Pre-travel

Pre-Travel refers to the initial portion of the trigger’s movement before the shot is fired – in other words, before the trigger mechanism is activated. This is often known as the “dead travel” and can be reduced or completely eliminated on advanced airsoft triggers to achieve an instant shot response with the slightest press (Hair Trigger Mod). Simply put, it's the initial starting point of the trigger before being pulled. For example, a standard trigger might have a total travel of 12 mm, with the shot firing at 8 mm – meaning you must pull 8 mm before the gun fires. After that, the trigger continues 4 mm and then resets as you release it. Pre-travel adjustment moves the starting position of the trigger to around 7.95 mm, with the shot still firing at 8 mm, reducing the actual pull distance to just 0.05 mm instead of 8 mm. The remaining travel after the shot is called Over-Travel.

Difference Between Pre-Travel and Over-Travel:

Pre-Travel is the movement before the shot – the dead space before activation. It’s the trigger’s initial starting point.
Over-Travel is the movement after the shot – the excess travel after firing. It’s how far the trigger can go beyond the firing point.

Benefits of Adjustable Triggers With Pre-Travel Tuning:

Faster response – less movement means quicker shots.
More control – customize the trigger feel to suit your shooting style.
Ideal for sport and CQB, where split-second reactions matter.
Less finger fatigue during long games or rapid fire.

Examples of Adjustable Triggers and Compatible Systems:

GATE Quantum and Nova Trigger – fully programmable electronic triggers for TITAN/ASTER units, allowing precise adjustment of both pre-travel and over-travel via the GCS (Gate Control Station) software.
Maxx Model CNC Trigger – mechanical trigger with adjustable stops and pre-travel, suitable for advanced gearboxes.
JeffTron Leviathan with Retro Arms Trigger – system with trigger position detection and software-adjustable activation point, including pre-travel customization.