45R
Member
Is a 2.5lb trigger on a 1911 too light for range use only?
Range use meaning punching paper and the occasional run and gun?
Range use meaning punching paper and the occasional run and gun?
1911 Trigger pull
- Thread starter 45R
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2.5 pounds is OK IF it is a quality trigger job with good (lightweight) components. I don't like to go below 3.5 pounds on mine, but it is an anything/everything pistol. I've used sub-2 pound triggers before on rifles and honestly could never get comfortable with them even for range-only shooting but others have great success with them.
I've heard of 1911 triggers in the 1-2 pound range that are safe (good for many thousands of rounds without becoming unsafe), but it takes some special skill and experience (and probably lots of ruined practice sears) to do it repeatedly and reliably. These were definitely range-only pistols used by top competition shooters.
I've heard of 1911 triggers in the 1-2 pound range that are safe (good for many thousands of rounds without becoming unsafe), but it takes some special skill and experience (and probably lots of ruined practice sears) to do it repeatedly and reliably. These were definitely range-only pistols used by top competition shooters.
Black Snowman
Member
If it were a precision target pistol I was shooting only for groups, I'd be OK with 2.5 lbs. In fact I have 2 revolvers that are 2.75 lbs and one that's 2.5, which was 2.25 but that was a little too much of a good thing. That would be my S&W 646.
My 646 has such a short trigger travel to break the SA that I never feel the trigger move before the gun goes off. I wouldn't want that good of a trigger in a run and gun situation. To easy to set off just moving my finger to the trigger. Fortunately the nice smooth DA is just what the doctor ordered for the modern man on the go.
My Glock 24P has a very light and smooth trigger but has a good amount of take up before it goes off so it's never a shock when it does. I've liked that about it in the few informal competitions I've done with it. So there's more to consider than just the weight.
My 1911 is 4.5 lbs and a somewhat long (hooks haven't been cut down) but smooth pull and that's about as "good" as I'd want to go if I'm running and gunning. If something unexpected happens I don't want a slight bump setting the gun off. If it's too light and/or too short, it's much easier to get an ND even if the gun is 100% mechanically safe.
Also look at the ultimate goal. The idea behind a lighter trigger is better accuracy. But unless you've practiced to the point where you just can't improve your results with your current hardware, there isn't a whole lot of reason to upgrade. Plus it may be that you just need a smoother trigger, or a cripser trigger, rather than lighter, to fit your shooting technique and get you better results.
My 646 has such a short trigger travel to break the SA that I never feel the trigger move before the gun goes off. I wouldn't want that good of a trigger in a run and gun situation. To easy to set off just moving my finger to the trigger. Fortunately the nice smooth DA is just what the doctor ordered for the modern man on the go.
My Glock 24P has a very light and smooth trigger but has a good amount of take up before it goes off so it's never a shock when it does. I've liked that about it in the few informal competitions I've done with it. So there's more to consider than just the weight.
My 1911 is 4.5 lbs and a somewhat long (hooks haven't been cut down) but smooth pull and that's about as "good" as I'd want to go if I'm running and gunning. If something unexpected happens I don't want a slight bump setting the gun off. If it's too light and/or too short, it's much easier to get an ND even if the gun is 100% mechanically safe.
Also look at the ultimate goal. The idea behind a lighter trigger is better accuracy. But unless you've practiced to the point where you just can't improve your results with your current hardware, there isn't a whole lot of reason to upgrade. Plus it may be that you just need a smoother trigger, or a cripser trigger, rather than lighter, to fit your shooting technique and get you better results.
stans
Member
2.5 pounds trigger pull in a 1911 scares me. A well executed 4 pound pull will feel much lighter, yet be more durable and safer over the long run. The lowest I have gone was 3.5 pounds on my IPSC/USPSA match gun. It never doubled, followed, or went full auto, but I have seen a number of other 1911's with similar pulls do those things.
redneck2
Member
As above...
on a 1911 it isn't just the light trigger pull, which may or may not be dangerous depending on "operator skill". Big problem may be "full auto".
I had the trigger lightened on my Springfield Loaded to 3#. The guy that did it works on firearms a lot. Said to be SURE to fire at least the first 10 clips with only 2 in the mag. His quote was "full auto may sound like fun, but trust me, it isn't"
Problem is you're not ready for it and lose control of the gun. I know a guy that used to shoot bullseye. There was a fellow competitor that had one go full auto. Rolled over in his hand and the last round ended up in his forehead.
I just had my Delta Elite dropped to 3 1/2# this past week-end. 3-3 1/2# is fine and seems like a feather compared to the stock trigger HTH
on a 1911 it isn't just the light trigger pull, which may or may not be dangerous depending on "operator skill". Big problem may be "full auto".
I had the trigger lightened on my Springfield Loaded to 3#. The guy that did it works on firearms a lot. Said to be SURE to fire at least the first 10 clips with only 2 in the mag. His quote was "full auto may sound like fun, but trust me, it isn't"
Problem is you're not ready for it and lose control of the gun. I know a guy that used to shoot bullseye. There was a fellow competitor that had one go full auto. Rolled over in his hand and the last round ended up in his forehead.
I just had my Delta Elite dropped to 3 1/2# this past week-end. 3-3 1/2# is fine and seems like a feather compared to the stock trigger HTH
Pointman1776
Member
I agree with the above posts 100%.
Never go lighter than you feel is safe for you...and be honest. I've ready your posts, 45R, and can guess that you are a reasoned man of sound mind...so no worries.
I also wholeheartedly agree that a smoother trigger with no creep, a clean break, and no grit will "feel" lighter than it actually is.
That said:
I use a 1.5# trigger on my bullseye 1911's.
I use a 2.75# trigger on my competition 1911's (action shooting, IPSC/USPSA). Most the grandmasters at my range use a 1.5-2# trigger on their race 1911's.
For carry/HomeD, I'd prefer a DA/SA, but if 1911, then at least 4.5-5# trigger for me.
Cheers!
Never go lighter than you feel is safe for you...and be honest. I've ready your posts, 45R, and can guess that you are a reasoned man of sound mind...so no worries.
I also wholeheartedly agree that a smoother trigger with no creep, a clean break, and no grit will "feel" lighter than it actually is.
That said:
I use a 1.5# trigger on my bullseye 1911's.
I use a 2.75# trigger on my competition 1911's (action shooting, IPSC/USPSA). Most the grandmasters at my range use a 1.5-2# trigger on their race 1911's.
For carry/HomeD, I'd prefer a DA/SA, but if 1911, then at least 4.5-5# trigger for me.
Cheers!
A nicely done 2.5 pound trigger is great for range use..make sure you use good components and take care of it..it will last a long time..
you basically need to train with them to be comfortable with them..and your basic safety rules..finger off the trigger..
for my carry guns, I like a 4-5# trigger..with takeup..
my competition guns are a bit lighter than that...
you basically need to train with them to be comfortable with them..and your basic safety rules..finger off the trigger..
for my carry guns, I like a 4-5# trigger..with takeup..
my competition guns are a bit lighter than that...
MoNsTeR
Member
Of course not. Just about every IPSC Open/Limited/L10 gun has a <3lb trigger. And we don't just shoot those guns, we run around with 'em!
I've felt 'em as low as 18oz, which was a little scary at the time, but the owner could handle it.
I have two at 2.5lbs myself. They've spoiled me really, in slow fire it feels heavy!
I've felt 'em as low as 18oz, which was a little scary at the time, but the owner could handle it.
I have two at 2.5lbs myself. They've spoiled me really, in slow fire it feels heavy!
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