trigger pull

[newdovo]

For a handgun, do you prefer a lighter or heavier trigger?
When reading gun reviews, the issue of trigger pull is something that typically gets mentioned. From what I gather, a semi-auto generally has a lighter pull than a revolver, particularly when firing a revolver double action. I'm not experienced with semi-autos. I only have one aged .25 ACP that I consider a casual range plinker, although I have shot several other semi-auto pistols. I have several wheel guns, single action, double action, and DAO.
While an overly heavy trigger pull could be burdensome, I like the fact that I must be somewhat "deliberate" when pulling the trigger of a revolver, particularly my DAO j-frame that I CC. I'm sure that a lot of this is because it's what I'm used to, but it is my preference now. I envision a 1911 in my future, so I'm sure that I'll appreciate the merits of both at some point.

What are y'all's thoughts?

Parry

[punchie]

Parry
My opinion is that you should get what you as an individual feel the most comfortable with. I have dedicated target (bullseye) guns with a very light, no creep trigger pull but they would be unsuitable for conceal carry. I also have a very small DAO semi where the only safety is the long heavy, creepy trigger pull that is quite suitable for conceal carry. The key to any would be practice, practice and more practice until you mastered and felt comfortable with the pistol.

[BluemontGlock]

Personally, I like a lighter pull 4 to 6 lbs... if i have my choice...no creep, and a break that snaps glass...we don't always get that choice, but, it is really how you feel about what your carrying and the job it is there to do... so not to beat the identified horse, i.e. just what punchie said...

and would add in that you just have to shoot alot of firearms and see what works best for you... your comments on heavy trigger pull on CC wheel guns, imho, is spot on... and you will be suprised to find out how much semi-autos differ in the pull between models and manufacturers... shoot a Makarov and then try a Kimber Custom...skateboard vs. a hummer...

and if you find a piece you really really like, practically anything is adjustable by a competent gunsmith...

GOOD LUCK!~

[zephyp]

I think it depends on what kind of shooter you are. IMO 2 kinds.

1. Target shooter. Shoots to see how many you can get in the 10 ring at say 15 or 25 yards. This is a squeeze and not a pull. You want a nice single action that is crisp light and no creep. Lighter the better is the general rule of thumb.

2. Defensive shooter. Shoots instinctively to make sure you can make accurate chest and head shots between 2 and 10 feet. This is a pull and not a squeeze. This where you draw unsafe and fire usually in DA mode unless you carry cocked and locked - as quickly as you can. Two in the chest and one in the head...

For guns you will use in self defense it is not a bad thing to be concerned about trigger weight. I've read some accounts where prosecutors made a big deal out of a hair trigger or the fact that a revolver in SA mode can be fired much easier than in DA mode.

IMHO the only thing you want to do to a factory gun that you will use for defensive purposes is to make sure there is no trigger creep. This can easily be accomplished by a simple process of "marrying the trigger."

For guns you will use only for target or hunting then go for the trigger job...just my $0.02.

My bottom line preference is it doesnt matter since I practice defensive (instinct) shooting with my handguns. Generally doesnt matter what the pull is like as long as I can get it up and on center mass quickly. The trick is to make sure you're not completing the pull until you're on target. Otherwise you may execute a Barney Fife and get foot shot...

[Vahunter]

I like light triggers because it's alot easier to keep the sights on target than with a heavy trigger. BTW on a handgun and rifle you squeeze the trigger and a shotgun you pull or slap the trigger. I want to have a trigger job on my XD but so far the best price I found was $145.00. I think it's fine the way it is.

[firstcavapache64]

When you say creep what exactly are you describing? I have heard the term a lot and to be honest I am not sure what you mean. I like my carry gun to have a moderately stiff trigger pull for an extra margin of safety. When you have all that adrenalin pulsing through your body you tend to lose some delicate muscle control. I want to be sure a nervous twitch doesn't decide when my gun fires. But the great part is with modern guns you can have it any way you want.

[viiiball]

I was listening to a podcast the other day that discussed this and they had an interesting point about trigger pull on a defensive handgun. Someone already mentioned that DA's have been known to try and convict folks that had "odd" trigger pulls (mainly light ones). But what the person said on this podcast was to go to your local police department and ask them what the trigger pull is on their service weapon and then try and replicate that. It would be hard for a DA to argue "odd" when that is what local police force is carrying.

On a tangent on this subject, I recently purchased a Springfield Loaded 1911. The advertised trigger pull is 5-6lbs. I took it to shoot and it was HAAAARRRDD to pull that trigger. I really felt there was something wrong as my Glocks pull at about 5.5lbs and this seemed a lot more than that. So I had a local armorer measure it for me and it was breaking at 8.8 lbs, a full 33-50% more than advertised. I contacted Springfield and the email I got i n return said they would take it back RMA to work on the issue. I have not called them yet to get my RMA number but will be doing so in the next day or so.

[viiiball]

When you say creep what exactly are you describing? I have heard the term a lot and to be honest I am not sure what you mean.

Not sure of the "official" definition but to me this is the travel distance from when I start pulling the trigger until it goes BANG. Personally I want a little bit but not too much. For me if there is too much "creep" or travel in the trigger then I start to anticipate the bang and the muzzle goes off target as I "flinch".

[BluemontGlock]

Not sure of the "official" definition but to me this is the travel distance from when I start pulling the trigger until it goes BANG. Personally I want a little bit but not too much. For me if there is too much "creep" or travel in the trigger then I start to anticipate the bang and the muzzle goes off target as I "flinch".
-VIIBALL


EXACTLY...ESP THAT LAST PART

[zephyp]

CREEP - other than the scumbag you're aiming at it - its the slack in the trigger when you squeeze. On DA you can feel it if you slowly squeeze and try to feel when the trigger engages the sear to trip the hammer allowing it to fall. The bit before you feel it engage is the creep. You can feel the same thing on SA only not so pronounced.

[Bill - did I get that right?]

[CCFan]

CREEP - other than the scumbag you're aiming at it - its the slack in the trigger when you squeeze.

That was my definition.

I guess for me it all depends on the firearm....

My Ruger LCP that I throw in a pocket and "pocket carry" sometimes - I'm glad it doesn't go off at the slightest touch...I like the longer trigger pull for that firearm. My Glock is very consistent - I know the "creep" will take up a little slack and I know there's a little resistance before it goes off - and I know if I need to follow up quickly, the 2nd shot isn't nearly as far behind... let it out enough to feel the "click" and then you've got a nice ~ 2 lb pull for the follow-up shots... the 1911 - if I'm pulling it out, I want to take the safety off and once the safety is off - I want the trigger to move very little before I hear the sweet, sweet report of a 10mm responding.... i.e. the pocket guns I want to have a stronger pull - the firearms that are drawn and the safety that needs to be dis-engaged, I'd like a lighter trigger pull...

[SgtBill]

CREEP - other than the scumbag you're aiming at it - its the slack in the trigger when you squeeze. On DA you can feel it if you slowly squeeze and try to feel when the trigger engages the sear to trip the hammer allowing it to fall. The bit before you feel it engage is the creep. You can feel the same thing on SA only not so pronounced.

[Bill - did I get that right?]

DK, you are dead on right. Damn if you don't pay attention and retain what you are instructed about.
SHUT UP HENRY !
Bill

[zephyp]

CREEP - other than the scumbag you're aiming at it - its the slack in the trigger when you squeeze. On DA you can feel it if you slowly squeeze and try to feel when the trigger engages the sear to trip the hammer allowing it to fall. The bit before you feel it engage is the creep. You can feel the same thing on SA only not so pronounced.

[Bill - did I get that right?]

DK, you are dead on right. Damn if you don't pay attention and retain what you are instructed about.
SHUT UP HENRY !
Bill

Whew. Thanks, Bill. Thought for sure I was gonna earn a smack on that one...

Now, on to fixin the creep. Select the threat, aim, and fire !!!!

Seriously, some trigger creep can be eliminated easily. Another neat thing I learned from Bill and it dont require any tools and works great.

Works on almost any gun with an exposed hammer. Clear the weapon. Cock the hammer so you're in SA mode. Put your thumb (or finger if thumb wont fit) behind the hammer and push it like you're trying to make it fall. You need to push hard, but dont use anything other than your finger or thumb. While pushing on the hammer squeeze the trigger and continue pushing until the hammer falls from the trigger squeeze. Repeat a couple of times and recheck the creep in DA mode. You may need to repeat a couple of times until you're satisfied. Before trying this make sure you can feel the creep so you know when the process is complete.

Now you've successfully married the trigger. Most new guns have minor burrs left over from machining which introduces creep. The process described above will often knock those down enough to eliminate most of it.

Bill?

[SgtBill]

Enough said, but you are going to piss off some gunsmith's that charge an arm and a leg to do this process. Just remember to make surs that the weapon is unloaded.
Bill

[zephyp]

Enough said, but you are going to piss off some gunsmith's that charge an arm and a leg to do this process. Just remember to make surs that the weapon is unloaded.
Bill

Long as that smith aint you I dont give a rat's behind.

[greener]

On target guns I want a light crisp trigger. On SD guns, I want the a trigger that doesn't allow the weapon to fire unless I intended to fire it. No nerves on a light trigger. The SD trigger can either be relatively heavy or have a long pull.