What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
05-17-2004, 04:29 PM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Berkeley Springs WV
Posts: 101
RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
well on my varmint hunting guns I like 20 to 24 ounces. On my big game guns I go at 2.5 to 3 lbs depending on the rifle. I use a heavier pull on stalking guns versus stand or blind guns.
05-17-2004, 06:12 PM
#13
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 105
RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
I try very hard to make all my rifles pull 3# with minimal creep. Even my rem 597 has the same pull and feel. That way no matter what I shoot I'm used to the trigger pull. So far I've been able to do all my own triggers. I did mess one up but that's what parts cataloges are for.
05-17-2004, 08:56 PM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Posts: 1,964
RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
I like the 3.5 pound number also. IMHO going for less than 3.0 pounds is bad when combined with cold fingers or high adrenalin.
My CZ 550 in 416 Rigby has a neat set trigger. Standard is at 3.5 pounds upon cocking, then push the trigger forward and it sets to a "target" trigger of 16 ounces. This is wonderful when sighting in a rifle chambered for a "frisky cartridge" at the range --- all you do is think "shoot" and it fires. Short, clean, crisp, and quick --- lovely.
An earlier comment about it depending on what you are hunting making a difference has merit. I know an African PH who had one of his favorite big bore double barrel "stopper guns" set for 8 pounds....
"Don't worry, when that Cape Buffalo is charging hard only 20 feet away and now it is all up to you, you won't feel an 8 pound pull at all. The main thing is that the gun absolutely does not go off for any reason before it is just the right time!"
Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM
My CZ 550 in 416 Rigby has a neat set trigger. Standard is at 3.5 pounds upon cocking, then push the trigger forward and it sets to a "target" trigger of 16 ounces. This is wonderful when sighting in a rifle chambered for a "frisky cartridge" at the range --- all you do is think "shoot" and it fires. Short, clean, crisp, and quick --- lovely.
An earlier comment about it depending on what you are hunting making a difference has merit. I know an African PH who had one of his favorite big bore double barrel "stopper guns" set for 8 pounds....
"Don't worry, when that Cape Buffalo is charging hard only 20 feet away and now it is all up to you, you won't feel an 8 pound pull at all. The main thing is that the gun absolutely does not go off for any reason before it is just the right time!"
Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM
05-18-2004, 12:51 AM
#18
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,679
RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
What ever weight trigger pull you decide on there is one thing you should absolutely do for a hunting rifle. This would not apply to bench rest, prarie dog, or match rifles.
Make sure that your rifle is empty. Cock it and take off the safety. Now let it drop from about three feet on to its recoil pad / plate. If it fires it is either too light or the sear engagement angle is negative.
I don't know of any hunting rifle that should have a negative sear engagement angle. All are either neutral or positive. Most are positive.
Do this multiple times just to make sure it is set properly. If it fails this test once it fails it completely and it either needs to go just a bit heavier or the engagement angle needs to be reworked. Do this to ensure that your rifle will not accidentally discharge should you take a spill or drop it.
Make sure that your rifle is empty. Cock it and take off the safety. Now let it drop from about three feet on to its recoil pad / plate. If it fires it is either too light or the sear engagement angle is negative.
I don't know of any hunting rifle that should have a negative sear engagement angle. All are either neutral or positive. Most are positive.
Do this multiple times just to make sure it is set properly. If it fails this test once it fails it completely and it either needs to go just a bit heavier or the engagement angle needs to be reworked. Do this to ensure that your rifle will not accidentally discharge should you take a spill or drop it.
05-18-2004, 05:18 PM
#20
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Pulaskiville
Posts: 3,533
RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
All my hunting guns are at 3.5-4.5 pounds. Depends on what caliber. If I'm shooting my 444 where I know the range won't be that great it isn' t as important to me. That's why my 444 is 4.5 pounds. My 270 and other "reaching" calibers are around 3.5.
