Thread: Trigger pull weight

I bought a new (second hand) rifle recently, and felt the trigger pull was too light when sighting it in and doing a bit of load development at the range. I also have a rifle that has a trigger I don't like, feels way too heavy.
I invested in some Lyman trigger pull scales and took 5 readings, the results were quite interesting.
"New" rifle 1 that I felt was too light = 2.5 lbs
Rifle 2, feels heavy = 4.5 lbs
Rifle 3, lever action = 4.75 lbs
Rifle 4, most accurate rifle = 3.25 lbs
Rifle 5, set trigger in standard mode = 1.5 lbs (but from tip of trigger, due to shape of trigger)
Rifle 5, set trigger in set mode = 1 lbs

All except rifle 2 had variation of around plus or minus a quarter pound. Rifle 2 varied by plus or minus 1 lb! Rifles 1, 4 & 5 have adjustable triggers. Rifle 2's options look like live with it, gunsmith job or aftermarket trigger. I have had it for 25 years so it's not likely to get better with time/use.
I felt rifle 4's trigger could be lightened a bit, but seeing it is 3.25 now and I felt rifle 1 was too light at 2.5 I might leave well enough alone.
The recommendations on the net for hunting rifles generally seem to be 3 lb minimum, so I'll increase the pull weight on rifle 1 a bit.
With the straight set trigger with the inset blade on rifle 5 the scale roller would only sit at the very end of the trigger in standard mode, so the readings are likely lower than actual due to more leverage. The trigger doesn't feel overly light when shooting.. I'm going to try a rubber band or blutak to get the scale roller sitting in normal finger position. The scales worked okay in set trigger mode as the trigger is in a more forward/vertical position.

Anyone care to guess what make rifle 2 is?

Starts with Rem . . . ends in why did you buy that?

Been using a rifle with a set trigger recently, takes a while to adjust to that's for sure.

2.5 is heavy for my taste. most of my guns are 1 pound or less.

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Starts with Rem . . . ends in why did you buy that?

Been using a rifle with a set trigger recently, takes a while to adjust to that's for sure.

You got the first letter right....

Originally Posted by Ultimitsu

2.5 is heavy for my taste. most of my guns are 1 pound or less.

I find the 1 lb set trigger fine at the range, but don't like light triggers for bush stalking, though I'm usually walking around with an uncocked bolt closed on an empty chamber until I hear or see something.