FT vs bench rest trigger

[K9bite]

Hey Folks,

Any thoughts or advice on trigger set up (length of first stage, weight, etc.) for field target rifle versus other disciplines like benchrest?

Todd

 

[Gear_Junkie]

For FT, I like my trigger light, but not TOO light. I've found that If I set the trigger too light I have fired off a shot too soon when shooting offhand. For me, too light was anything less than 3 - 4 oz. I've found 6oz to be the perfect balance between being light enough not to throw off a shot, but being heavy enough such that I don't sneak off a shot before I'm ready when shooting offhand.

I would recommend trying different settings to see what you are comfortable with. Once you get totally comfortable with the rifle, shot cycle, and trigger pull, you may find yourself lightening the trigger a hair.

Good Luck!

 

[steve123]

Hey Folks,

Any thoughts or advice on trigger set up (length of first stage, weight, etc.) for field target rifle versus other disciplines like benchrest?

Todd

If I can rest my finger on the trigger without it going off unintentionally then that's about right so something like 3-5 oz.

The better BR triggers in the firearms world are often 1-2 oz.

 

[AirNGasman]

As close to a telepathic trigger break as possible without those embarrassing premature discharges.

 

[K9bite]

Seems like the consensus is light enough to avoid premature firing, but not too heavy then. Thanks guys.

 

[Altair-uy]

Agree that for ft you need something a little heavier than for bench, specially for standing, under pressure and winter but as light as you can. I always recommend a 2 stage trigger regardless of the discipline, you get more awareness

Regarding the travel length, it’s personal but not so little that it’s almost nothing and not so long that you add pressure in your hand (this has also to do with the spring of the first stage). I play with this to get the perfect placement of the trigger, specially in rifles that don’t have lots of adjustment.

I prefer the flat trigger shoes as you are more consistent in finger placement, mec offer great ones

 

[K9bite]

Thanks, Andre. I think my current trigger is fairly heavy, and I still have the occasional premature shot.

 

[steve123]

What I've noticed if a person has a bunch of different guns that have different weight triggers, for example some of my guns have triggers in the 1lb range or more, when I go to the lighter triggers like my FT rifle, I will sometimes experience an unintentional release when I'm not quite ready for the shot yet. Half the time I hit the KZ anyway but half the time I knew the crosshair wasn't where I intended.

I don't shoot the FT rifle much so its better if I practice with it a few times before the match to get used to the light trigger again.

If sitting I like the lighter trigger pull because I prefer to begin pressing the trigger and just let the gun go off instead of snatching the trigger. The heavier the trigger the harder this becomes for me.

In offhand I can't hold in the KZ anymore, worse if nervous , so I have no choice but to snatch the trigger as it drives by the KZ in which case I don't rely on the take up of my 2 stage trigger so I just try to react fast and pull through both stages.

 

[Altair-uy]

It’s mostly getting used to, it’s good to change it over the off season, maybe after some practice you actually see improvements in your scores rather than premature shots

 

[qball]

Keep in mind the weather you will be shooting in, on nice and warm days the 3 oz trigger might feel great. But when it’s cold and your fingers are frozen then it may not be so nice. Learn to shoot a little heavier trigger in all conditions is what I would recommend.

 

[zx10wall]

4 ounce; 1 ounce first stage to a 3 ounce second stage that has zero sear drag. Breaks like ice ice baby!!

I’ll take the above for all disciplines.

 

[elh0102]

It is a totally subjective choice, use what is most comfortable for you. I believe that it is mostly a matter of practice, but it also involves individual dexterity and feel sensitivity in the finger. Some excellent shooters have precision control with a heavier trigger pull (service rifle requires 4.5 pounds), and some of those shooters have no feel whatever when trying to use a light-pull trigger. And, there are physical conditions that can affect this sensitivity as well. If you can consistently control the let off of the shot, then the trigger is working for you.