pull weight for a varmint gun

BLS700 · October 9, 2009, 09:12 PM

For those of you that change em from stock what trigger pull do you like? I'm about to do my first trigger job and was curious what you all like. Varmint only

Scorch · October 10, 2009, 02:45 AM

2.5 lbs. Any less is dangerous in the field.

Kiwi Hunter · October 10, 2009, 03:47 AM

My steyr varmit rig goes 2.5lbs direct and 2oz on the set trigger (actually the gauge was struggling to get a reading..)

Which trigger are you adjusting? I have first hand seen some horribly dangerous "accidental discharge when closing bolt / handling rifle type" trigger jobs and all were under the 2lb mark. A nice clean let off is probably more important than going "super light"

hoytinak · October 10, 2009, 03:51 AM

I like mine nice and smooth and anywhere from 2 to 2.5lbs.

butta9999 · October 10, 2009, 05:25 AM

My mates swift is at 2lb, and its fantastic.

I have shot a hairpin trigger once at the range. It was a .257 weatherby mag. Didnt like it at all, and way too dangerous in the field.

**Art Eatman** · October 10, 2009, 08:20 AM

I try to set up all my rifles for a trigger pull just under three pounds. The quality of the sear engagement is important, which is one reason I prefer the Canjar. It's more like the proverbial "snaps like a glass rod" than the Timney.

Daryl · October 10, 2009, 08:41 AM

I like about 2.5-3 lbs. For me, that's just about right for most hunting, and calling coyotes is no exception.

That said, my CZ 527 has a single set trigger that I can push forward to give me a trigger that would be measures in a few ounces. It's mighty nice for the occasional long shot where more precision is needed. I could almost blow on it and trip it. The "normal" trigger on it is set at about 2 1/2 lbs.

Daryl

**Brian Pfleuger** · October 10, 2009, 10:24 AM

My varmint gun is set at 13 ounces.

There's no such thing as a "dangerous" trigger weight unless the trigger does not reliably hold. My trigger holds solid with considerable impact from any angle. If you follow the rules of gun safety then you will never touch the trigger until you're ready to shoot so the pull weight has no effect on safety. If you're not used to the trigger then it MIGHT go "BANG!" before you're really ready but it would still be in the general direction of the target so it's not "dangerous".

Mine is a Jard trigger on a Ruger MkII, I paid $79.99 I think. Every bit as good as the Timney that my uncle has on his Remington.

Rangefinder · October 10, 2009, 11:04 AM

I'm right with peetzakilla on this one. You aren't stalking dangerous prey through rugged terrain----You're laying on a pad popping prairie dogs (and the like. I like my varmint rifle to be nearly touch-sensative, in that the moment I think about the squeeze, the round is alreay gone. I'm set at about 9-10oz.

BLS700 · October 10, 2009, 02:44 PM

I got a 1.5 to 2 trigger spring. Its for a thompson prohunter so I have to cock the hammer for it to fire. As pointed out I'll be laying on the ground to fire. I wanted to go as light as I felt comfortable with as far as being safe.

cornbush · October 10, 2009, 02:47 PM

my remington is set at 28 ounces, works great

hardluk1 · October 10, 2009, 02:54 PM

2lb timmey trigger on my rifle

bob kk · October 10, 2009, 03:36 PM

Bought a Win 243 bull barrel years ago. It had a trigger
pull in the ounces. It was safe but I didn't like it. Was to
easy to shoot before I meant to. Set it at a little over
2 lb. Smothe trigger is better than light.

BurkGlocker · October 10, 2009, 03:44 PM

I personally like a 2.5lbs trigger, but I have a buddy that likes his at 6 oz. but alot of his shots are over 400 yards and I guess he likes the light trigger for accuracy. I dont trust anything lighter than 2 lbs. no matter what rifle it is.

**Brian Pfleuger** · October 10, 2009, 03:52 PM

I would like to hear the rationale behind the belief that triggers under 2lbs are "dangerous".

My 13oz trigger will not release no matter how hard I slam the bolt shut. I've tried. I can close the bolt with enough force that I'm afraid of damaging the gun if I try any harder, and the trigger holds. At 13 ounces it will not go off if I release the safety and shake the gun HARD in any direction. With the safety off, it will not go off if I bump the butt with CONSIDERABLE force. The safety itself is BETTER than it was with the stock trigger.

I think people are confusing a functional, properly fitted, low weight trigger with a crap, improperly installed, low weight trigger.

.300 Weatherby Mag · October 10, 2009, 04:20 PM

For a something I'm going to carry 2.5 pounds is what I prefer... If it's a heavy gun that will be used in a stationary setup for ground squirrels and praire dogs then something lighter is fine.

ZeroJunk · October 10, 2009, 04:41 PM

My question is do you think you will miss something at a crisp 2 1/2 pounds that you would have hit with a lighter pull?

**hogdogs** · October 10, 2009, 04:45 PM

A light trigger garners the title of "dangerous" if it is going to be carried loaded, possibly jostled hard enuff or gloved fingers inserted in the guard so that a round can be accidentally discharged...
Brent

BLS700 · October 10, 2009, 04:46 PM

Yeah I'm a little surprised at how many feel unsafe with it. I can see that for off hand shots but not supported to me at least its really what the shooter is comfortable and safe with I think.

**Brian Pfleuger** · October 10, 2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeroJunk

My question is do you think you will miss something at a crisp 2 1/2 pounds that you would have hit with a lighter pull?

Bench rest triggers are frequently 8 ounces, maybe less. If it's not better then why do they do it?

To answer your question, yes, possibly. A deer at 100 yards? No, a 3lb trigger is just fine. A prairie dog, or woodchuck in my case, at 350, 400 yards some guys 600, 800 or a 1000? Yes, you might cause enough excess motion in the gun with a 2 1/2 pound trigger to miss. After all, your target might be 2 MOA or less wide at 400 yards.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogdogs

A light trigger garners the title of "dangerous" if it is going to be carried loaded, possibly jostled hard enuff or gloved fingers inserted in the guard so that a round can be accidentally discharged...

That may be, but that's the user that's dangerous, not the trigger. In that case a heavier trigger is a safety blanket, a necessity of user incompetence, not a true safety hazard. The weight of my trigger has ZERO effect on the safety function. Unless something breaks then my gun CAN NOT fire with the safety engaged. Walking around with the safety off and/or putting your finger inside the trigger guard are USER safety violations, not equipment safety violations.

**hogdogs** · October 10, 2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

That may be, but that's the user that's dangerous, not the trigger. In that case a heavier trigger is a safety blanket

While I agree with you 100% I was just answering the question you posed.
I personally have all of my experience with fairly heavy factory trigger systems that have never had a set of stones taken to them to even smooth the feel.
I have fired a couple light triggers in controlled range settings and I am not comfortable in the camp of folks that like the "If it don't surprise you when it goes off, the trigger is too heavy..." mantra.
I have learned to acclimate my shooting to the ruff heavy trigger. I do not take long range shots but I do admit I "pull" my fair share of shots and can usually call it before the bullet impacts or misses...
Brent

BLS700 · October 10, 2009, 06:18 PM

I can see the gloved hand issue. However if you follow gun safety it should still be aimed in a safe direction. I realize that could cause an inadvertent shot fired. It should still be aimed at the target too. I get really nervous when I see fingers on triggers not pointed at a target with any trigger weight.

BLS700 · October 10, 2009, 06:20 PM

Personally I feel I shoot best with the lightest trigger I can control which for me is about 2 lbs. If this was a carryy gun I'd go 3

ZeroJunk · October 10, 2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Bench rest triggers are frequently 8 ounces, maybe less

They may not even be holding the rifle which I would think is a different deal than varmint hunting.

A heavier trigger pull is inherently safer. It is totally illogical to say otherwise.

But, a lighter pull may be perfectly safe for some provided they don't break any rules in the excitement and improve their results.

BLS700 · October 10, 2009, 07:41 PM

I totally agree that a heavier trigger is safer but I think users make lighter triggers unsafe not the weight itself necessarily. That doesn't mean lightest is best. Too light for me means possibly less control.

October 9, 2009, 09:12 PM	#1
BLS700 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 229	pull weight for a varmint gun For those of you that change em from stock what trigger pull do you like? I'm about to do my first trigger job and was curious what you all like. Varmint only

October 10, 2009, 02:45 AM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 11,029	2.5 lbs. Any less is dangerous in the field. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Taylor Machine

October 10, 2009, 03:51 AM	#4
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,708	I like mine nice and smooth and anywhere from 2 to 2.5lbs. __________________ "Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul."

October 10, 2009, 05:25 AM	#5
butta9999 Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2008 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Posts: 692	My mates swift is at 2lb, and its fantastic. I have shot a hairpin trigger once at the range. It was a .257 weatherby mag. Didnt like it at all, and way too dangerous in the field. __________________ Knowledge is Power!

October 10, 2009, 08:20 AM	#6
Art Eatman Staff Lead Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX, USA Posts: 20,929	I try to set up all my rifles for a trigger pull just under three pounds. The quality of the sear engagement is important, which is one reason I prefer the Canjar. It's more like the proverbial "snaps like a glass rod" than the Timney. __________________ You're from BATFE? Come right in! I use all your fine products!

October 10, 2009, 03:47 AM	#3
Kiwi Hunter Member Join Date: August 13, 2009 Posts: 76	My steyr varmit rig goes 2.5lbs direct and 2oz on the set trigger (actually the gauge was struggling to get a reading..) Which trigger are you adjusting? I have first hand seen some horribly dangerous "accidental discharge when closing bolt / handling rifle type" trigger jobs and all were under the 2lb mark. A nice clean let off is probably more important than going "super light"

October 10, 2009, 08:41 AM	#7
Daryl Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Posts: 2,350	I like about 2.5-3 lbs. For me, that's just about right for most hunting, and calling coyotes is no exception. That said, my CZ 527 has a single set trigger that I can push forward to give me a trigger that would be measures in a few ounces. It's mighty nice for the occasional long shot where more precision is needed. I could almost blow on it and trip it. The "normal" trigger on it is set at about 2 1/2 lbs. Daryl

October 10, 2009, 10:24 AM	#8
Brian Pfleuger Staff Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Central, Southern NY, USA Posts: 14,455	My varmint gun is set at 13 ounces. There's no such thing as a "dangerous" trigger weight unless the trigger does not reliably hold. My trigger holds solid with considerable impact from any angle. If you follow the rules of gun safety then you will never touch the trigger until you're ready to shoot so the pull weight has no effect on safety. If you're not used to the trigger then it MIGHT go "BANG!" before you're really ready but it would still be in the general direction of the target so it's not "dangerous". Mine is a Jard trigger on a Ruger MkII, I paid $79.99 I think. Every bit as good as the Timney that my uncle has on his Remington. __________________ Still happily answering to the call-sign Peetza. --- You do not HAVE a soul. You ARE a soul. You HAVE a body. -C.S. Lewis He is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not lose. -Jim Eliott, paraphrasing Philip Henry.

October 10, 2009, 11:04 AM	#9
Rangefinder Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2005 Posts: 1,911	I'm right with peetzakilla on this one. You aren't stalking dangerous prey through rugged terrain----You're laying on a pad popping prairie dogs (and the like. I like my varmint rifle to be nearly touch-sensative, in that the moment I think about the squeeze, the round is alreay gone. I'm set at about 9-10oz. __________________ "Why is is called Common Sense when it seems so few actually possess it?" Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Politicians.

October 10, 2009, 02:44 PM	#10
BLS700 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 229	I got a 1.5 to 2 trigger spring. Its for a thompson prohunter so I have to cock the hammer for it to fire. As pointed out I'll be laying on the ground to fire. I wanted to go as light as I felt comfortable with as far as being safe.

October 10, 2009, 02:47 PM	#11
cornbush Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: The retarded place below Idaho Posts: 1,356	my remington is set at 28 ounces, works great

October 10, 2009, 02:54 PM	#12
hardluk1 Junior member Join Date: March 27, 2009 Posts: 600	2lb timmey trigger on my rifle

October 10, 2009, 03:36 PM	#13
bob kk Member Join Date: October 6, 2008 Location: E Tn Posts: 50	Bought a Win 243 bull barrel years ago. It had a trigger pull in the ounces. It was safe but I didn't like it. Was to easy to shoot before I meant to. Set it at a little over 2 lb. Smothe trigger is better than light.

October 10, 2009, 03:44 PM	#14
BurkGlocker Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2008 Location: Burkburnett, TX Posts: 564	I personally like a 2.5lbs trigger, but I have a buddy that likes his at 6 oz. but alot of his shots are over 400 yards and I guess he likes the light trigger for accuracy. I dont trust anything lighter than 2 lbs. no matter what rifle it is. __________________ Ammunition's no good if you don't have the guns and mags to load it up in...

October 10, 2009, 03:52 PM	#15
Brian Pfleuger Staff Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Central, Southern NY, USA Posts: 14,455	I would like to hear the rationale behind the belief that triggers under 2lbs are "dangerous". My 13oz trigger will not release no matter how hard I slam the bolt shut. I've tried. I can close the bolt with enough force that I'm afraid of damaging the gun if I try any harder, and the trigger holds. At 13 ounces it will not go off if I release the safety and shake the gun HARD in any direction. With the safety off, it will not go off if I bump the butt with CONSIDERABLE force. The safety itself is BETTER than it was with the stock trigger. I think people are confusing a functional, properly fitted, low weight trigger with a crap, improperly installed, low weight trigger. __________________ Still happily answering to the call-sign Peetza. --- You do not HAVE a soul. You ARE a soul. You HAVE a body. -C.S. Lewis He is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not lose. -Jim Eliott, paraphrasing Philip Henry.

October 10, 2009, 04:20 PM	#16
.300 Weatherby Mag Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Posts: 1,707	For a something I'm going to carry 2.5 pounds is what I prefer... If it's a heavy gun that will be used in a stationary setup for ground squirrels and praire dogs then something lighter is fine.

October 10, 2009, 04:41 PM	#17
ZeroJunk Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Location: Browns Summit NC Posts: 2,381	My question is do you think you will miss something at a crisp 2 1/2 pounds that you would have hit with a lighter pull?

October 10, 2009, 04:45 PM	#18
hogdogs Staff Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 10,684	A light trigger garners the title of "dangerous" if it is going to be carried loaded, possibly jostled hard enuff or gloved fingers inserted in the guard so that a round can be accidentally discharged... Brent __________________ Finally have designs going up in the Hogdogs Outdoor Apparel online store. http://www.cafepress.com/hogdogsoutdoorapparel Thanks for lookin'...

October 10, 2009, 04:46 PM	#19
BLS700 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 229	Yeah I'm a little surprised at how many feel unsafe with it. I can see that for off hand shots but not supported to me at least its really what the shooter is comfortable and safe with I think.

October 10, 2009, 06:18 PM	#22
BLS700 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 229	I can see the gloved hand issue. However if you follow gun safety it should still be aimed in a safe direction. I realize that could cause an inadvertent shot fired. It should still be aimed at the target too. I get really nervous when I see fingers on triggers not pointed at a target with any trigger weight.

October 10, 2009, 06:20 PM	#23
BLS700 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 229	Personally I feel I shoot best with the lightest trigger I can control which for me is about 2 lbs. If this was a carryy gun I'd go 3

October 10, 2009, 07:41 PM	#25
BLS700 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 229	I totally agree that a heavier trigger is safer but I think users make lighter triggers unsafe not the weight itself necessarily. That doesn't mean lightest is best. Too light for me means possibly less control.