Trigger Job vs new Trigger?

[slowr1der]

So I've got a rifle that I'd like to have a trigger job done on. The trigger has no over travel, and I like how it feels except for the fact that this thing must be 8 pounds. It's just entirely way too heavy. I prefer triggers more in the 1.5-2lb range. Talking to a gunsmith he told me that he can do a trigger job fairly cheap, and that he has done several on this gun. He basically said he just polishes the parts.

So I'm wondering if I should go this route, or if I should replace it with a Timney or even a Jewell trigger. My biggest concern is that I don't want to have any safety issues from the trigger, and I've read horror stories and even seen them in person of trigger jobs gone wrong where they go off when dropped, go off when you close the bolt hard, or similar. I'm really wanting to avoid this. So which is the better option, and what do most of you all go with?

 

[M-Cameron]

it really depends.......

first off, which rifle is it?

secondly, how much is he charging for the trigger job vs. the cost of a new trigger?

and finally, what are you going to use the gun for( hunting, target, fun, home defense)?

 

[Sako Shooter]

Hard question to answer. How competent is the gunsmith? Do you want to shoot competively or just hunt/casual target shoot?

Jewel is about as good as it gets for aftermarket triggers. That's the route I would go, but then again my gunsmith worked triggers are more than enough for hunting/casual targets.

My Sako and Browning triggers from the factory are actually equal, if not better, than my gunsmith worked triggers, so I felt no need to change them.

 

[slowr1der]

I basically want to just do a lot of target shooting and some hunting with it. So it's not something that I plan to shoot competitively with. I actually like how the trigger breaks now, I just wish it wasn't so darn heavy.

 

[redbullitt]

My roomate has an older ruger that had a similar issue. The trigger was ok, just broke at a very heavy weight, at least 8 or 10 lbs. YMMV but he wanted lighten it up a little bit, so he very gradually clipped the spring down until it was not as heavy. Worked the usual drop tests and did fine. Used a pull gauge and wound up at about 4 lbs. Granted it is not as nice as a new trigger or full on job, but it is much better than before. I gotta say do not do this if you are not comfortable with it.

Every rifle and trigger set up is going to be different, ie older rem style triggers are pretty cheap and easy to tune up and work very well, but some of the newer ones are not.

FWIW i have shilen, jewell, and worked over factory triggers. As long as they are installed and adjusted to spec you will not have a problem. Istall is pretty straightforward too.

Target and hunting trigger huh? I would go for maybe 3 or 4 lbs. Any lighter is not needed there IMHO. A clean 4 lb trigger will do whatever you want it to.

I would suggest finding a good smith and doing a trigger job on your existing mechanism. This should be the most cost effective, safe, and easy.

 

[CraigC]

Depends on the rifle, is it a secret???

 

[Sako Shooter]

Last thing I'll say is this: I would ask smith if he could get it to break crisply in the 2-3 lb. range That should be a safe range for hunting, and still afford enough target accuracy. Some may go lower, but I don't on hunting rifles, which all of mine inevitably are.

If smith could not get it right, then I would go Jewel (or others).

 

[lightman]

Lots of good replys,here.A good gun smith can make a factory trigger so much better,its hard to believe.But,it probably won't be at the same level as a custom trigger.I would invest the $35-50 for my smith to adjust it,and give it a try.That price is about what it would cost,around here.I have several rifles with Jewell triggers,and they will spoil ya!Are they needed for a hunting rifle?No,probably not,but they sure are nice.Good Luck with your choice, Lightman

 

[dnthmn]

If he just polishes, I doubt it will get anywhere near 2 lbs. It should make the trigger feel better and a good trigger can feel lighter than it is.

 

[atblis]

nevermind.