When should you keep your finger off the trigger?

• A. Only when you see a target.
• B. When not aiming at something you intend to shoot immediately.
• C. At all times until you are on target and ready to fire.
• D. After you dry-fire.

Answer: (C)

Trigger discipline is about keeping your finger off the trigger until you are physically ready to fire. The best choice emphasizes doing this at all times until you are on target and ready to fire, because only then is your intent clear, your sights are aligned, and your decision to shoot is made. This minimizes the chance of an accidental discharge during movement, reholstering, or when your finger might slip onto the trigger.

Seen a target isn’t enough on its own to justify touching the trigger—you must be on target with a stable aiming sight picture and prepared to engage. Not aiming at something you intend to shoot immediately is a less precise condition than being on target and prepared. And dry-firing is not a condition that changes the rule—you still keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire, regardless of whether you’ve dry-fired.