Trigger hangers

memilanuk

F'ing nuke
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Mar 23, 2002
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East Wenatchee WA
So... I've heard about these things off and on over the years, but never actually seen/touched one, and have only a vague idea of what they *actually* do.

What specifically are the pro's and con's?

Are they action specific i.e. only some actions can accommodate them, or come with them?

Are they trigger specific i.e. will some triggers *not* work with a hanger?

Educate me, please!
 
Yes they are action specific for the most part.

As in only certain actions are compatible with hangers, period, or hangers are specific to a particular action?

By way of example of what I'm asking... the first time I'd heard of trigger hangers was years ago, when people were using some sort of custom hanger to retro-fit Anschutz 2-stage triggers to Rem700 actions. Pretty sure the stock 700 wasn't intended for use with hangers, dunno about the trigger. The pictures I saw looked kinda clunky, but at that point in time, were the best option going, apparently.
 
As in only certain actions are compatible with hangers, period, or hangers are specific to a particular action?

By way of example of what I'm asking... the first time I'd heard of trigger hangers was years ago, when people were using some sort of custom hanger to retro-fit Anschutz 2-stage triggers to Rem700 actions. Pretty sure the stock 700 wasn't intended for use with hangers, dunno about the trigger. The pictures I saw looked kinda clunky, but at that point in time, were the best option going, apparently.
the impact has a hanger specifically for it. same with the deadline.

don't hear much about the oem R700s because we've evolved and use customs for the most part now. also...the trigger options are much much better
 
As in only certain actions are compatible with hangers, period, or hangers are specific to a particular action?
Certain actions have proprietary hangers I believe. Examples include Kelbly, Impact, BAT, Tempest, Borden, etc, etc. I'm not certain if some can be swapped between mfg's, but they all generally have very similar appearances. Some clearly do not, as they only have one fastener to connect to the action vs two.

Reference photos here:

Pros:
1) Some one already touched on the timing. It can be done in few minutes mechanically by swapping hangers vs tedious hand fitting.
2) Match shooters can carry a spare trigger already pinned into a spare hanger and be able to swap out a backup trigger in a few seconds with a small allen wrench instead of dicking with a hammer, punch, block, etc.

Cons:
1) some stocks/chassis require "extra" relief in the trigger area to accommodate for the hanger area that would not need it without that option.
2) Some might argue the screws are more parts to come un-done.
 
why do you want a hanger?

My first Remington pattern action since... 2006 or 2007... is a Bighorn Origin. Dropped a CG Extreme Mod 22 in it... closer to 2 *fisted* open/close, than two fingers. Tried several others (Timney CE, a 40X and a tuned 700 trigger), finally settled on another Timney CE. Better... usable... but still a lot more resistance opening and closing than I think it should be. With some of those triggers, the firing pin wouldn't even fall when the trigger was pulled. To be honest, the tuned Rem700 trigger was probably the lightest (in terms of bolt lift/close), but it was probably 50% cock on close.

Bear in mind, this is from someone used to *Savage* bolt lift for the last 12 years or so. My Target Actions (12 FTR, 12 Palma, etc.) open and close easier than this thing.

Bighorn was short staffed at the time, until several months in the future (so in theory, they might have an opening by now), so just sending it back to them to get it fitted/adjusted was out.

Talked to one of the better-known LR BR / F-class 'smiths in my region, and he wouldn't touch a Bighorn action, period, due to a difference of opinion about the short firing pin fall of the TL3. He did recommend the Curtis Axiom, IIRC... which was kind of the opposite direction I was trying to go for this build.

So I was *hoping* a trigger hanger might be a viable solution to fix the trigger problems I've been having, by being able to modify the engagement. Other people have taken ye ole' Dremel to their cocking pieces. Even after years of DIY tinkering with Savages, there are some things I'm not willing to seriously consider.

You asked ;)
 
My first Remington pattern action since... 2006 or 2007... is a Bighorn Origin. Dropped a CG Extreme Mod 22 in it... closer to 2 *fisted* open/close, than two fingers. Tried several others (Timney CE, a 40X and a tuned 700 trigger), finally settled on another Timney CE. Better... usable... but still a lot more resistance opening and closing than I think it should be. With some of those triggers, the firing pin wouldn't even fall when the trigger was pulled. To be honest, the tuned Rem700 trigger was probably the lightest (in terms of bolt lift/close), but it was probably 50% cock on close.

Bear in mind, this is from someone used to *Savage* bolt lift for the last 12 years or so. My Target Actions (12 FTR, 12 Palma, etc.) open and close easier than this thing.

Bighorn was short staffed at the time, until several months in the future (so in theory, they might have an opening by now), so just sending it back to them to get it fitted/adjusted was out.

Talked to one of the better-known LR BR / F-class 'smiths in my region, and he wouldn't touch a Bighorn action, period, due to a difference of opinion about the short firing pin fall of the TL3. He did recommend the Curtis Axiom, IIRC... which was kind of the opposite direction I was trying to go for this build.

So I was *hoping* a trigger hanger might be a viable solution to fix the trigger problems I've been having, by being able to modify the engagement. Other people have taken ye ole' Dremel to their cocking pieces. Even after years of DIY tinkering with Savages, there are some things I'm not willing to seriously consider.

You asked ;)

I don't think an Origin works with a trigger hanger. The trigger just is what it is.

My vote is buy yourself a TT Diamond, then measure the rear pin to calculate how many thousandths the firing pin moves when you close the bolt. If that's still out of line, then send it off to Bighorn for them to dremel it for you. Or just bugger it yourself and have them send you a new piece if you're not happy. You can take apart the firing pin and spring without even needing any tools.

Out of curiosity, how much are you seeing the firing pin move now? Measurements of rear pin at full close, fired, and bolt open?
 
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I don't think an Origin works with a trigger hanger. The trigger just is what it is.

My vote is buy yourself a TT Diamond, then measure the rear pin to calculate how many thousandths the firing pin moves when you close the bolt. If that's still out of line, then send it off to Bighorn for them to dremel it for you. Or just bugger it yourself and have them send you a new piece if you're not happy. You can take apart the firing pin and spring without even needing any tools.

Out of curiosity, how much are you seeing the firing pin move now? Measurements of rear pin at full close, fired, and bolt open?
this.

time the trigger and you'll be amazed what happens. you can tell in matches who spent the time gettign the Bighorn setup right and who hasn't

i'm sending them a trigger for the TL3 i have coming. get it done and dont have to worry about it not beign a 1 finger up and down from the start
 
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