Trigger Freeze

[iang454]

I have been shooting for over 15 years now.

I started with a Medalist then progressed to a Beretta 682 Gold E which I had up until late last year.

Over the past 18 months I kept having a trigger issue it wasn't barrel related or even first or second shot related??

I sent then gun away 3 times to have it checked and couldn't find any issues.

In desperation I changed the gun to a nice new CG Magnus and my shooting improved.

However I then had the trigger issue?? Very odd surely not the same issue with another gun?

While asking about the issue at the gun shop where I shoot they said oh its "Trigger Freeze".

Having never heard of it before how can I over come this, has anyone on here ever had it and be cured?

I would appreciate any help offered?

Regards Ian

 

[maddmatt]

The first thing to do is to try and identify what the root cause is. In a lot of shooters it can be the result of recoil over the years and the brain subconsciously doesn't want you to pull the trigger. When does it happen, very randomly or after a certain number of shots or time? What cartridges do you use, does the gun fit, have you injured your shooting shoulder? Until you start to answer these its very hard to determine what the cause is. In most cases it can be rectified, sometimes by having a break and in other cases seeing a specialist.

 

[jwpzx9r]

Agree with the above. I find I get trigger freeze issues very very rarely and it happens when I am trying to shoot a target that is just not a realistic hit. I know it sounds daft but it is almost as if my brain is saying don't be ridiculous you don't stand a chance of hitting that and I don't pull the trigger! The other time I get the issue is when I am tired and have shot a lot of targets in a very short time. The other day I went down to the ground and shot two lines in less than half an hour and then went on to a third one... the very first target out I let get away from me just a bit .... bingo could not pull the trigger... called the target again and hit it because I was right on top of it straight away. So if my scenario fits what is happening to you it is not the gun its you.

 

[ips]

I believe that the explanation is very simple.

You are trying "not to miss" instead of shooting to hit it. Its your brain telling your finger that your are having doubts about it. The only remedy is do not over think the shot, find a way to zone out and let your instinct drive things.

only my opinion for what its worth, but I have suffered in the past but not for many years as I don't try "not to miss" anymore I just shoot the thing.

 

[ehb102]

I have cured and caused permanent reduction in trigger freeze. The cause is personal to the sufferer. I'm not going to go into it again in this board, message me if you would like to speak about it. It's an application of the discipline I use for curing PTSD, name of Traumatic Incident Reduction.

I have had several people speak to me about trigger freeze and at least two have had the issue of their finger moving further up the trigger. I had this myself, and one person who consulted me had the same model of gun. Check that isn't a cause. Get stressed about it, shoulder goes up, problem gets worse. 

 

[ips]

yes but op has all but ruled out gun malfuntion and gun fit so presumably this is not as far as he is concerned anything but a physiological issue.

he has a lot of experience (15yrs) so pretty sure he would know if it was a physical issue regarding trigger placement or similar.

 

[Dog Tyred]

Interesting stuff. I believe I have suffered trigger freeze (or hesitation) on very rare occasion. Never resulted in not pulling the trigger but certainly a delay which usually results in a missed target. Have put it down to not being totally comfortable with gun mount or the swing has resulted in the gun moving in my shoulder or head lifted and my brain has taken over to prevent potential pain. Does that sound about right?

DT

 

[ips]

not convinced DT, I firmly believe from my experience anyway that a hesitation or a complete failure to pull the trigger is purely down to the subconscious being worried or anxious about missing, this Imo is caused by a negative mind set in the pre shot mental state, trying not to miss puts more pressure on the brain than trying to hit it. Of course once trigger freeze occurs a few times it becomes even worse due to being aware of it.

my freeze has rarely reared its head in fast trap were you attack the shot more but dtl for instance having more time on the shot coupled with the knowledge that a huge score is required makes one"try not to miss"

 

[shootinguru]

Can be recoil related? change to 24 gramme shells for a couple of months see what happens>

 

[ehb102]

yes but op has all but ruled out gun malfuntion and gun fit so presumably this is not as far as he is concerned anything but a physiological issue.

he has a lot of experience (15yrs) so pretty sure he would know if it was a physical issue regarding trigger placement or similar.

He can only use the knowledge he has. If he isn't aware that finger position on the trigger might cause the same effect then he won't have considered it. Always start from first principles.

 

[ips]

good point

ps

just read my post again and my wording could have been better, sorry if my reply sounded aggressive I didn't mean it too.

ian

 

[Wonko the Sane]

not convinced DT, I firmly believe from my experience anyway that a hesitation or a complete failure to pull the trigger is purely down to the subconscious being worried or anxious about missing, this Imo is caused by a negative mind set in the pre shot mental state, trying not to miss puts more pressure on the brain than trying to hit it. Of course once trigger freeze occurs a few times it becomes even worse due to being aware of it.

my freeze has rarely reared its head in fast trap were you attack the shot more but dtl for instance having more time on the shot coupled with the knowledge that a huge score is required makes one"try not to miss"

I'll offer the release trigger solution again even tho I know that it is forbidden fruit.  I have noticed too, like ips, that the longer you take/have to look at the target the more likely the flich is.  When I shoot pull triggers the only solution I have is just what ips says - just shoot it.  I also completely lift my finger from the trigger before I call for the target.  And, no, it is not a problem since I've always been a trigger "slapper" never a "puller" with shotguns.  Just part of "attacking the target" approach.

 

[ehb102]

Release triggers work if pulling the trigger is part of the process that invokes the freeze memory sequence to run. They aren't a cure, they are a solution. You have the same problem, you just aren't *polite cough* triggering it any more.

 

[Oscar]

Sounds just like 'dartitis'.

 

[Nick Selby]

Sounds just like 'dartitis'.

It is and similar to the yips in golf/cricket (putting/bowling)....

 

[Salopian]

Have a look at my paper I wrote for Phil Coley that he used in a Shooting Times article and on his website.

I have successfully assisted many shooters suffering with this affliction.

 

[Wonko the Sane]

I have often thot that those electric dog training collars would be a fine training aid for any number of shooting problems.  Just give the button to a concerned associate and every time you make a stupid mistake

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP 

 

[EdSolomons]

Visual issues are an often ignored cause of flinching or trigger freeze.

 

[Wonko the Sane]

Mr. Solomons makes an excellent point.  Personally, too light trigger pulls are just way problematic.  I can shoot very heavy pulls with no probs, but anything under 4lbs or so gets iffy.  OK, worse than iffy.  I know a few other people who beat the flinch by nothing more than going to heavier triggers.

just a thot