Freedom Arms Trigger Work

[BurmKiller]

This may not be the best forum to ask this, but I have tried several others without luck - so any help would be greatly appreciated...

I have two Freedom Arms Model 83's that are used in silhouette competition. These currently have factory "Action Trigger Jobs" that were ordered at the original time of purchase. (FYI - FA makes some of the finest revolvers in existence, but their factory trigger jobs are a HUGE waste of money) I am looking for someone who has experience with FA's and can safely get the triggers to 8oz. I am NOT a gunsmith by any stretch but have been told that FA's are very different from other revolvers where the trigger is concerned.

There is a gentleman that does this work in Detroit that I have been told does this at the IHMSA Internationals every year - but no one has his contact info.

Again, any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Old Fuff]

The basic lockwork in a Freedom Arms revolver is no different then any other single action, but as a rule better fitted. In any case, getting a reliable 8 oz. trigger pull would be difficult, given the design. That's 1/2 pounds, and the standard pull is closer to 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 pounds. What you are asking for is more associated with ISU Free Pistols, not revolvers.

Maybe someone else can come up with the name of the gunsmith you have in mind, as I have no idea who he might be.

 

[BurmKiller]

Old Fluff - You are absolutely correct in that an 8oz trigger on a revolver is strictly for some unique applications. I would never recommend this for anything except competition as it is a safety issue in any carry situation.

That said, in IHMSA (pistol silhouette competition) we regularly have triggers at 2oz and less on XP-100's, 6-12oz in Thompson's and FA's between 8oz and 12oz. Keep in mind that FA's are single action only and in IHMSA they are equipped with 10-10.75" barrels, hooded Globe front sights, rear Bo-Mar sights, etc., shot with only meticulously loaded hand loads. These are not duty revolvers nor hunting revolvers. Now, in regards to the mechanics of the pistol, I cannot comment as I can only go by what others have told me - so you may be entirely correct there as well.

The gentleman that performs many of these trigger jobs is Jim Fineran, but as mentioned, I have no idea how to get a hold of him.

If anyone knows how to reach him - or another highly recommended gunsmith, please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[Old Fuff]

IHMSA Handgun Metallic Silhouette - been there, done that...

Remington's XP-100 and Thompson-Center Contenders have set triggers. When you pull the trigger the force is transferred through a lever, or series of levers, that multiplies the force that releases the sear and allows the hammer or striker to fall. The engagement between the sear and hammer can be relatively deep (and therefore safe) and the likelihood of the cocked hammer falling unintentionally is remote. You easily see this in a TC because you can set the trigger and dry fire it without cocking the hammer.

In a single action revolver there is a notch on the hammer. Actually, with the exception of Ruger’s there is more then one notch, but we can pass on that for the moment. When the hammer is pulled back the tip of the trigger engages this notch, and the hammer is held to full cock. When you pull the trigger the upper tip is rotated out of the notch, and the hammer falls. Here, there are no levers and no noteworthy mechanical advantage to reduce the pull, and the notch itself cannot be very deep or the trigger will creep. The trigger and hammer notch are kept in engagement by the force of the hammer spring pushing the hammer downward, and the trigger spring pushing the trigger backwards. You can lighten the trigger pull by going to a substantially lighter hammer spring, but this will slow the lock time, which in ram-busting isn’t good.

As for finding your pistolsmith. I would think that his identity must be known to the folks at the IHMSA head office, and I would start by asking them. Failing that, try telephone information in Detroit. I presume you have already tried to Google his name.

 

[Pepper]

Post your question on the IHMSA board:

http://www.aimoo.com/forum/freeboard.cfm?id=388847