What’s Best? Hair Trigger or Firm Pull?

How light should the release’s trigger be? Ultimately, it’s a personal choice, and the only way to ascertain the answer is through experimentation.

Hey, Joe. I’ve been experimenting with trigger pull and was wondering what you use. Do you prefer a hair trigger or a firm pull? It seems a hair trigger makes me a bit jumpy. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

Jim Perry, via e-mail

Hi, Jim. There’s a fine line between too light and too firm in my experience. Of course, this will vary for each shooter, because everyone’s strength and shooting techniques are a bit different. Personally, I do prefer a fairly light trigger, but not too light. Too light sets the shot off too quickly sometimes, which prevents that surprise release I’m looking for.

I try to adjust the release’s trigger so that when applying back tension, the shot breaks in about 4 or 5 seconds. Any sooner, and my mind begins picking up on it and can predict when the shot will happen. I don’t want this; I want to be surprised and focused on the process of aiming or applying back tension–nothing else.–Joe Bell, editor

Posted in Tech questions and Tagged bow and arrow hunting, Broadheads, Trigger pull