by the disconnector after the trigger is pulled. However, because of the spring tension placed on the disconnector by the firing pin block, the weight of the trigger pull is significantly increased. Trigger pull is related to the interaction of the sear with the trigger and the spring. It can be measured, regulated and adjusted, but it is a complicated mechanical problem. History The sear has been found on early weapons such as the crossbow. The term may be related to the French verb serrer, "to grip", and the noun serre, "claw, talon, grasp." The term appears in Hamlet: "the Clown shall make those laugh whose lungs are tickled o'th' sear" (i.e. those who have a 'hair-trigger' laugh reaction). See also Auto sear Notes Bibliography Guns by Dudley Pope, 1969, Hamlyn Publishing Group, Ltd. External links Animation of a M1911 firing sequence Firearm components