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If your predator rifle is shooting well at the bench and you
can be honest about your own
shooting ability, a new, custom
trigger can reduce your groups
as much as 50 percent, all other
things being equal. It is important for the gun to go off when
you want it to, and if you truly
think that’s not happening, a
custom trigger can help big time.
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We’ve definitely come a long
way since the matchlock (where
the shooter ignites a rope-like
match or fuse and then waits for
the spark to reach the chamber
— which must have been fun
in combat situations!). Today’s
offerings include single triggers,
single-set or double-set triggers,
electric triggers, adjustable trig-
gers, smooth, serrated, laser-carved
or checkered triggers, wide and
narrow triggers and more. The cosmetic variations are endless, from
top-end ($300 plus) hand-made assemblies to cheap, factory-stamped
“within tolerances” models hardly
worth including with the gun.
Of course the price goes up as
the list of features increases.
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In the final analysis, the most
important aspects of a trigger are
consistency in pull weight, defined
as the effort required to release the
sear, which holds back the firing
mechanism (hammer or firing pin).
When the term “crisp” is used in
discussions about triggers, it means
a clean release of the sear. If let-off is sharp, clean and consistent
you will shoot more accurately.
If there is drag, delay or mush in
the sequence, point of aim will
be lost, the gun could move and,
ultimately, accuracy will suffer.
Some original manufacturers’
triggers may be adjusted (although
doing so can void the warranty),
and this is best done by a competent gunsmith. A little polishing,
honing or stonework here and
there can sharpen interacting parts
to perfection at relatively low cost,
but you must know what you are
doing and take it one thin shaving at a time. A little goes a long
way. In the realm of trigger adjustments, if you are inexperienced,
it’s best to leave this work to an
expert. Bad triggers are often made
much worse when tinkered with by
amateurs. Know your limitations
and leave things alone if you don’t
know exactly what you are doing.
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The world of aftermarket trigger
manufacturing is a relatively small
but stable one. Start with your local
gunsmith. If he can’t fix your trigger issues by adjusting or adding
