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Match trigger weigh t#

LibertyArms

Gunny Sergeant
Commercial Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 6, 2010
2,217
282
40
Southwest PA
Just wandering what everyone is setting it at. I have a few matches i wanna shoot upcomming. I typically run a farily light trigger, but is heavier for saftey issues needed. Just wandering, off the wall question. Sorry
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

I 2nd what Knight said. Lite enough to be smooth and accurate, but not so light have to worry as much about pulling the shot prematurely. JMO.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

Do you prefer single stage or two-stage? Flat or curved? 2 lb for tactical use? Seems very, very light to me for tac use and even for a substantial number of matches out there. Outside of benchrest stuff, that is just about as light as it gets. There isnt much of a safety mechanism built in to a trigger at those pull weights. I would venture closer to 3 lbs. Still very light but very manageable without sacrificing much. The 'smooth' or 'crisp' aspects depend heavily on the type of trigger you get. I have a Geissele Super Dynamic Three Gun in a 223 for competition use set at 3 lbs, a Timney Skeleton Single Stage set at 3 lb. in a 458 I hunt with and a Geissele Hi Speed National Match - Match Rifle trigger set at 2.6 lb for 800yd+ shooting. ALL of them are VERY different in a lot of different ways. Each has a specific attribute that has its advantages for the different shooting environments I take each rifle into. For example, my 3 Gun trigger is silky smooth. It feels like its on a ball bearing. At the same time its the most controllable. Its a two-stage but feels like a 1. I like it in 3 gun and carbine comps because its easily the most accurate for me when I am shooting on the move. So think about things like that when you are looking at doing a trigger job. I think the trigger is arguably the most important component in the entire rifle and can really help improve your level of skill and marksmanship.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

My CG Jacksons are set for 1.5# 1st stage and 1# 2nd stage. This works well for F-class and hunting.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

i like mine around 2 and half pound. feels good without been too light
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#


In my not so limited experience the amount of pressure required to release a trigger is not a very important part of the equation as long as the pull is reasonable which means no creep and around 4# for hunting and 2 to 3 for tactical precision field matches. Having shot only one FClass match I wouldn't be qualified to express a view on it.

There is a whole bunch of work to be done, skills acquired, before concerning with trigger pull weight if its reasonable. Once the brain imprints the pull, if its consistent, you can run with it.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

Pull weight is a lot less important than consistent break, crispness and utter safety/reliability.

I would rather have a 4 pound trigger that was totally predictable than a light trigger. I can train for the heavier trigger. As long as I know what it will do every time, it's GTG.

A light trigger, as far as I am concerned, is an accident waiting to happen. Either a mechanical AD or a finger-induced premature shot.

But what is the definition of light, too light or heavy? It's subjective.

Also varies by equipment. Some high-end, custom or match triggers are perfectly safe and predictable at 10 ounces or even less. Some are unsafe and can AD at less than 3 pounds. Many factory 'adjustable' triggers on hunting rifles are very unsafe when adjusted light or by people who aren't trained. Know your gear.

One test for 'too light a setting' is to set the safety off (an UNLOADED rifle) and rap the butt of the rifle against a solid surface. If it discharges, your trigger group is defective or set too light to engage the sear properly. You can also simulate this with a soft (brass, plastic or aluminum) gunsmiths hammer by rapping the bolt handle. Sharp but not hard blow. If it 'fires' you have a mechanical defect or adjustment issue.

I never measured it, but I think my TRG trigger is about 3.5 lbs and is about perfect for me. But your results and impressions will be your own.

Remember, a light trigger may be a comfort and a benefit to you... but it could be a safety threat to others. Is your comfort or group size worth someone else's safety? Make sure you have it set right.

If you aren't skilled or trained at this, have a gunsmith or trained armorer do it for you using a scale and checking sear engagement at every stage.

Just my $0.02.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

I was working on my neighbors ar10 trigger and I was showing him that how light a trigger is dont really matter, I stoned his factory trigger and left the stock springs in the rifle it was around 6 lbs but felt very smooth and consistant, then I put another trigger in there that I had that I know was really rough and I put the JP 3.5 lb springs in there. I was getting the 3.5 lb pull but it felt like crap, I did that just to show him that light pulls dont mean a good trigger. he kept his factory trigger in there with a light stone job and I put the JP red springs in there I ended up with around 4.5 lbs and he was more than happy with that. My ar15s I have JP triggers in there that are around 3 - 3.5 lbs but have no creep what so ever so it is very consistant every pull. a bench rest rifle is the only way id go much lower than 3 lbs for myself.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

I run my Jewell at 1.5 lbs, its super consistent and reliable. For the factory remington triggers 2.5-3 lbs.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

My 308 Remington trigger is set at 2.5lbs
My geissele SSA two stage trigger is at 2.5/2.0lbs
Both are clean and crisp and consistent.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

I have my Jewell set at 1 lb.
I've dropped butt first with
no discharge from 2 feet.
grin.gif
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

It doesn't matter: You can even slap the trigger and dial your flinch, as long as you do the same thing every time.

That said, for matches you need a trigger that is heavy enough for you to get your finger to ninety degrees without breaking the shot, and heavy enough that it won't discharge if you hit it from the side while properly placing your finger.

For me, that's anywhere between 2 and 4 lbs with 2.5-3.5 being ideal. It's one reason I really like the AW triggers for real-world practical competitive precision rifle shooting.

 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

I was just wandering. I run a jewell at 1.5 lbs. It is reliable, but i have no issues with my factory rem, and timmneys at 2.5-3 I know it really comes down to saftey and prefernce. I just wanted to ask. I know alot of people where 1.5 is pretty light for them.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

I like a 2 lbs. single stage. It doesn't matter as much from prone but a heavy trigger can give you some challenges doing positional.

Timney gets my business.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

3LB

I have gone lighter but came back to 3lb I did have a 1 1/2lb trigger it was to dam light for anything other than range use.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

Single stage triggers on all my rifles. I have my bolts guns all set about 2.5lbs. Not too light to go off under stress or fast bolt work at matches but light enough to be able to be shot accurately.
 
Re: Match trigger weigh t#

I have a Timney set to 1.5 pounds in my AAC-SD and it is absolutely wonderful, some people have had problems with them but I love it. Personal preference I guess