Can I measure trigger pull without a trigger pull scale?

[LevelHead]

I've adjusted my Rem 700 trigger, but I'd like to ensure it's not too light. Is there any way to do this without a trigger pull scale?

 

[rjk2475]

slam the bolt and hit the butt to make sure it doesn't "fire". numbers are a reassurance, however, you need to have control. though my target rifles are in ounces, my hunting rifles are between 2-2 1/2 lbs. a good spring scale can be had from a science store for less than $10.

 

[griz]

If you have some weights of a known size you can make your own. Bend up a piece of heavy wire so it hooks on the trigger on one end and you can hang something on the other end. A coat hanger might be too flimsy, maybe something like copper tubing might work. UNLOAD THE RIFLE and close the bolt. Hold the rifle muzzle up with the suspected weight attached but resting on the floor. Gently raise the rifle, don't jerk it, and see if it trips the trigger. Adjust weight accordingly. Don't have precise one or half pound weights? You will have to get inventive. If you have access to a scale that can read small weights (a bathroom scale isn't good enough) you are set. Maybe large fishing sinkers? A milk jug and water will work if you can do the math. A gallon of water is 8.34 pounds and you can go from there.

Did I mention UNLOAD THE RIFLE?

 

[larryw]

So there I was, in the garage late one night having just installed a new trigger mechanism in my 700 and wanting to give it a 2.5# pull. What should I use for weights...hmmm, there's an unopened 2.5# bag of marshmallows in the pantry...so I put it in a plastic (paper or plastic?) grocery bag, bent a short chunk of clothes hanger to fit and did the adjustments. Slammed the butt of the cocked (unloaded!!) rifle on the ground to make sure it wouldn't fire and was finished.

A 2.5 pounds of marshmallow trigger is <ahem> real sweet.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

dirt cheap scale

Hook a piece of coat hanger over the trigger, gun pointing up. Then hang a plastic milk carton on the other end of the wire. Pour water into the jug until the trigger fires. Then weigh the jug (and coat hanger).

Do that a few times to make sure the weight is consistent. It's accurate and cheap.

Regards.

 

[larryw]

SD, what kind of scale are you using that gives you accurate 2 to 5 lb measurements? My bathroom scale's accuracy is about +- 2 lbs with readings starting at 10 lbs, my reloading scale is only good for a bit over an ounce, and I don't have a postal scale that's good for anything over 8 oz.

 

[jjmorgan64]

I use a fish weiging scale, does an excelent job, but you have to watch it real well to see where it breaks.