Trigger Pull Weight: Is Lighter Trigger Always Better?

Trigger weight may be defined as an amount of pressure, effort, or force needed to pull the trigger properly for the firearm to fire. Higher the weight of the trigger pull, greater force is needed to make the firearm fire. For instance, a trigger pull weight of 2 pounds means it will require 2 pounds of force to pull the trigger to fire a bullet.

Although trigger weight is an important aspect of shooting, it is often ignored or overlooked by many firearm users. The firearm may be used for law enforcement or recreational activities like hunting and target practice on weekends. Whatever the purpose, it is important that every firearm owner understand trigger weight to properly control their respective firearm.

A better understanding of trigger pressure enables you to select an appropriate firearm for yourself. It also lets you modify your existing firearm as per your specific needs. The simple way to determine the weight of trigger pull is by reading and going through the owner’s manual wherein specifications of the firearm are mentioned. A shooter always yearns for greater accuracy and precision. One can accomplish this by being aware of the trigger weight of their firearm. 

Measuring Trigger Pull Weight using Trigger Gauges

 

The trigger weight can be measured by using a trigger pull gauge. A trigger pull gauge measures the trigger pull weight accurately thus ensuring safe performance. Specifications of trigger pull may be cross-checked by using different trigger-pull gauges to get a measurement on your rifle, pistol, or shotgun. Hooking the L-rod on the trigger, you gently pull back until the unloaded gun dry-fires. Once the gun fires, you will have an accurate reading of your trigger pressure. These gauges generally come in digital and mechanical types. The mechanical trigger gauges are less expensive but they are less precise and hard to use. On the other hand, most modern firearm owners prefer to use digital trigger gauges as they are precise and simple to use.

Understanding Trigger Action

 

Most manufacturers design the trigger pull according to the work the trigger has to do in a firing process. The two types of action, single and double are based on the function performed by the trigger. In other words, single action and double action refer to how a gun mechanism operates when the trigger is pulled. 

Single action

In single action, when the trigger is pulled, the hammer is released, causing the cartridge in the chamber to fire. It is referred to as a single action as only one action, i.eThe release of a hammer occurs when the trigger is pulled in a gun to fire. The single-action revolver has a light trigger pull as it only needs to drop the hammer. 

Double Action

On the other hand, a double-action trigger performs two actions simultaneously. How does this trigger work is that in a single trigger pull, it draws the hammer back and then releases it. Double action firearms have a heavier and longer trigger pull which sometimes may prove detrimental to accuracy.  

Common Trigger Weights

1 to 5 Pounds:

Most of the single-action revolvers, semi-automatic weapons, hunting, and target rifles are included in this category. This weight category is mostly used for hitting targets at medium to long distances with accuracy. Target shooting and hunting require proper precision and accuracy, hence a particular group/ category of firearm owners prefers light as their average trigger pull weight. Similarly, competition pistols have lighter trigger weights for rapid, accurate shooting. Even most shotguns, used for clay bird shooting, have trigger weights of approx 5 pounds.

5-8 pounds

Striker-fired pistols have an internal striker that has higher trigger pressures, about 5 to 7 pounds. This trigger weight category is also used in a few hunting rifles. As some firearm users feel the said weight is too much for accurate shooting, the Rossi flat trigger manufacturers are considering developing lighter trigger weight hunting firearms.

8 Pounds or More

 

This category of heavy trigger weights comprises double-action revolvers, hammers, fired double-action automatics, and service handguns. These weapons usually have a trigger pressure of around 10 pounds, but once the first shot is fired, the slide uses energy from the cartridge to move backward, cocking the hammer. Follow-up shots, therefore, are usually in the 3- to 5-pound range and mainly used by Police for law enforcement. 

Some argue that these firearms disrupt officer’s shootings, while law enforcers claim that a trigger weight of even as high as 12 pounds can be just as effective

Is Lighter Trigger Always Better?

Selecting Low Trigger Pressure

It is a common belief that the lighter the trigger weight, the more accurate the shooter will be. Many hunters and distance shooters find low trigger pressure appropriate for their respective tasks. This is mainly because with low pressure your forearm does not have to put in much effort to pull the trigger. This in turn maintains an accurate line on the target competitive pistol shooters also prefer light triggers for accuracy and easy follow-up shots. A lighter weight trigger pull is most appropriate for those with weak hands and fingers due to arthritis or injuries. They can press the trigger smoothly and safely. Similarly, during hunting, people prefer a lighter trigger pull and hence tend to modify their Marlin triggers.

Selecting High Trigger Pressure

As the name suggests, a heavy trigger weight will require more effort from the fingers, hands, and forearms. Using a heavy trigger can disrupt the straight-line aim of the shooter. It takes a lot of training to correctly handle firearms with high trigger pressure. Some shooters may also have to undergo strength training for their hands to improve their grip or hold on trigger press. However, the main argument for high trigger pressure or weight is safety. Higher pressure may impact accuracy but it is less likely to have an accidental fire. The chances of an accidental fire increase with light trigger pressures as even a gentle tap can fully engage the firearm.

Which to Choose?

The decision about what trigger weight- lighter or heavier, depends upon the purpose of the firearm. For instance, a competitive shooter may prefer a lighter trigger pull as he has to shoot multiple targets accurately, but the same is not suitable if it has to be used as a service gun. This is because as they have to give beforehand warning before shooting and hence a high trigger handgun is appropriate for them

Do Not Ignore Other Aspects

Apart from the trigger weight, a firearm owner must have basic knowledge about the classification of firearms, technical aspects, parts, and components of firearms. Proper meticulous use of safety procedures like: checking of barrel and ammunition, keeping the firearm unloaded when not in use, keeping firearms and ammunition separately, etc are also important aspects. Talk to the experts at Ranger Point Precision for Marlin Rifle parts and accessories.

CONCLUSION

Trigger pressure is and remains to be an important feature and can impact how you use your weapons. Both light trigger weight and higher trigger weight firearms have to be handled cautiously for their safe and proper functioning. If you optimize trigger weight for your needs, it could help make you a more effective trap shooter, hunter, or more competent defender.