How to lighten the 1911 trigger

briang2ad · February 9, 2007, 12:44 PM

My trigger let off is pretty crisp, but a little heavy - how can I ease it up a bit? (I can use tools pretty well, and learn how to detail strip - I've done Makarovs and CZs).

cuate · February 9, 2007, 12:58 PM

I have done a couple on my 1911s but learned the best is to let a reputable 1911 gunsmith do that work. A good gunsmith usually has a jig on which to put the trigger parts and which in my experience is the best method to stone the necessary surfaces and correct angles.

Harry Bonar · February 9, 2007, 08:32 PM

Sir:
CUATE is right - it's specialized work.
Harry B.

HankL · February 10, 2007, 07:40 AM

briang2ad , What is the trigger pull weight as it stands now?

briang2ad · February 10, 2007, 01:27 PM

But I would like it to be lighter.

Edward429451 · February 10, 2007, 01:38 PM

You didn't mention what the guns use is. If it's a SD piece, I'd leave it alone and just polish it for smoothness. If it's for competition, let a smith do it.

Another thing is, do you benefit from a light trigger? For a long time I couldn't shoot any better with a light trigger than with a heavier one. I didn't even start thinking about light triggers until I saw myself shoot better with a strange gun than with my long time intimate gun with a heavier trigger.

I'd suggest shooting some other guns with light triggers before doing anything to yours.

February 9, 2007, 12:44 PM	#1
briang2ad Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2004 Posts: 859	How to lighten the 1911 trigger My trigger let off is pretty crisp, but a little heavy - how can I ease it up a bit? (I can use tools pretty well, and learn how to detail strip - I've done Makarovs and CZs).

February 9, 2007, 12:58 PM	#2
cuate Junior member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Location: Comanche Co. Texas Posts: 737	1911 trigger work, lightening pull I have done a couple on my 1911s but learned the best is to let a reputable 1911 gunsmith do that work. A good gunsmith usually has a jig on which to put the trigger parts and which in my experience is the best method to stone the necessary surfaces and correct angles.

February 9, 2007, 08:32 PM	#3
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	trigger Sir: CUATE is right - it's specialized work. Harry B.

February 10, 2007, 07:40 AM	#4
HankL Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 1999 Location: The Sunny South Posts: 2,174	briang2ad , What is the trigger pull weight as it stands now? __________________ Check 6

February 10, 2007, 01:27 PM	#5
briang2ad Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2004 Posts: 859	I have no guage.. But I would like it to be lighter.

February 10, 2007, 01:38 PM	#6
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	You didn't mention what the guns use is. If it's a SD piece, I'd leave it alone and just polish it for smoothness. If it's for competition, let a smith do it. Another thing is, do you benefit from a light trigger? For a long time I couldn't shoot any better with a light trigger than with a heavier one. I didn't even start thinking about light triggers until I saw myself shoot better with a strange gun than with my long time intimate gun with a heavier trigger. I'd suggest shooting some other guns with light triggers before doing anything to yours.