Trigger weight

TXAZ · January 12, 2022, 11:47 PM

What trigger weight do you prefer for your bolt rifle and / or your semi rifle?

10-96 · January 13, 2022, 11:53 AM

Might as well get ready, folks are liable to start asking you the "For what purpose" questions.

For hunting and casual range shooting, I personally like 5-6lbs. For bench shooting and really trying to wring accuracy out of more match type rifles, I like 2.5lbs on semi autos, and around 1.5 or so on match bolt action rifles.

jmr40 · January 13, 2022, 12:15 PM

I used to try for about 3 lbs on my hunting bolt guns. But as time goes on I'm getting comfortable with closer to 2 or 2 1/2. My AR's are 4-5 lbs with one at about 3 lbs. My lever guns are about 5-6 which is a big handicap IMO.

bacardisteve · January 14, 2022, 01:44 PM

My hunting rifles are all set at 2.5lbs. Target rifles around 1lb. My semis mostly have geiselle ssae with whatever they come from the factory i want to say thats 3lb on the second stage.

Blindstitch · January 14, 2022, 10:52 PM

Around 3 pounds is a great start. Aftermarket triggers can take a 100 year old rifle and make it feel like it was made yesterday. My go to deer hunting rifle is a M1917 followed by Type 38 Arisaka and 98 Mauser with 3 pound timney triggers.

My long range AR also has a 3 pound trigger.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · January 14, 2022, 11:28 PM

Have installed 3 Timneys in my Rems. 2-700s and 1-model 7. All are set at 2-1/2lbs. Couldn't set the original triggers as I didn't want to buy a trigger weight measure and considered selling them or likely not. I like all my Timneys. So smooth with no travel. Sear break is super clean crisp and "right there."

Metal god · January 15, 2022, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Might as well get ready, folks are liable to start asking you the "For what purpose" questions.

Exactly ..... If you're knowledgeable enough to ask the question and think those you ask are as well . Then you know there are multiple weights that will be needed .

Hunting bolt gun no less then 3lbs but prefer 4lbs

Target bolt action 1.5lbs maybe 1lb

Target AR ... two stage 4lbs total 2.5 & 1.5

HD/SD semi 4 to 5lbs single stage

BornFighting88 · January 15, 2022, 10:16 AM

I stick to 3 pounds. I am militant about trigger discipline with firearms of all types. It is enough that I can rest my finger on it before breaking the shot and still have to squeeze, but not so much that I have to really give it a yank to get it to go BANG!

Just my $0.02

**44 AMP** · January 15, 2022, 06:00 PM

3-3.5lbs is as light as the average person should go for any gun seeing field use. Nor would I go any lighter on any centerfire semi auto.

Pull weight alone is not the most important factor for good shooting, and a good trigger with a heavier pull weight can be better than a poor trigger with a lighter pull weight.

the main reason a hunting gun should have at least a 3lb pull is simply safety. Another is accuracy, and in this case I'm talking about hunting accuracy and putting the shot (first shot especially) where you want it to go. In every kind of weather you're going to be shooting in.

Gloves/cold stiff fingers decrease your sensitivity and too light a trigger is a really BAD idea if those are the conditions you're in. A very light trigger can be fine at the range or in the varmint field in August and a very dangerous thing in the deer woods in November.

When its about freezing (or colder) and you've been out in those temps for hours, you could fire a too light trigger before you're even fully aware your finger is on it.

And the same also applies at any temp for a gun that might need to be used in a hurry. A heavier trigger wil mean the gun goes off when you are ready and not before then.
And a too light trigger on a semi auto could result in the gun being "jarred off" and firing simply from the the action closing. Not a good thing.

3lbs has been the accepted standard for a light, safe trigger for generations, and I think its a good place to be. I have a couple guns with lighter triggers, they are exellent special purpose rigs. For general use, and any kind of all weather hunting, 3lbs or more is the way to go as far as pull weight is concerned.

Shadow9mm · January 15, 2022, 06:06 PM

not super picky. I generally find 2.5lb to be about as light as I prefer to go, and not over 4.5.

pete2 · January 16, 2022, 03:18 PM

2-1/2 on a hunting rifle(bolt gun) or 22(any kind), can live with 3 to 3-1/2. My ARs have 4-1/2 2 stage and are ok.

std7mag · January 16, 2022, 08:00 PM

Hunting rifles about 2-2.5lb.
Match rifle i got worked down to a heavy 8oz.
Several i shoot matches with have theirs at 2-4oz.

taylorce1 · January 17, 2022, 07:06 AM

2-3.5 lbs on a hunting rifle, two stage or single stage I like both as long as they break crisp.

Nathan · January 17, 2022, 11:27 AM

From 1.5 oz through 3.6 lbs.

That said, I built a 0-600yd relatively normal hunting rifle. I put a 2 lb trigger in it. IME with this rifle, it is a bit light in the field and a bit heavy on the range. It is definitely safe and heavy enough that I have to actually pull it.

My latest long range rifle sits happily at 1 lb. I can see raising it to 1.5lb-2.0lb for field use.

My dangerous game rifle is setup for short range. I see no need to lighten below 3lbs. I actually increased the pull weight after getting it back from the smith.

RC20 · January 17, 2022, 02:45 PM

Hunting: 5 lbs

AR: Not sure, I had a RRA Chrome two stage trigger that was ideal. 3.5 to 5 lb dependence on which trigger. Felt more like 2.5 lb, sweet let off.

Target: 6 oz to 1 lb (be ready for a let off if your attention wanders an iota)

NHSHOOTER · January 18, 2022, 10:25 AM

I believe it also depends on how much practice you have with whatever rifle and trigger pull you stick with, I like my 2.5 lb pull triggers on my hunting rifles but I stand hunt and I am the sole user of my rifles, give a light trigger to someone not expecting it and it could be a disaster.

Paul B. · January 19, 2022, 03:10 PM

Most of my rifles run 2.5 to 3.5 pounds but one rifle, an FN Mauser custom has a 1.5 pound trigger and I really like hunting with that one. It's chambered to the 30-06 and I took an elk with it about 5 o6 years ago. It was my back up rifle for my .35 Whelen. The scope on the Whelen decided to lose the cross hair. The light trigger was no problem at 14 above zero during the hunt.
Paul B.

Never-Enough · January 19, 2022, 06:27 PM

I just punch paper so Mil-spec is fine for me. That's what is in most of mine

old roper · January 21, 2022, 09:52 AM

I like 2.5lbs on my hunting rifles. I have few tight neck rifles and those have 2oz trigger. My Rem varmint rifles have Jewell BR 1.5/3oz trigger.

Double Naught Spy · January 21, 2022, 11:31 AM

Quote:

My semis mostly have geiselle ssae with whatever they come from the factory i want to say thats 3lb on the second stage.

I run these on my rifles as well. According to Geiselle,

1st STAGE WEIGHT RANGE: 2.0 - 2.5 lbs.
2nd STAGE WEIGHT RANGE: 0.9 - 1.3 lbs.

I used to really dislike 2 stage triggers (what is better than a really crisp/tuned 1 stage trigger?) and got a rifle with one because I wanted to get into longer range shooting and found that I really liked using a 2 stage trigger. Now, all my ARs that I regularly shoot have them.

Road_Clam · January 23, 2022, 05:16 PM

AR semi autos 4.5# (per NRA Highpower rules)

Precision bolt action 2#

January 12, 2022, 11:47 PM	#1
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,316	Trigger weight What trigger weight do you prefer for your bolt rifle and / or your semi rifle? __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes

January 13, 2022, 11:53 AM	#2
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,139	Might as well get ready, folks are liable to start asking you the "For what purpose" questions. For hunting and casual range shooting, I personally like 5-6lbs. For bench shooting and really trying to wring accuracy out of more match type rifles, I like 2.5lbs on semi autos, and around 1.5 or so on match bolt action rifles. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I'm going to use the words "clip" and "Long Colt" every chance I get. It grinds my gears to see new members attacked when we all know dang good and well what's being refered to.

January 13, 2022, 12:15 PM	#3
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,546	I used to try for about 3 lbs on my hunting bolt guns. But as time goes on I'm getting comfortable with closer to 2 or 2 1/2. My AR's are 4-5 lbs with one at about 3 lbs. My lever guns are about 5-6 which is a big handicap IMO. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

January 14, 2022, 01:44 PM	#4
bacardisteve Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2006 Location: West virginia Posts: 630	My hunting rifles are all set at 2.5lbs. Target rifles around 1lb. My semis mostly have geiselle ssae with whatever they come from the factory i want to say thats 3lb on the second stage. __________________ Kill em all and let God sort em out! USAF

January 14, 2022, 10:52 PM	#5
Blindstitch Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 2,668	Around 3 pounds is a great start. Aftermarket triggers can take a 100 year old rifle and make it feel like it was made yesterday. My go to deer hunting rifle is a M1917 followed by Type 38 Arisaka and 98 Mauser with 3 pound timney triggers. My long range AR also has a 3 pound trigger. __________________ NRA Lifetime Member

January 14, 2022, 11:28 PM	#6
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,843	Have installed 3 Timneys in my Rems. 2-700s and 1-model 7. All are set at 2-1/2lbs. Couldn't set the original triggers as I didn't want to buy a trigger weight measure and considered selling them or likely not. I like all my Timneys. So smooth with no travel. Sear break is super clean crisp and "right there." __________________ "JUST A OLD DEPLORABLE THAT'S IRREDEMABLE."

January 15, 2022, 10:16 AM	#8
BornFighting88 Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2021 Posts: 422	I stick to 3 pounds. I am militant about trigger discipline with firearms of all types. It is enough that I can rest my finger on it before breaking the shot and still have to squeeze, but not so much that I have to really give it a yank to get it to go BANG! Just my $0.02

January 15, 2022, 06:00 PM	#9
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 25,014	3-3.5lbs is as light as the average person should go for any gun seeing field use. Nor would I go any lighter on any centerfire semi auto. Pull weight alone is not the most important factor for good shooting, and a good trigger with a heavier pull weight can be better than a poor trigger with a lighter pull weight. the main reason a hunting gun should have at least a 3lb pull is simply safety. Another is accuracy, and in this case I'm talking about hunting accuracy and putting the shot (first shot especially) where you want it to go. In every kind of weather you're going to be shooting in. Gloves/cold stiff fingers decrease your sensitivity and too light a trigger is a really BAD idea if those are the conditions you're in. A very light trigger can be fine at the range or in the varmint field in August and a very dangerous thing in the deer woods in November. When its about freezing (or colder) and you've been out in those temps for hours, you could fire a too light trigger before you're even fully aware your finger is on it. And the same also applies at any temp for a gun that might need to be used in a hurry. A heavier trigger wil mean the gun goes off when you are ready and not before then. And a too light trigger on a semi auto could result in the gun being "jarred off" and firing simply from the the action closing. Not a good thing. 3lbs has been the accepted standard for a light, safe trigger for generations, and I think its a good place to be. I have a couple guns with lighter triggers, they are exellent special purpose rigs. For general use, and any kind of all weather hunting, 3lbs or more is the way to go as far as pull weight is concerned. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 15, 2022, 06:06 PM	#10
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 2,774	not super picky. I generally find 2.5lb to be about as light as I prefer to go, and not over 4.5. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

January 16, 2022, 03:18 PM	#11
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,565	2-1/2 on a hunting rifle(bolt gun) or 22(any kind), can live with 3 to 3-1/2. My ARs have 4-1/2 2 stage and are ok.

January 16, 2022, 08:00 PM	#12
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,503	Hunting rifles about 2-2.5lb. Match rifle i got worked down to a heavy 8oz. Several i shoot matches with have theirs at 2-4oz. __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

January 17, 2022, 07:06 AM	#13
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 7,624	2-3.5 lbs on a hunting rifle, two stage or single stage I like both as long as they break crisp. __________________ NRA Life Member

January 17, 2022, 11:27 AM	#14
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 5,598	From 1.5 oz through 3.6 lbs. That said, I built a 0-600yd relatively normal hunting rifle. I put a 2 lb trigger in it. IME with this rifle, it is a bit light in the field and a bit heavy on the range. It is definitely safe and heavy enough that I have to actually pull it. My latest long range rifle sits happily at 1 lb. I can see raising it to 1.5lb-2.0lb for field use. My dangerous game rifle is setup for short range. I see no need to lighten below 3lbs. I actually increased the pull weight after getting it back from the smith.

January 17, 2022, 02:45 PM	#15
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 6,870	Hunting: 5 lbs AR: Not sure, I had a RRA Chrome two stage trigger that was ideal. 3.5 to 5 lb dependence on which trigger. Felt more like 2.5 lb, sweet let off. Target: 6 oz to 1 lb (be ready for a let off if your attention wanders an iota) __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

January 18, 2022, 10:25 AM	#16
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 924	I believe it also depends on how much practice you have with whatever rifle and trigger pull you stick with, I like my 2.5 lb pull triggers on my hunting rifles but I stand hunt and I am the sole user of my rifles, give a light trigger to someone not expecting it and it could be a disaster.

January 19, 2022, 03:10 PM	#17
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,527	Most of my rifles run 2.5 to 3.5 pounds but one rifle, an FN Mauser custom has a 1.5 pound trigger and I really like hunting with that one. It's chambered to the 30-06 and I took an elk with it about 5 o6 years ago. It was my back up rifle for my .35 Whelen. The scope on the Whelen decided to lose the cross hair. The light trigger was no problem at 14 above zero during the hunt. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!

January 19, 2022, 06:27 PM	#18
Never-Enough Member Join Date: September 16, 2017 Posts: 32	I just punch paper so Mil-spec is fine for me. That's what is in most of mine

January 21, 2022, 09:52 AM	#19
old roper Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2007 Posts: 2,110	I like 2.5lbs on my hunting rifles. I have few tight neck rifles and those have 2oz trigger. My Rem varmint rifles have Jewell BR 1.5/3oz trigger. __________________ Semper Fi Vietnam 1965 VFW Life member NRA Life Member

January 23, 2022, 05:16 PM	#21
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,663	AR semi autos 4.5# (per NRA Highpower rules) Precision bolt action 2# __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

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