pressure until the shot breaks. This rapid, uninterrupted pull minimizes the shooter's ability to anticipate the exact moment of ignition, reducing gun movement and improving accuracy.

How does a USPSA Grandmaster pull a trigger differently?

USPSA Grandmasters like Mark Smith often utilize techniques like 'Prep and Snatch' or the 'Smash' method. Instead of a slow, deliberate final pull, they prep the trigger to the wall and then apply continuous pressure, 'snatching' through the break to prevent anticipation flinches and maintain a stable sight picture.

What is 'Wall Before Sights' in shooting?

'Wall Before Sights' is an advanced shooting technique where the shooter ensures their trigger finger is back at the trigger's 'wall' (point of resistance) before their sights have even settled after recoil. This allows for faster follow-up shots by pre-positioning the trigger for immediate engagement.

Why is slow trigger prep considered detrimental?

Slow and overly methodical trigger prep can be detrimental because it gives the shooter's brain too much time to anticipate the exact moment the gun will fire. This anticipation often leads to a flinch or a conscious tightening of the finger, causing the gun to move off-target during ignition.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Tenicor

View all →