Trigger Pull Weight

Trigger pull weight is the force the shooter must apply to the trigger in order for a shot to be fired. It is most commonly specified in kilograms (kg) or newtons (N) and has a major impact on weapon control, accuracy, and safety. The lower the pull weight, the lighter and more sensitive the trigger; the higher the pull weight, the greater the resistance against an unintentional shot. Trigger pull weight is therefore a key parameter that influences shooting feel, accuracy, and safety. While on real firearms it is tightly linked to the mechanics of trigger bars and sears, in airsoft it can be significantly adjusted thanks to adjustable and electronic triggers (AAP-01 FUKU-2, VELO, CLICKER by PERUN). Modern airsoft thus offers an extremely light, short, and consistent trigger pull that would be unacceptable on combat firearms, but is ideal for sporting and game use.

Magnetic trigger pull simulator PERUN CLICKER

How trigger pull weight works in airsoft guns

In airsoft, trigger pull weight is not defined by primer ignition, but by mechanical or electronic resistance within the mechanism. The source of resistance can be:

the trigger spring or hammer spring,
friction between sliding contact surfaces,
the resistance of a microswitch or optical sensor (ETU / HPA).

With modern airsoft triggers, the pull weight can often be tuned indirectly – by changing geometry, preload, travel length, or the return spring.

Adjustable airsoft triggers – AAP-01, VELO, CLICKER

Modern airsoft pistols and AEG/HPA systems use adjustable CNC triggers that allow you to significantly change the trigger feel:

AAP-01 FUKU-2 trigger – allows adjustment of pre-travel, shortening the distance over which resistance is applied. The result is a lighter and “crisper” trigger feel.
VELO Trigger – focused on fast response, short travel, and low subjective pull weight, ideal for speedsoft.
CLICKER by PERUN – an electronic trigger with a microswitch, where pull weight is not determined by mechanics but by the force required to actuate the switch. The pull is very consistent and light.

Importantly, in airsoft a lower trigger pull does not mean lower safety, as long as the gun is properly set up and protected by electronics (ETU, HPA units).

Trigger pull weight on real firearms – trigger bars and sears

On real firearms, trigger pull weight is primarily determined by:

the shape and contact surface of the sear,
the force of the hammer or striker spring,
the geometry of the trigger linkage.

Here, trigger pull weight has a direct impact on weapon safety – an excessively light trigger can lead to an unintentional discharge, especially under combat conditions.

Historical development of trigger pull weight

Trigger pull weight has evolved together with firearm design:

Historical firearms (flintlocks, percussion locks): very heavy pull, long travel, emphasis on safety.
Early repeating and self-loading rifles: lower pull weight, but still a pronounced travel.
Modern military rifles: medium pull weight (approx. 2.5–3.5 kg), emphasis on reliability and safety.
Sporting firearms: very light pull (often under 1 kg), extreme sensitivity.

Difference between sporting and military firearms

Sporting firearms: low pull weight, short travel, maximum accuracy.
Military firearms: higher pull weight, longer travel, resistance to stress, dirt, and unintentional discharges.

Airsoft, with its adjustable and electronic triggers, follows more of a sporting philosophy, where the goal is speed, control, and consistent trigger behavior.