Free Class Reminder: 2nd & 4th Thursdays of Every Month!

Did you know we offer free classes for all former students? These sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month and are a great way to:

• Sharpen your skills and stay consistent.
• Get personalized feedback from our expert instructors.
• Reconnect with the ATFT community.

Mark your calendars and join us for these exclusive refresher sessions!

Firearms Training Tip of the Month: Master Your Trigger Press

Trigger control is critical for accuracy and safety. Here are three quick tips to help you improve:

1. Finger Placement: Place the pad of your index finger, not the joint, on the trigger for consistent pressure.
2. Smooth Squeeze: Avoid jerking the trigger—apply steady, even pressure until the shot breaks.
3. Follow-Through: Keep your finger on the trigger and reset it after each shot while maintaining sight alignment.

Practice these steps, and you’ll notice immediate improvements in your shooting accuracy!

Mastering The Trigger-Finger: A Fundamental Exercise for Improved Accuracy

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting out, developing proper trigger-finger discipline is key to improving your shooting accuracy. This exercise is a simple but effective way to refine your trigger control, especially for those of us who don’t get to the range or dry fire as often as we’d like. It’s a quick drill you can practice virtually anywhere, and it directly targets one of the most critical elements of shooting: isolating the movement of your trigger finger from the rest of your grip.

Why Trigger-Finger Discipline Matters

Trigger control is a cornerstone of accurate shooting. How your finger interacts with the trigger has a significant impact on your ability to hit the target consistently. One of the most common issues for both new and experienced shooters is the tendency to squeeze with the entire hand rather than isolating the trigger finger. This unintentional squeezing causes excess movement in the grip, poor muzzle alignment, and ultimately, shots that veer off target.

By isolating your trigger finger, you eliminate unnecessary grip movement, maintain proper muzzle control, and ensure that your shots land exactly where you intend. But achieving a smooth and consistent trigger press is easier said than done—it requires practice and awareness. That’s where this simple exercise comes in.

The Trigger-Finger Isolation Exercise

This exercise is designed to simulate and enhance your trigger control without the need for a firearm. Here’s how to do it:

1. Create a Simulated Grip

• Take your support hand (non-dominant hand) and bring your index finger, middle finger, and ring finger together as if you’re gripping the frame of a pistol. Keep these three fingers aligned and tight, mimicking the feel of holding a gun.
• Your pinky finger and thumb on the support hand should remain relaxed and out of the way.

2. Form a Grip with Your Dominant Hand

• Using your dominant hand (the hand you shoot with), grip the three fingers of your support hand just as you would grip the handle of a pistol. This simulates the full grip you would use on an actual firearm.
• Be sure to maintain a firm, stable grip—your support hand should stay completely still throughout this exercise.

3. Isolate Your Trigger Finger

• Place your dominant index finger just above the grip, free to move as though it’s resting on a trigger.
• Begin pressing your index finger inward, simulating the movement of pulling a trigger. Be deliberate and controlled with each press. After pressing, allow your finger to return to its pre-press starting position in a smooth motion.

4. Focus on Hand Movement

• As you perform this exercise, pay close attention to the rest of your dominant hand.
• The goal is to keep your grip completely static while moving only your trigger finger. If you notice tightening or loosening in the gripping fingers of your dominant hand, it means your trigger finger isn’t fully isolated.

5. Repeat and Refine

• Perform multiple repetitions, focusing on slow, controlled trigger presses.
• Over time, increase the speed of your presses while maintaining complete control and isolation of your trigger finger.

6. Test Your Results

• Pick up your unloaded firearm or SIRT training pistol and assume your grip and stance. 
• Place or have someone place a dime on top of the slide Dry fire and see if the dime falls or see how much it moves.

Why This Exercise Works

This drill is effective because it trains your brain and hand muscles to work independently. By isolating your trigger finger’s movement, you’re building the muscle memory and coordination needed for smooth, consistent trigger presses. It also helps you identify bad habits, such as squeezing the entire hand or allowing your grip to shift during the press.

Additionally, this exercise is a perfect substitute for live fire or dry fire practice when you don’t have access to a range or your firearm. It’s quick, easy to practice at home, and can significantly improve your trigger control when done regularly.

Pro Tips for Maximum Benefit

• Use a Mirror: Practicing in front of a mirror allows you to visually check for any unnecessary movement in your hand or wrist.
• Go Slow First: Start with slow, deliberate presses to ensure proper form before increasing your speed.
• Daily Practice: Just a few minutes of this exercise each day can yield noticeable improvements in your trigger control.

By incorporating this simple drill into your routine, you’ll see marked improvements in your ability to manage your trigger finger, maintain a steady grip, and shoot with greater precision.

Legal Corner: Supreme Court Ruling on Maryland’s HQL Requirement-

You may have thought the HQL was a thing of the past but think again.

In a recent development, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Maryland’s requirement for individuals to obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) before purchasing a handgun. This decision reinforces the state’s strict licensing laws, which include fingerprinting, background checks, and safety training as prerequisites for obtaining an HQL.

To learn more, check out the full article on Maryland Matters here: Supreme Court Lets Stand Ruling That Upholds Maryland Handgun Law.

ATFT Members

We are having “Mini- class” February 25th at 5:30pm to advance and improve Drawing skills to increase your ability to conceal carry more effectively.  This 2 hour class is FREE for all of our AFTF Members. 

Not A Member? 

You and either sign up  for our membership below or pay $25 to attend this event.

Did You Know?

Proper dry fire practice can dramatically improve your accuracy without ever leaving your home. Start with a cleared firearm, focus on your grip and sight alignment, and work on your trigger pull. It’s a cost-effective way to stay sharp! learn more in next month’s edition!

We’re proud to provide you with the training, tools, and knowledge to be a confident and responsible firearm owner. Don’t forget to check out SalisburyFirearmsAcademy.com for updates on upcoming classes, events, and resources.

Stay Safe, Stay Prepared!
Atlantic Tactical Firearms Trainers (ATFT)
Your trusted source for tactical training and firearm safety.