Don’t Jerk It: Pistol Trigger Control Tips With Brian Zins

by
posted on January 16, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Last week for Part 1 of our “Precision Pistol Tips with Brian Zins” video series, we covered pistol grip improvement. Now for Part 2, Brian, a 12-time NRA National Pistol Champion, reviews his pistol trigger control tips (watch the video above).

Part 2: Trigger control
What is trigger control? Brian Zins believes that trigger control is the ability to manipulate the trigger without disturbing the sights. Trigger control, simply put, is “getting the gun to shoot, once you get the sights where you want them.” Brian tweaks this advice to, “Align the sights as you pull the trigger.” More on this later.

Brian Zins on pistol trigger control
Stance, grip and aiming are important, but you can have a perfect grip, and hold perfect sight alignment all day long―but it only counts when the gun goes bang and only one action causes the gun to do that―pulling the trigger.


According to Brian, there are two fundamentals in shooting, aiming and trigger control. Trigger control is the more important of the two, because it’s the only part of the gun that’s actually moving before the shot breaks. There’s no sense in aiming if you can’t pull the trigger without disturbing the sights. This is not limited to precision pistol―trigger control is key for all pistol shooting disciplines.

Trigger finger placement in bullseye
Now for bullseye, where should the trigger make contact on the finger? We touched on this a bit in Part 1, so if you have not watched it yet, be sure to review it. The trigger should be centered in the first crease of the trigger finger. Why you ask? We have always been taught to place the pad on the trigger. Brian would rather have the hard surfaces of the creases on the trigger, because when pressure is applied, we know the trigger is actually moving to the rear, and we are not just feeling the fat and skin of the finger being pushed out of the way.

Brian Zins shares his tips for pistol trigger control in bullseye
In Part 3, which is upcoming, Brian will marry up his concepts of sight alignment and trigger control.


Trigger control, you should make yours nice and smooth. Learn it, live it, love it!

In Part 3 of our video series, Brian will cover the relationship between sight alignment and trigger control. The tips in these videos are taken from Brian’s instructional clinics. Learn more about Brian Zins pistol training at www.pointblankrange.com/training-instructor-bios/brian-zins

Latest

2026 Pistol Teamday 4
2026 Pistol Teamday 4

2026 NRA National Pistol Championship Underway at Cardinal Center

Competition is in full swing at the 2026 NRA Pistol Nationals in Marengo, Ohio, with Jon Shue chasing a fourth consecutive title.

Dead Air Launches Limited-Edition Sandman X Suppressors Honoring Night Stalkers, 5th Special Forces Group

Dead Air’s limited-edition Sandman X suppressors honor the Night Stalkers and 5th Special Forces Group while supporting veteran organizations.

New: Federal Fit Firearm Covers

Federal’s newest Fit firearm covers are built for the moments between the shots.

New: Gemtech Neutrino .30-Cal. Suppressor

Gemtech’s new Neutrino suppressor uses a fully 3D-printed titanium core and tube to deliver .30-cal. suppression at just 8.8 ounces with mount.

MDT’s New Rifle Control Points Give Precision Shooters a Consistent Support-Hand Index

MDT’s new Rifle Control Points give precision rifle competitors a consistent support-hand index point and improved bag engagement via M-Lok-mounted aluminum thumbshelves.

Doug Koenig Headlines Real Avid’s New Range Ready Tips Series

Real Avid launches its Range Ready initiative with a 15-part Doug Koenig series covering precision shooting, firearm setup, technique and performance mindset.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.