Glossary

The uncomfortable feeling caused by the trigger springing back into the shooter's trigger finger after breaking the trigger seal and firing the gun.

The technical term for the specialized type of hanging scale designed to test trigger pull weight.

An external, passive safety which can be found on the face of some trigger designs that is intended to prevent the trigger from being pulled by objects that should not be inside of the trigger guard.

The actual amount of pressure that the trigger finger must put on the trigger before the gun will fire, measured by the number of pounds and ounces of pressure required to pull the trigger past the break.

A locking device for the trigger mechanism whereby it cannot be fired without first removing it with a key.

Pulling the trigger back much too hard, thus yanking the muzzle of the gun downward at the moment the shot fires.

The circular or oval band of metal, horn, or plastic that goes around the trigger itself to provide both protection and safety when shooting.

The entirety of the moving parts which work together to fire the gun when the trigger is pulled, including the trigger springs, return springs, the trigger itself, and the sear.

The act of not putting your finger on the trigger until your sights are on target, then pulling the trigger smoothly, and following through with the shot.

An intermediate piece connecting the two parts of a semi-automatic pistol or any other firearm in which the trigger is at some distance from the sear.

This is the actual release device of a firearm that initiates the firing sequence of a gun. Most commonly, a gun’s trigger is a small, curved lever that is pulled backward with the shooter’s pointer finger.

One of the shotgun shooting sports in which the competitors attempt to break aerial targets whose trajectory is going away from them at different angles and elevations.

When used in reference to firearms, this describes the arc of the bullet as it exits a gun’s muzzle to impact the target.

Ammunition that utilizes projectiles that contain a phosphorous or magnesium mixture in its base that burns during its flight to provide a visual reference of the projectile's path.

A different type of bullet than the FMJ in which the lead core is encased in a copper jacket on the front and sides together.