Trigger Pull vs. Follow-Through - Tract Optics Blog SA

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Trigger Pull vs. Follow-Through: Rethinking Rifle Accuracy

In the world of precision shooting, certain techniques are treated as gospel—follow-through being one of them. But what if the most important factor in hitting your target isn’t what happens after the shot, but what happens just before?

Josh from Pursuit of Accuracy recently challenged conventional wisdom with a bold claim: the single most important part of making an accurate rifle shot is the trigger pull—not follow-through.

Whether you’re shooting rimfire, centerfire, or competing from an unsteady prop, this insight could reshape your training.

Understanding Dwell Time and Lock Time

Before diving into technique, let’s define two key terms:

Lock Time: The interval between pulling the trigger and the ignition of the round.
Dwell Time: The time from ignition to when the bullet exits the barrel.

In rimfire rifles and airguns, dwell time is slightly longer than in centerfire rifles, which has led many to emphasize follow-through. The logic is simple: if the bullet is still in the barrel, any movement you make can affect its trajectory.

But Josh’s demonstration flips that assumption on its head.

The Demonstration: Trigger Pull in Action

Using a Bergara B14R rimfire rifle, Josh fired multiple MOA-sized shots from a prop with virtually no follow-through. The results? Consistent hits. The takeaway? If your trigger pull is clean, straight, and undisturbed, the bullet will find its mark—even if your follow-through is imperfect.

This doesn’t mean follow-through is irrelevant. It means that in the hierarchy of shooting fundamentals, trigger control reigns supreme.

Why Trigger Pull Matters More Than You Think

Here’s why trigger pull deserves your full attention:

It’s the moment of truth: The instant you break the shot is when you’re most likely to impart unwanted movement.
Muscle tension matters: A tense hand, flexed fingers, or anticipation can steer the rifle off target.
Follow-through can’t fix a bad trigger pull: Once the shot breaks, it’s already too late to correct poor technique.

Josh’s advice? Strip away distractions. Ditch the ammo. Dry fire. Train your finger to pull straight back, smoothly and consistently, without disturbing the rifle.

Training Tips for Better Trigger Pull

Practice dry firing with a coin balanced on your barrel. If it falls, you’re moving the rifle.
Use a light trigger if possible, but train with heavier ones too. Mastery means control, not reliance on gear.
Focus on relaxation. A calm body leads to a clean break.
Incorporate trigger drills into every range session. Make it a habit, not an afterthought.

What About Follow-Through?

Follow-through still plays a role—especially with centerfire rifles where recoil and impact observation matter. But for rimfire shooters, or anyone chasing precision from a bench or prop, it’s secondary to the trigger pull.

Think of follow-through as the polish, not the foundation.

Final Thoughts: Precision Starts at the Finger

Josh’s message is simple but powerful: if you want to shoot better, start with your trigger finger. Follow-through, cheek weld, shoulder pressure—they all matter. But none of them can compensate for a poor trigger pull.

So next time you hit the range, don’t just aim to shoot. Aim to pull the trigger like a marksman. Every time.

Trigger Pull vs Follow-Through

Pursuit of Accuracy

Join Josh on his YouTube channel, Pursuit of Accuracy, as he dives deep into the world of action shooting sports. From gear breakdowns and firearm insights to match coverage and expert tips, he covers everything a shooting enthusiast craves—especially if rimfire precision is your passion.

Expect detailed reviews, hands-on advice, and a front-row seat to the world of competitve shooting.

Thanks for watch and reading!
If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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