BHP Trigger Pull Reduction - Not Bad

[MattTheHat]

I picked up a really nice, un-fired 86 BHP at a local show last summer. I loved the pistol, it felt great in the hand, but I couldn't get the darned thing to group worth a hill of beans. After careful study, it came down to two possibilities. Either there was something wrong with the pistol, or the deluxe Browning 12/12 trigger was to blame.

I call it 12/12 because it feels like there's about 12" of take up and 12 pounds of trigger pull. A few months back I tore her down to remove the magazine disconnnect and associated spring and pin. I had also ordered up a Cylinder & Slide reduced strength main spring and one of their Command style hammers. A few other projects pushed it to the back of the bench, but I finally got around to finishing her off last night.

Between the removal of the mag disconnect garbage and the lighter mainspring, the trigger weight has been reduced at least 50%. Feels like about 5 pounds now. Still lots of take up, but at least there's no additional weight since the mag disconnect spring is gone.

The pistol will be leaving later in the week for some custom work, but I'm taking her out for a quick range trip here in a few minutes to see if I can get the pistol to group any better.

I guess the point of all this is that if you have a BHP and have been considering removing the magazine safety and/or the C&S trigger pull reduction spring set, I'd say it's a safe bet you'll be pleased with the results.


-Matt

 

[MattTheHat]

Yup, the pistol groups much better with a reasonable trigger pull. Much improved!


-Matt

 

[Joe Demko]

Good for you! The BHP is one of those guns that I've kept telling myself I should buy, but when I get some money in my sweaty little hand I always jump for something else.

 

[NMGonzo]

You guys need to stop talking about HP's ...

 

[Coltdriver]

I used to have a MKIII. Great pistol but you know just from looking at the trigger mechanism that it is never gonna be a 1911 style crisp trigger.

I detail stripped mine and treated all of the trigger parts with plate+. I left the trigger safety on it. I treated the front of the mag where the trigger safety button rides.

Mine was smooth as glass and would break crisp. But it always had that 12 inches of creep you talk about.

 

[MattTheHat]

Mine's getting ready for a trip to Heirloom Precision. I understand Master Yoda works magic on the BHP trigger (as well as the other parts.)


-Matt

 

[blitzen]

On the ones I have, once the mag safety was removed the triggers have all been what I would call good to really good. Not to heavy and breaking clean. I do consider them to be like a 2 stage trigger though. Takes some getting used to but it's almost all I ever shoot.
Glad it turned out good for you!

 

[bullturkey]

Correct me if I am wrong. The mainspring also serves to retard the slide velocity in the High Power. By reducing its trength you increase slide to frame impact, at what point would you have to increase recoil spring weight to prevent frame battering or possible frame cracking.

 

[HDStreet]

I currently own 2 Hi Powers. A John Inglis that has been updated and an FN that has been reworked. Both are magnificent shooters and very reliable and I use the Ram Line 15 round mags in both. Neither have the mag safety for obvious reasons. Foe a 9mm single action, they are second to none. Compare the Hi Power to the 1911 all you want, but just remember, John Browning designed both and they are different for his reasons.

 

[Coltdriver]

You can get a recoil buffer similar to the ones they run on the 1911's. Really smooths em out and eliminates any frame peening.