Practical Pistol Show 200

Published on June 22, 2017
Duration: 19:49

This video addresses trigger freeze and recoil anticipation in pistol shooting. Instructor Ben Stoeger, along with guests Matt Hopkins and Hansik Kim, explains that trigger freeze often stems from psychological pressure and not resetting the trigger. They recommend extensive dry fire practice, focusing on a deliberate trigger reset by taking the finger off the trigger and re-engaging it. Live fire drills like close-distance build drills are suggested to reinforce correct technique under pressure.

Quick Summary

Trigger freeze in pistol shooting is often caused by psychological pressure and not resetting the trigger. To fix it, practice deliberate trigger resets during dry fire by taking your finger off the trigger and re-engaging it. Live fire drills like close-distance build drills can reinforce this technique under pressure.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Guests
  2. 00:47Question 1: Trigger Freeze and Recoil Anticipation
  3. 01:31Hopkins' Initial Thoughts on Trigger Freeze
  4. 02:04Kim's Approach to Fixing Habits
  5. 03:08Personal Experience with Trigger Dip
  6. 04:34Recoil Control and Fear of Recoil
  7. 05:07Trigger Reset as the Key Issue
  8. 05:38Ben Stoeger's Analysis of Trigger Freeze
  9. 07:14Solving Trigger Freeze: Hand Tension Training
  10. 07:43Dry Fire Technique: Pressing Hard and Fast
  11. 08:30Trigger Reset Techniques for Different Pistols
  12. 09:17Live Fire Verification: Build Drills
  13. 10:20Focus on Trigger Release
  14. 11:10High-Speed Shooting and Finger Movement
  15. 12:34Personal DQ and Drill for Fast Trigger Finger
  16. 13:20Question 2: Training Without Gear
  17. 14:13Visualization as the Primary Method
  18. 15:02Dry Fire Without a Gun: Walkthroughs
  19. 16:18Practicing Movements and Grip Without a Firearm
  20. 17:36Reinforcing Grip and Trigger Press Feel
  21. 18:44Limitations of Visualization for Learning New Skills
  22. 19:30Conclusion and How to Submit Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes trigger freeze in pistol shooting?

Trigger freeze typically occurs due to psychological pressure, such as anticipating recoil or the need to shoot quickly. This leads to over-tensioning the firing hand, preventing proper trigger reset and causing the gun to dip.

How can I fix trigger freeze during live fire?

To fix trigger freeze, focus on deliberate trigger reset. During dry fire, practice taking your finger completely off the trigger (for striker-fired) or letting it out significantly (for double-action) before re-engaging. Also, perform close-distance build drills to practice shooting rapidly without freezing.

What dry fire techniques help with recoil anticipation?

For recoil anticipation, increase dry fire practice to visually confirm the gun remains steady during the trigger press. This helps develop a correct technique without the distraction of actual recoil, which can then be confirmed during live fire.

Can I train pistol shooting skills without my firearm?

Yes, you can train without your firearm through visualization and 'walkthrough' dry fire exercises. This involves mentally rehearsing movements, grip, and the shooting process. While it won't replace live practice, it can reinforce existing skills and help maintain consistency.

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