Trigger Trainer

Abstract

An insert is placed in the trigger guard between the front portion of the trigger guard and the trigger to reduce the size of the opening designed to accommodate the trigger finger and permit only a portion of the finger to be inserted for engaging the trigger, typically the outer tip area between the tip and the first joint of the finger. The training tool guides the trigger finger into the right position, establishing proper alignment of the finger to the trigger and increasing the probability that the probability that the trigger will be properly squeezed by promoting proper placement of the trigger finger each time the trigger is engaged. After repeated use with the trigger guard, the placement of the finger will become automatic.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is generally related to firearm training apparatus for testing and training marksmen and is specifically directed to an apparatus for controlling and training the proper contact with and squeeze force applied to a trigger.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

One of the most critical aspects of good marksmanship is directly related to the proper contact with and squeeze force or pressure applied to the trigger. There have been a number of devices and techniques developed of the years to monitor trigger squeeze in an effort to improve both training and practice efforts to improve this basic skill. All of the known techniques involve monitoring the results of practice rounds and taking corrective action on a trial and error basis.

For example, the RIKA Home Trainer manufactured by Pilkington Competition Equipment, LLC of Monteagle, Tennessee, analyzes all movements by the shooter before the shots and hits are taken in order to develop an understanding of the shooter's technique. The apparatus records all relevant data make up the shooters aim and hold. The recorded data can then be reproduced in real time and applied to preset minimum requirements for analysis.

The “Trigger Trainer” manufactured by Full-Scale Tactics Inc. (TheTriggerTrainer.com) is designed to enhance firearm proficiency and speed by exclusively isolating and training the index finger for the development of smooth trigger control. The Trigger Trainer isolates and trains the trigger finger, enhancing the muscle memory and finger dexterity that are essential to smooth trigger control. This device measures trigger action of the shooter, provides results and permits correction by typical repetitive trial and error techniques.

Next Level Training of Ferndale, Washington, has developed a standalone dry fire training pistol with the intent to provide a tool for training skill sets nearly anywhere. Again, the Next Level Training device is a system for recording and analyzing training, with corrections being made by trial and error.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,235, Feb. 16, 1988, discloses a device for training and scoring marksmanship by tracking and recording results of simulated firing. By displaying graphically the actual character of the trainee's trigger squeeze, the trainee can change the application of finger pressure more readily to match the desired ideal technique.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,418,822, Jan. 17, 1945, discloses a training device using a simulated weapon in training marksmen wherein proper trigger squeeze is taught by repetition and review of results.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,402, May 8, 1990, discloses a marksmanship trainer that includes a long range light pen to measure sighting accuracy and tracking steadiness. Bridge configured dual strain gauges are used to sense breathing, and a force sensing resistor is used to monitor trigger squeeze. The feedback of corrective action is provided aurally/graphically from a stored expert library.

U.S. Pat. App. Pub. US 2001/0047847, Mar. 3, 2011, discloses a firearm training tool having a trigger take-up indicating system. The trigger module is adjustable to adjust various properties of the trigger. The take up indicator can be of a variety of forms such as an illuminating device, in general, a noisemaker, a vibrator, or otherwise some form of indicator such as an RF transmitter sending a signal to an RF receiver indicating that the trigger is taken up. In general, trigger take-up means that the trigger member is partially pressed. In one form, take-up includes partial pressure to reposition the trigger to a set point such as where a seer or simulated seer is engaged. This system is designed to be observed by a trainer or other individual or system to indicate whether the trainee is taking up the trigger at a proper time. The information can then be analyzed to correct techniques using a trial and error method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Unlike the prior art, the subject invention is a device which assures proper contact with and pressure applied to the trigger. Specifically, it is a training device that actually positions the trigger finger properly on the trigger, promoting proper contact and facilitating a proper squeeze or pressure force.

It is known that good marksmanship requires the development of numerous skills, including:

• draws,
• reloads,
• presenting gun on target,
• natural point of aim,
• TRIGGER CONTROL,
• awkward shooting positions,
• increasing overall speed and accuracy,
• acceptable sight picture/sight alignment
• scenarios (shooting live targets with safety protocol in place),
• target transitions,
• driving the eyes and bringing the gun on target without over traveling
• weapon transitions (rifle to pistol),
• prepping the trigger at appropriate times
• prepping when muzzle is aligned on target
• not prepping when muzzle is not pointed at something you are willing to destroy
• decelerating the body to a shooting position ready to shoot.

Of these skill sets, trigger control is one of the hardest to master and it has a major impact on the accuracy of the shooter. In order to maximize the ability to use a weapon accurately it is imperative that this skill be mastered. While the analysis and trial and error techniques of the prior can improve this skill over time, under the prior art techniques the trainee can only master the skill by observing and duplicating the trigger control methods employed by experts and trainers.

The subject invention provides a training tool that guides the trigger finger into the right position, establishing proper alignment of the finger to the trigger and increasing the probability that, because of proper positioning, the trigger will be properly squeezed.

Specifically, the device of the subject invention is an insert which can be placed in the trigger guard between the front portion of the trigger guard and the trigger. This reduces the size of the opening designed to accommodate the trigger finger and permits only a portion of the finger to be inserted for engaging the trigger, typically the outer tip area between the tip and the first joint of the finger. Having the finger in this position enhances the probability that the trigger will be properly squeezed. Using this as a trigger trainer promotes proper placement of the trigger finger each time the trigger is engaged. After repeated use with the trigger guard, the placement of the finger will become automatic.

Typically, the trainer can only give verbal instruction to the trainee as to how to engage the trigger, or at best visual demonstrations. Using prior art methods and devices, the trainee was never able to actually see and feel how his own finger should be positioned when engaging the trigger. Use of the device of the subject invention reduces training stress, minimizes shooter problems relating to trigger control and reduces training time and costs. It increases confidence through much quicker increased shooting performance.

In the preferred embodiment the trigger trainer device of the subject invention is a temporary insert in the trigger guard. It may be constructed of any suitable, substantially rigid synthetic material. The trigger trainer may be custom designed for the specific weapon, and where desired, may be custom designed for each trainee. In one embodiment the trigger trainer device includes extended side walls forming a groove along the guard engaging edge for securing the trigger trainer in place. However, in most applications the extended side walls and groove are not necessary.

The trigger trainer device of the subject invention reduces the space between the shooter's trigger finger and the trigger; prevents the shooter from placing too much of the trigger finger on the trigger, prevents the shooter from slapping the trigger by deflecting the trigger finger back to the trigger, preventing the finger from exiting the trigger guard; enhances the proper grip of the weapon by requiring the shooting hand to be properly positioned in order to assure proper alignment of the trigger finger; and increases balance by placing the hand in the position designed to assure best balance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the trigger trainer.

FIG. 2 is view of the trigger trainer without extended walls and groove.

FIG. 3 is a view of the trigger trainer of FIG. 2 installed in a trigger guard.

FIG. 4 is a view of the trigger trainer with extended side walls and groove.

FIG. 5 is a view of the trigger trainer of FIG. 4 installed in a trigger guard.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5 and shows the proximity of the trigger to the trigger trainer when properly installed.

FIG. 7 shows placement of the hand to assure proper alignment of the trigger finger from the side.

FIG. 8 shows placement of the hand to assure proper alignment of the trigger finger from the front.

FIG. 9 shows proper placement of the trigger finger on the trigger as controlled by the trigger trainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, the trigger trainer 10 of the subject invention is a substantially rigid insert or base made of any suitable synthetic material. The front or outer edge 12 of the insert is adapted to be placed against the front 16 of a typical trigger guard 14 (see FIG. 3). The rear or inner edge 18 is concave and with the trigger 20 is designed to provide a controlled opening for the tip of the trigger finger.

The front view of a trigger trainer 10a, without extended side walls or a guard engaging groove is shown in FIG. 2 and is installed in the trigger guard 14 as shown in FIG. 3.

The front view of a trigger trainer 10b with extended side walls 22 and 24 which form a groove 26 is shown in FIG. 4 and is installed in the trigger guard 14 as shown in FIG. 5. It will be noted that the side walls 22 and 24 extend beyond the trigger guard 14 with the guard seated in the resulting groove 26.

FIGS. 6 through 9 illustrate the placement of the shooting hand and the trigger finger when the trigger trainer is in place. FIG. 6 shows the trigger trainer (in the example trigger trainer 10b) in place on the guard 14 with a suitable opening 30 between the rear wall 18 of the trigger trainer and the trigger 20. This enhances proper placement of the hand 32 and finger 34, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, assuring proper placement of the trigger finger and improving weapon balance. The position of the trigger finger 34 is controlled as shown in FIG. 9, with the trigger finger tip 36 between the outer tip and first joint of the finger being all that can engage the trigger, assuring proper placement of the trigger finger on the trigger.

It has been found that the trigger trainer of the subject invention greatly enhances training on trigger control and trigger pressure.

While certain features and embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein it should be understood that the invention encompasses all modifications and enhancements within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

Claims

1. A trigger trainer for a weapon having a trigger and a trigger guard, the trigger trainer comprising:

a. A substantially rigid base sized to fit in the trigger guard between the trigger guard and the trigger;

b. A front wall of the base conforming to a front wall of the trigger guard; and

c. A back wall of the base shaped to form, with the trigger, an opening for a finger.

2. The trigger trainer of claim 1, wherein the trigger trainer is a unitary element constructed of a substantially rigid material.

3. The trigger trainer of claim 2, wherein the substantially rigid material is synthetic.

4. The trigger trainer of claim 1, further including a groove in the front wall of the base for receiving the front wall of the trigger guard.

5. The trigger trainer of claim 1, wherein the opening for a finger is sized to permit only the tip of the finger from the outer tip of the finger to the first joint to enter into the trigger guard.