Speargun Triggers: Types, How They Work, and How to Choose One

Your speargun trigger keeps that loaded shaft in place. You're pointing the gun at a big grouper. Rubber bands strain hard against the back. Every ounce of stress falls on this tiny mechanical piece. Then you squeeze, and suddenly your shot flies free. That's when everything matters most. This is what separates skilled hunters from frustrated divers.

The Hidden Hero Nobody Talks About

Most divers never give the trigger mechanism much thought. You load your bands, slip the shaft in, and shoot. But what actually happens between loading and firing deserves real attention.

Inside your speargun, that spear shaft notch grips onto a metal piece called the sear. Rubber bands pull backward relentlessly. They generate tremendous force. The sear is basically a mechanical wall, holding all that energy back through pure geometry and material strength. When your finger pulls the trigger, levers shift positions. Physics does its job. The sear releases instantly, and your spear rockets toward the target.

This seems simple on paper. In reality, making it work reliably in saltwater is genuinely difficult. Sand gets inside. Salt corrodes metal. Tiny mistakes in measurements ruin everything. Don’t worry, Neptonics solves these problems with smart engineering and quality materials.

Common Types of Speargun Triggers

Different triggers suit different styles. Each type has pros and cons. Here are the common types:

• Single Trigger

This is simple and light. It is common on recreational guns. It offers minimal moving parts, and its maintenance is also easy.

• Double Trigger

This setup allows two quick shots without reloading. It is useful for hunting multiple targets. However, it adds weight and complexity.

• Roller Trigger

Roller triggers reduce friction when the spear tail drops free. This can give a smoother release. The rolling action helps accuracy on long barrels.

• Reverse Trigger

This style fits American square tail shafts. It often includes an automatic line release. It is reliable and fast to reload.

• Tuna and Heavy Duty Mechs

Made for heavy band setups and big fish. These triggers handle high loads without deforming. They suit large spearguns and deep-water hunts.

How the Trigger Mechanism Actually Fires

Let's discuss physics for a moment. Not complicated physics though, just practical mechanical reality.

Your spear shaft slides into a notch. That notch is literally a small slot carved into the spear's back end. The sear (a metal arm) grips this notch. Rubber bands pull backward continuously. The sear resists this force through mechanical leverage and material strength.

When you pull the trigger, you're rotating a lever system. Your small finger movement creates mechanical advantage. This advantage multiplies your force many times over. The sear suddenly releases, and all that stored rubber tension launches your spear forward violently.

The line release function works simultaneously. As your spear shoots forward, it breaks free from a separate release arm. This arm was holding your retrieval line steady. Now the line can follow your spear without tangling or stopping it. If the line release didn't work this way, your line would snap immediately.

Everything happens in milliseconds. Timing must be perfect. That's why cheap trigger mechanisms fail. Sloppy geometry creates timing problems.

What You Should Know Before Buying

Picking the right speargun trigger isn't just about looks. Your choice directly affects hunting success. Wrong choice means wasted dives. So, you must consider the following:

• Material Quality Changes Everything

Saltwater destroys inferior metals in weeks. Your trigger mechanism absolutely must be marine-grade stainless steel. Here, the silver lining is that Neptonics refuses to compromise.

Check what you're buying. Real stainless steel carries specific grades. Some companies use cheap substitutes that rust anyway. Don't fall for it.

• Simplicity Beats Complexity

More parts of a speargun means more failure points. A simple design outlasts a complicated one underwater every single time. Fewer screws, fewer connections, fewer problems.

Trigger mechanisms under the brand Neptonics are made from solid steel blocks. One piece instead of five. No screws inside to corrode. No small parts to jam with sand.

• Your Hunting Style Determines Everything

Reef hunting needs one type. Open water needs another. Bluewater targeting needs a third. Don't buy based on marketing hype. Match your mechanism to your actual hunting reality.

What fish are you hunting? How far do you shoot? Do you need maneuverability or raw power? Answer these questions first.

• Installation: Precision Matters Immensely

A perfectly designed trigger mechanism performs poorly if installed wrong. The sear pocket depth, the trigger alignment, the spring position—all critical. Even small errors cause problems.

Neptonics includes specialized jigs with purchases. These tools remove guesswork because they show exactly where to cut. They guarantee proper placement from the start. Don't skip this step. A jig is insurance for your money.

• Feel the Trigger Pull

Does it break smoothly? Does it feel creepy and uncertain? Bad triggers have gritty, unpredictable pulls. Good triggers release like clockwork. This directly affects accuracy. Smooth triggers help you stay calm. Calm hunters make better shots.

Maintenance Keeps Everything Working

Your trigger mechanism needs care to last. Saltwater wants to destroy it. Fresh water washes out salt after every dive. Push the water into crevices, not just over surfaces.

Inspect regularly for corrosion. Apply light marine oil to moving parts. Store dry when not in use. These simple steps extend service life dramatically.

Make Your Next Shot Count

Your speargun trigger mechanism deserves respect. It's not glamorous. Nobody photographs it. But every successful hunt depends on it working flawlessly.

Understanding trigger mechanism types, how they function, and which one fits your style separates hunters from hobbyists. Spend time learning this. Test different guns if possible. Read forums. Ask other divers.

Neptonics has spent years perfecting their trigger mechanisms through real world hunting. Our engineers don't just design on computers. They dive, hunt, fail, learn, and improve. Pick your trigger mechanism based on an honest assessment of your needs. Remember that simple, well built, and reliable beats complex every time underwater.