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FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR The Trigger-Reset Method Controversy the blow. Tat���s a natural subconscious response. A conditioned subconscious response occurs when through conscious repetition, a certain activity is repeated until it becomes what is commonly referred to as second nature. A person merely performs the activity thousands or even tens of thousands of times until it can be executed without a second thought, regardless of the environment. Firearms instructors often refer to this example as muscle memory. So if the power of the conditioned subconscious response can be only be accessed through conscious repetition, then how come ofcers who���ve trained extensively using trigger reset demonstrate an inability to employ this method during a lethal encounter? In ���Understanding and Leveraging the Psychophysiology of Emotional Intensity,��� Dr. Matthew Sztajnkrycer of Force Science Institute suggests that under stress, the conditioned subconscious response is limited to only identifying and performing bodily movements that are uncomplicated, comfortable and without elaboration. Under stress, the trigger reset method is a sophisticated movement that requires fne motor skills. Consequently, the primal properties of the subconscious response will not elect to use that movement, and discard it for a much simpler one. What can we teach our ofcers so they can consciously practice a trigger manipulation method that can be more easily identifed by the body���s subconscious response during a stressful event? Or stated another way, how do we train like we���re going to fght? We should research any literature or upto-date training techniques that allow our ofcers to beneft from a subconscious response. One such technique is called a ���freefowing��� or ���rolling trigger��� manipulation method. Tis method is more akin to the ���slapping the trigger��� technique previously mentioned, and employs characteristics that can be more readily identifed by the midbrain under stress. Te free-fowing or rolling trigger technique keeps the trigger fnger in motion during live fre. Te legendary Colonel Rex Applegate was involved in over 100 lethal encounters and studied the behaviors of the men he led into battle. Col. Applegate discovered there were four very natural, pri8 Tactical Response Mar-Apr 2013 p The Fight or Flight response we all experience under stress reduces our ability to hear or feel the trigger reset. mal behaviors exhibited by the men during lethal encounters. First, they lowered their center of gravity. Second, they squared up to the threat. Tird, they focused intently on the threat or target. Fourth, they held their weapons with a white-knuckled grip. All of these involuntary reactions beneft ofcers involved in a lethal encounter except one, the death grip. Tat kind of tension causes trigger freeze, i.e., the inability to pull the trigger repeatedly, and causes misses at extremely close distances. With the rolling trigger method, the shooter pulls the trigger straight to the rear and then during recoil allows the trigger to fully return to its original position in preparation for a subsequent shot. Whether the trigger fnger comes completely of the trigger during the fring sequence is irrelevant. What is important to remember is the trigger fnger stays in motion. It is fowing naturally from the front to back. Trigger reset method restricts finger movement, whereas the rolling trigger method promotes fnger movement. Tis fnger movement helps to mitigate the damaging efects of a white-knuckled death grip. Te end result is a ���sophisticated slap��� of the trigger that is fast, accurate, and more likely to be utilized by the brain���s subconscious response during a lethal encounter. Sadly, most police departments have rejected this well-proven technique and have greatly underestimated its value. Instead, they have opted to hang on to traditional techniques that are 20 years behind current methods. Te ���rolling trigger��� manipulation technique has been introduced to a few notable police departments, such as the Memphis Police, Las Vegas Metro Police, San Antonio Police and the Los Angeles Police (LAPD). Upon completion of the training, the feedback from these departments has been extremely positive. All who have attended the training defnitively stated the rollingtrigger manipulation technique more adequately prepared them for a lethal encounter than the trigger reset method. Once they fully understood the principles of the technique, they experienced improved range qualifcation scores as well. Te ofcer under stress simply will not use the trigger reset method. Firearms instructors don���t want to default to the infamous trigger slap. Te rolling trigger is one positive way to train like we are going to fght. Post your comments on this story by visiting www.trmagonline.com