Crossbows: The Trigger Factor

A popular term associated with triggers is lock time. Lock time is the measure of time between the disengagement of the sear surfaces of the trigger and the actual firing of the projectile. The shorter the lock time, the more consistent the shooter will become.

Part of the total equation when firing a rifle or crossbow starts with the shooter's eye telling the brain to pull, then the brain telling the muscles of the trigger finger to contract. This is the start of the process, and it is referred to as hand/eye coordination. The end result is the string retention claws are tripped, pivoting clear of the string's path, releasing it to the mercy of the limbs and cams stored energy. The entire process can be measured in milliseconds.

At the precise moment when your eye gives your brain the go ahead to pull the trigger, you should be dead on your mark. Unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way and this is why we occasionally miss.

The lag time between the eyes telling the brain to tell the finger to contract, the finger's contraction time, coupled with the infamous lock time, which is followed by the arrow launch, add up to several milliseconds between that first impulse to shoot, and the arrow actually clearing the barrel/rail into free-flight. It is in these precious milliseconds where accuracy suffers the most.

What can we do to defeat or at least minimize this problem? The first of the two main things would be to practice more because practice creates muscle memory and familiarity with the trigger. The second would be to seek out a better trigger. A better trigger can turn a good crossbow into a great crossbow.

The function of the trigger, as it relates to how accurate the shot will be, can be broken down into two distinct phases: the take-up and the break. Take-up or creep as it is sometimes referred is the pre-travel that leads to the break or sear separation. Great triggers exhibit two acceptable characteristics. They have minimal or no take up and they have a smooth, light and consistent break.

The overall trigger pull with little take-up and a crisp break elicits less opportunity for movement of the crossbow during the shot sequence. The result is that there is less movement of the crossbow before the arrow actually loses contact with the barrel track, creating better accuracy.

With manufacturers designing triggers that are better with each new model release, and additional companies on the scene that market custom triggers, there's no longer a need to settle for average or below average triggers on our crossbows.

When seeking out a new crossbow, shoot as many different makes and models as possible. You will soon notice the different feel from trigger to trigger. If you already have a crossbow that you really like and want to up its accuracy, contact a custom trigger manufacturer. They will gladly get you set up with a custom trigger that will fit your current crossbow. You'll likely be amazed how much better your crossbow shoots.