Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

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Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by YoungSC » 27 Mar 2017, 5:21 pm

I've recently begun shooting at a local club using my CZ452.

I'm trying to improve my trigger control to stop pulling the shot. I also want to use the gun for hunting when on the farm.

I was thinking of installing a Lowey trigger kit, but was after a pull strength that will help target shooting, but won't be too light for safe hunting.

At this point, I'm only competing against myself for target as I'm way behind the pack, so this compromise setting suits me for the time being.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Simon
Last edited by YoungSC on 27 Mar 2017, 9:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by AusTac » 27 Mar 2017, 5:37 pm

Its pretty personal preference mate, some like it hard as some like a hair trigger, i'm more of the thats just the way my gun is type of person, just shoot it and get used to it, otherwise theres heaps or spring kits and stiff for cz's
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by Oldbloke » 27 Mar 2017, 6:31 pm

I only hunt. But all mine are set at 2.5. Ib
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by YoungSC » 29 Mar 2017, 9:49 am

Thanks Gents.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by Gwion » 29 Mar 2017, 5:35 pm

There really is no optimum. As above, it is personal preference as to what works for you. Pulling the shot due to the trigger can be as much about your master hand grip and the approach to the trigger as it is about the trigger pull weight. Some target comps have trigger specifications. Personally, i have my triggers set to 2lb or as close as i can get it. No trouble with either target or hunting. However your trigger is set you should always be sure that it won't slam fire as this is just unsafe all round!
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by knowsnothin » 29 Mar 2017, 5:50 pm

get yourself the yo-dave trigger kit for the 452. comes with half a dozen springs for weight and something to adjust sear.
it will be the best $20 you'll spend on that rifle.
plenty of you-tube vids on how to do it yourself.

the factory trigger is rubbish.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by YoungSC » 29 Mar 2017, 8:59 pm

Gwion wrote:There really is no optimum. As above, it is personal preference as to what works for you. Pulling the shot due to the trigger can be as much about your master hand grip and the approach to the trigger as it is about the trigger pull weight. Some target comps have trigger specifications. Personally, i have my triggers set to 2lb or as close as i can get it. No trouble with either target or hunting. However your trigger is set you should always be sure that it won't slam fire as this is just unsafe all round!


Hi Gwion,

Yes, that's the goal. Not set the trigger too low and make it unsafe for hunting, but low enough to make things easier for target shooting. 2 - 2.5lbs seems to appear to be the sweet spot from the feedback.

This is notwithstanding that I need to build towards a good consistent technique.

Cheers
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by on_one_wheel » 29 Mar 2017, 10:08 pm

I did the yo-dave kit to my 452 to achieve minimal creep and a nice light weight pull.

It's a simple kit that gives you a crisp trigger.

I like my triggers around 1.5 pound and I find it helpful to have them all feeling the same as each other ... or at least aas much as possible.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by Gwion » 30 Mar 2017, 6:25 am

That is another point. It is not just weight of the pull but the amount of sear engagement or creep. Both balanced to be safe.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by superdave » 30 Mar 2017, 6:55 am

As above for trigger pull . I also like having a 2 stage trigger. Mine goes from 2.5 lb first stage to 2lb. second stage.

Something helpful about easing you into the breaking point smoothly and gently.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by Gwion » 30 Mar 2017, 11:36 am

Target Rifle (ie: traditional long range shooting) and F-Class Standard stipulate 1kg (2.2lb). F-Class Open and F-TR do not have a trigger minimum weight but must pass a slam fire test on every shoot. Don't know what other target disciplines stipulate.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by Gamerancher » 30 Mar 2017, 12:39 pm

All of the silhouette disciplines, with the exception of the "hunter" classes, stipulate "any safe trigger". I've seen blokes shoot with 2oz triggers, I don't personally like them that light, especially for off-hand shooting :o . Having said that the double-set triggers on my BPCR rifles are down around 2oz when set. Luckily in that class you only shoot chickens off-hand, the rest are shot from cross-sticks. :thumbsup:
"Hunter" class rules state, minimum 2lb. They must also have have a functioning safety.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by in2anity » 03 Apr 2017, 1:56 pm

1.6lb for me; bloody amazing for standing offhand, but safety needs to physically block the sear at the very least for such light trigger though... IMO really depends on the trigger mech for what you can safely get away with.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by bigfellascott » 03 Apr 2017, 3:08 pm

I like my triggers to be around 1.2lb mark (hunting/varminting) I hate heavy triggers and I've used them at the range to shoot targets for fun and have shot some great groups with them.

If you don't like light triggers just put a wider shoe on the trigger to make it feel lighter, you can get them on Ebay for around $20 from memory. (narrow triggers feel heavier whilst wider ones feel lighter as a rule) :thumbsup:
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by colinbentley » 19 May 2017, 1:45 pm

Just to broaden the discussion, I think the trigger on my Ruger 77 is about 3.5 - 4 pounds , which as a target shooter, I seem to be squeezing forever. So once dentred on the target should I squeeze more quickly or have the trigger adjusted ?
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by juststarting » 19 May 2017, 1:49 pm

I didn't like the pull weight on my 223, so I slowly adjusted and dried fired until it felt right. Wouldn't even know how many killos it is.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by brett1868 » 19 May 2017, 1:55 pm

Trigger control isn't just a matter of weight or finger position, I like set triggers for hunting (Sako). The BR50 has a 1.5oz "Flavio Fare" trigger which is feather touch but very positive engagement. I like to sight the target and as I slowly exhale I gently "Stroke" the trigger while increasing pressure till it fires. Not knowing when it'll fire helps eliminate anticipation and flinch. The important thing to keep in mind is never to "snatch" the trigger or flinch no matter how light or heavy it is.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by Wylie27 » 19 May 2017, 3:22 pm

Thats what she said.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by Oldbloke » 19 May 2017, 9:25 pm

"Wouldn't even know how many killos it is."

To check all you need is a small spring scale.
One of these would do the job.

m.ebay.com/itm/182562046451
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by Cooper » 19 May 2017, 10:00 pm

It is a personal preference. But around 2lbs down to 1.5lbs is pretty good for me. Any lower than 1.5lbs would be a target trigger only for me. But ideally you'd have all your triggers set the same or Similar.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by juststarting » 19 May 2017, 10:54 pm

Oldbloke wrote:"Wouldn't even know how many killos it is."

To check all you need is a small spring scale.
One of these would do the job.

m.ebay.com/itm/182562046451


Thanks! I think I should have something like this around the house...

But what for? It feels good, what's the point in quantifying it?
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by Oldbloke » 20 May 2017, 7:37 am

But what for? It feels good, what's the point in quantifying it?

Up to you, but I just like them to be fairly consistent.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by Gwion » 20 May 2017, 9:51 am

Consistency is the key to good shooting. If all your triggers are pretty much the same, it makes it easier to focus on other aspects of accurate shooting. That's the way I look at it, anyway.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by KennyA » 20 May 2017, 5:47 pm

Interesting query.
I too had this query with my CZ452.
After a lot of investigation I descidered to do my own DIY trigger job.
I purchased a new spring from Bunnings and bingo it went from over 3lb plus factory break to 1.2lb.
At first I thought that it was a super light trigger but after about 250 rounds I'm now thinking about shortening the spring to get a break just under 1lb.
I only use this rifle for target shooting.
It has improved my groups since the trigger modification.
Best of luck.
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Re: Optimal Trigger Pull for Target and Hunting

Post by YoungSC » 21 May 2017, 2:54 pm

I bought a Lowey trigger kit and installed the second strongest spring. I don't know what the pull strength is but definitely lighter than the original, but not too light.

When I took it to the range for the first warm up shot, I forgot about the change. The shot went off before I was expecting and I thought, "Oh yeah, I lightened the trigger". Ended up getting my highest score so far for Field Rifle.
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