What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

I have set my triggers to 3.5 lbs. What weight do you like?

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

Burnie,
3.5 is what my hunting rifles are set at also.
My Gunsmith will not go any lower on a hunting gun!
Since going down to 3.5, my groups have really shrunk at the range!

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

My hunting rifle triggers are breaking at about 3.2lbs with the exception of one that breaks at 3lbs. I personally wouldn't want to go any lower than that on a hunting rifle.

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

I like them between 3.5lbs and 4lbs. For me the amount of creep in a trigger is more important than weight. If it's not breaking clean, a light trigger won't be at it's full potential.

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

Depends on what "hunting" I'll be doing with it. On my hunting revolvers, I like about 2.5#, pretty light I know, but there's so much more chance of "PULLING" the trigger altering your shot in a handgun than in a rifle (as opposed to squeezing the trigger).

For long range varmint hunting, I use my Savage 12FVSS, set down to 1.6#, it doubles as a small bore cf benchrest rifle, I just never change the trigger, a little heavy for targets, a little light for hunting, does both pretty well.

I've got a few deer rifles that I've not changed the trigger pull a bit on, I've got a Marlin 1894 and 1895 unaltered that run around 5.5-6.5#, I've got a SKS I hunt with occasionally that's about 7# and a Ruger M-77 about that bad too. I usually don't mind heavy trigger pulls, I've got a .38spcl derringer with a 14.2# pull...building fence all these years has left me with a pretty strong grip, it's just remembering to squeeze instead of pull.

I've got a Anschutz taken down to 7oz. too!!!

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

My gunsmith wouldnt go under 3.5 either. My groups shrunk drastically as well when I had em lowered from stock settings. I think I am most grateful for the elimination of that mile of creep they used to have. Hard to do a good squeeze when ya got an inch of creep. So 3.5 is what all of mine are set on now. I love it.

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

I'm fine at 3.5 pounds

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

I like 3½ lbs. (my 700 ADL is set to this), but I'm OK with 4. As long as it's crisp, it's fine enough. My Mosin Nagant has a creepy 8 lb. pull, which is pretty awful.

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

For a long range heavy rifle I like 2-2.5 lbs for anything else 3.0 or so is fine. Different brands of rifles will feel heavier/lighter then others irregardless of trigger pull so each brand is subjective.

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

3.5 lbs is about right for me.

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.

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

Anyhting from 3.2 to 3.5 for me.

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.

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

I have mine set at 3 1/2 lbs. also. Now if we are talking varmint or bench rifles, then that's another story!:)

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

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

3 lbs. Good luck.

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

3 lbs hunting

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.

RE: What trigger pull do you like for a hunting rifle.
 

I have all of my big game guns set at 2.5 lbs...;)

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.