February 7, 2000, 05:50 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: October 4, 1999
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I posted this on the handguns/pistolcraft forum, but I think it got lost in the larger debate over liability issues and the 1911. My question is, assuming proper and safe gun handling, is there a mechanical reason that a government model would be less safe with a light trigger of say three pounds or slightly less? Does such a trigger pull imply less metal to metal contact, for example? Would such a trigger weight cause the gun to be more prone to discharging if bumped, jarred, or accidently dropped? Thanks |
February 7, 2000, 06:45 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: March 17, 1999
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In the normal way of lightening a trigger pull, there is not less metal-to-metal contact at rest, but there is less sear engagement. A good trigger job should not be easily jarred loose, and engagement is not the whole story, but obviously a sear that moves say, .006 inch, to release the hammer will be safer than one that moves only .003 inch. Sear and hammer notch angles are important, as well as the strength of the sear spring and the strength of the hammer spring (mainspring).
As long as the half cock notch is intact, the gun should not fire even if the hammer is jarred off full cock. There is a remote possibility of discharge if the gun drops far enough and at the right angle to allow the firing pin to move forward and fire the chambered round. Obviously, the best way to prevent such accidents with a 1911 type auto pistol is either to not chamber a round, or to keep the gun "cocked and locked", until ready to fire. Jim |
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