Release Triggers

 

There are several potential safety issues at a shooting range, many you’re aware of. Release triggers are one of those that you may not be aware of but should be. They are a common sight when shooting trap, but there are also some skeet shooters who use them too.

There are several variations available. The three I’m aware of are release/pull, pull/release, and double release.

There is a rule (Section III-G-12-c in the Rule book) that if you have a gun with a release trigger that you must have an orange sticker with a large black letter ‘R’ on its butt stock. The reason for the ‘R’ is to make anyone who sees this sticker aware that it fires differently.

Some shooters develop a flinch, and they believe that a release trigger will minimize or maybe eliminate the flinch entirely. A lot of shooters are very happy with their release triggers, and they may help with a flinch. I cannot say if they work or not.

I once tried a friend’s release/pull trigger, and it took too much concentration. Yes, I only tried it once for a round of trap.

I personally don’t like the release trigger and have seen a couple accidentally fired. In fact, if you look at the back of trap houses, you will often see where they have been peppered, not always by a gun with a release trigger, but it does happen.

When you go to the gun rack to get your gun there may be one that looks just like yours, but it has that ‘R’ on it. BE CAREFUL, and don’t accidentally grab the wrong gun.

Stay safe,

Barry Hartmann is an NSSA Master Level and NRA Certified shotgun instructor who can help you improve your skills at American Skeet and wingshooting. To contact Barry, email him at threeat8@aol.com or give him a call at (918)803-2393.