Why are 1911 triggers so revered?

[pak29]

Recently I've come across several references to the particularly crisp break of a 1911 trigger, such as in TheTruthAboutGuns' review of the Kimber Super Carry Pro HD, in which the author eloquently writes:

If you want to know why 1911s are the first choice for IDPA competitors, the Pro HD is a case in point. It’s as crisp as a freshly chilled head of Iceberg lettuce and cleaner than an OCD toilet seat, with a reset firm enough to shame a Sleep Number Bed showing 100 on the clock.

Is there some inherent design advantage to the trigger mechanism on 1911s that makes them crisper or superior to other guns in single-action mode? Is this merely a reflection of the quality and additional hand-fitting that you get when you lay out $800-3,000 that 1911s customarily cost?

I shoot a Ruger P95, and am fairly happy with the trigger in single-action mode. It does, however, have some creep before it breaks and does not break like the "glass-rod" ideal that I sometimes hear described. I like that it is a DA/SA gun because I like the SA mode when target shooting. Will a 1911 trigger change my world?

While I'm on it - how does the relative bargain Ruger sr1911 compare to the higher-priced Kimbers in terms of trigger quality?

 

[Nushif]

From my little experience I find that the 1911 style trigger is very easy to use well.

It is short and light, meaning the average user has little to no chance to mess things up. This is probably (probably) because of the way it is designed. I find I have a lot more chance to screw up a perfectly good sight picture during a long trigger pull than the like ... 2mm pull the 1911 has.

It's not really a "superior" trigger as much as it's a very, very easy trigger to use well, at least for me.

 

[pak29]

Is it shorter or lighter by design than other guns in SA mode? I'm not comparing it to DA or SAO triggers.

I suppose the heavier-weight metal frames of 1911s also help the shooter capitalize on the trigger, reducing felt recoil and target re-acquisition time.

 

[Nushif]

Shorter ... YES! Lighter .. Depends. But yeah, it is basically an entirely different animal from a gun that is not purely SA.

 

[Carter]

Because its creation was the product holy enlightenment....I kid I kid.

I find it easier to use than any other trigger. I think its because of the lack of take up on the trigger. Its just squeeze and bang. I also like that it is pretty much a bar you push straight backwards, it feels and works better for me.

I don't own a 1911 though, just borrow a friends as much as possible =)

 

[JTQ]

It only moves on one plane, horizontally.

Other triggers have a pivot point and swing back and upward, like a pendulum.

 

[rcmodel]

And it's very easy to tune.

Giving the right sear jig and a little knowledge & skill, even a cave man can do it!

rc

 

[KodiakBeer]

A 1911 trigger is like a rifle trigger. Or, at least it can be tuned to break like a target rifle. You wouldn't choose a rifle with a mushy trigger, so why choose a handgun with a bad trigger?

 

[daytodaze]

+1 to JTQ

You pull the trigger straight back, directly into the frame. A good squeeze on a well-tuned gun and you can really do some amazing things with them.

That's not to say you couldn't do it with any other gun, but you'll need to master the trigger with a lot of practice to do it.

 

[pak29]

I hadn't even thought of the straight-back versus pivoting trigger. That's interesting.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

shoot one.

 

[Overkilll0084]

I finally tore my 1911 down to bits and bare frame a while back and one thing I noticed: the simplicity. There are no linkages, pushrods or Rube Goldberg devices to detract from the process. Push on trigger, it's a straight shot to the sear releasing, no middleman.

 

[Lubricant]

Don't forget the double trigger bow.It assures force is distributed equally to the rearward motion.Get the bows and the channels they ride in polished up,and the bows spread just right[not that hard to do]and wow,pure trigger.

 

[Zerodefect]

Recently I've come across several references to the particularly crisp break of a 1911 trigger, such as in TheTruthAboutGuns' review of the Kimber Super Carry Pro HD, in which the author eloquently writes:



Is there some inherent design advantage to the trigger mechanism on 1911s that makes them crisper or superior to other guns in single-action mode? Is this merely a reflection of the quality and additional hand-fitting that you get when you lay out $800-3,000 that 1911s customarily cost?

Just about all the 1911's have excellent triggers. Ed Brown and DW have the best I've felt. Then LesBaer. You can replace the Sear and Hammer very easy, just use a Ed Brown Sear Jig and an Arkansas stone. It's good to make sure your trigger bar is fitted well and burr free.
I shoot a Ruger P95, and am fairly happy with the trigger in single-action mode. It does, however, have some creep before it breaks and does not break like the "glass-rod" ideal that I sometimes hear described. I like that it is a DA/SA gun because I like the SA mode when target shooting. Will a 1911 trigger change my world?

I also started with a Ruger P95. Yes a 1911 will change your world. The P95's first DA trigger pull is very very stiff and slow. I hated that first shot out of the holster. The 1911 is much quicker.

But you have to master the proper grip and thumb safety operation. This takes some time to get used to.

While I'm on it - how does the relative bargain Ruger sr1911 compare to the higher-priced Kimbers in terms of trigger quality?

I'd skip the Ruger and go with Colt, STI, Dan Wesson, Les Baer.

 

[cavman]

A plain Jane 1911 to a top-of-the line 1911 are all capable of having a sweet trigger.

As rcmodel said, it can be as easy as you with a good sear jig and a little know how to get one.

 

[NMGonzo]

Why people like the old style single action so much?

Because it is easy to use and get good at it.

Warning!

It will spoil you when you try it.

 

[Jolly Rogers]

And it's very easy to tune.

Giving the right sear jig and a little knowledge & skill, even a cave man can do it!

rc

I'm glad you offered the qualifications the "cave man" needs. The reports I have read on the various forums that describe free hand trigger jobs using emery boards and/or Dremels make me cringe...
Joe

 

[1911Tuner]

It's not only the clean break. The short reset enters into it, too.

 

[Zerodefect]

I'm glad you offered the qualifications the "cave man" needs. The reports I have read on the various forums that describe free hand trigger jobs using emery boards and/or Dremels make me cringe...
Joe

The only hard part is restraining yourself from cutting too much, holding the stupid sear jig, and cutting the secondary edge on the sear. Then alighning the hammer and sear on the outside of your frame with the pins in to use your frame as a jig to check engagement.

That secondary edge is just rounding the back a bit. I don't think it's too big of a deal. I've done a few with good results, but I'm no expert. I actually like the creepy bad one I made with old scrap kimber parts. It's lighter feeling. I'm not sure the glass rod break is really the best solution for bullseye.....maybe I'm on to something new.

I still haven't figured out if I'm supposed to move the feeler guage shim with the stone or not when doing the primary edge? If you move the shim you're making a rounded edge. Moving the shim changes the angle you're cutting. If you hold it still you're making a crisp flat angled edge.

I think Wilson's most expensive sear needs no work? Just clean up your hammer and drop 'em in.

 

[schmeky]

1911 Tuner,

Beat me to it. Yes, the reset is the reset all others are measured by. Not to mention the ease of getting the trigger to break like glass in the 2.5-3.5# range.

So, 100 years later and it's still the standard in many respects.

 

[rellascout]

Crisp clean break, fast reset and consistent when done right. What more could you possibly ask from a trigger? JMB knew what he was doing.

 

[Zerodefect]

100 years and still there isn't a single other pistol with a trigger as nice as a 1911.

That's odd. You'd think Glock, HK, or someone would offer a decent modern single action pistol by now.

Get rid of the barrel link and bushing, higher capactiy frame, even 9mm maybe? But nothing. The only real milestones to have come out with a fresh new design since the 1911 are the Glocks and Kahrs. Kinda sad really.

 

[msparks]

Okay, keep on fueling my 1911 fever! No seriously it's going to be my next gun.

 

[Nushif]

They are great guns. I sometimes really wish one of my favorite gunmakers decided to head in the direction of making a true single action gun based on a similar design philosophy.
Let's face it. 1911s are heavy. And they do have limited capacity ... But a trigger like that is well worth it.

 

[Zerodefect]

Okay, keep on fueling my 1911 fever! No seriously it's going to be my next gun.

'K.