Set Triggers

[grand veneur]

The forward trigger pull on a Mannlicher Schoenauer is atrocious if you don't set the rear trigger. Probably 9 lbs. If you forget when a big deer jumps up and start trying to pull the front trigger, you will literally have to yank to get the shot to go off. Easier to set the back trigger first, but you have to remember in the heat of the moment. Setting up a long calm shot is easy.
I prefer the single trigger with French "Stecher" set by pushing forward on the trigger. I have several guns so set up. They are unbelievably light when set to the heaviest. The triggers are also very decent when used without setting the Stecher.
BTW, the best shotgun triggers I have ever seen were on the older Sauer Sidelocks. I agree with Norber Klupps on that.

Unfortunately are set triggers The trigger system of this rifles and not an alternative that can be used if needed. It is certainly possible to use only one trigger to a limited extent, but the problem is that with many older firearms, the rear trigger must always be pulled first because, due to the position of the front trigger, this cannot be operated easy like with a normal single trigger. The use of Set Triggers / Deutscher Stecher takes a lot of practice and discipline, especially if you have activated the rear trigger / eingestochen and for various reasons not fired. In some inexperienced hands, this procedure can be dangerous. Despite the fact that German-made big bore rifles were often delivered in the past with set triggers, these were never advisable for hunting DG. It is not without reason that in many cases the set triggers were removed and replaced with single ones.

 

[grand veneur]

A properly adjusted single stage trigger is a joy to use. Simple too. I can’t see the advantage of a set trigger. If they work for you, then take them hunting!

Set triggers offers no advantages, rather many disadvantages, compared to a well-adjusted, single trigger. It was a relic from old times.

 

[mark-hunter]

Set triggers offers no advantages, rather many disadvantages, compared to a well-adjusted, single trigger. It was a relic from old times.

I agree with this. I am not a fan of set triggers of any type.

 

[JB_AH]

Most hunters/shooters have some degree of flinch. The best way to cure a flinch is a set trigger. It should surprise you when it goes off. I don't currently have any rifles with a set trigger, but almost all of my rifles have had some degree of trigger work done. (Except my R8) I have used outfitter rifles with set or French trigger and loved using them. Not sure I would want one on a DG rifle.

It is very interesting how different shooters respond to different triggers.

On set triggers I anticipate just the touching of the trigger too much. It makes me lose focus on the target even and sometimes I flinched because of that.

Then again: gerenations of german hunters used set triggers. Single stage triggers on hunting firearms only became common in the 90s (i think?).

 

[Red Leg]

It is very interesting how different shooters respond to different triggers.

On set triggers I anticipate just the touching of the trigger too much. It makes me lose focus on the target even and sometimes I flinched because of that.

Then again: gerenations of german hunters used set triggers. Single stage triggers on hunting firearms only became common in the 90s (i think?).

I can personally testify that the vast majority of hunting rifles that I encountered in Germany in the seventies were single stage triggers. Set triggers were more common on pre-war rifles that were hidden away and recovered for use following the firearms restrictions of the early post-war occupation. Sadly, many others of that period were destroyed immediately following the war. Other "liberated" ones found their way to this country in GI duffle bags, and it is these we most often see on tables at gun shows today

 

[Rare Breed]

First thanks so much for the great replies! Here is the lesson I am hearing. 1. Always optimize your trigger to what fits you best in my case 2 pounds on my bolt actions and a little higher on my DRs. 2. Don’t let a set trigger take the place of my first point

 

[steve white]

I believe there were set triggers on early American rifles.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Set triggers offers no advantages, rather many disadvantages, compared to a well-adjusted, single trigger. It was a relic from old times.

I agree with this. I am not a fan of set triggers of any type.

I'll repeat what I mentioned in my early post.
Set triggers offer a lot of advantages vs disadvantages. However set triggers aren't for everyone. It takes practice and experience to use a set trigger. Just as light 1.5 - 2.5 pound triggers aren't for everyone nor are 3 - 5 pound triggers meant for everyone.

What some feel and appreciate as advantages others feel are disadvantages. Some prefer light triggers others prefer heavy triggers.

Set Triggers and/or Trigger pull weight is all about personal preference.

 

[eyedok]

Dealing with some problem set triggers right now, bought a BRNO Fox .22 Hornet a few years ago w set triggers, it shoots lights out, well under 1/2” at 100 yds. Its the first gun i’ve had w these triggers, is fine at the range, even kinda liked it. Took it out fox calling one night, what a cluster! Trying to set the trigger on a cold night w gloves and then trying to get in the light trigger (ounces) was not only a nightmare but very dangerous when hunting with your son. Tried it a couple other times by myself thinking i would get better w it bc i have been wanting a .22 Hornet to fox hunt with since i was a teenager, not getting any better tho, so am working w my gunsmith now to replace the set triggers w a single, but apparently he cant find an aftermarket trigger out there to replace it with, hate the idea of selling such a good shooting Hornet, but just not comfortable hunting with it

 

[375Fox]

I'll repeat what I mentioned in my early post.
Set triggers offer a lot of advantages vs disadvantages. However set triggers aren't for everyone. It takes practice and experience to use a set trigger. Just as light 1.5 - 2.5 pound triggers aren't for everyone nor are 3 - 5 pound triggers meant for everyone.

What some feel and appreciate as advantages others feel are disadvantages. Some prefer light triggers others prefer heavy triggers.

Set Triggers and/or Trigger pull weight is all about personal preference.

You are repeating what you said but not really stating any advantages to a set trigger. 1.5-2.25 lbs would be a very heavy set trigger. If I couldn’t lower my single stage trigger to 2 lbs I could possibly see it being an advantage, but I can. Counting to 5 before shooting would provide the same advantage you described earlier.

 

[Red Leg]

You are repeating what you said but not really stating any advantages to a set trigger. 1.5-2.25 lbs would be a very heavy set trigger. If I couldn’t lower my single stage trigger to 2 lbs I could possibly see it being an advantage, but I can. Counting to 5 before shooting would provide the same advantage you described earlier.

I agree, I do not consider 1.5-2 lbs a set trigger pull. That is what I have on my R8's and most of my other rifles. Those with set triggers that I own, have used, or handled all had a set trigger that tripped with just ounces, and very few of them.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I believe there were set triggers on early American rifles.

Correct. (Regarding their use in the "USA"), Although the set trigger was used primarily on target/"precision" rifled firearms "of the day", they evolved for use on more "prestigious" [hunting] rifled guns.

 

[meigsbucks]

My only experience with set triggers was on a TCR 83. Besides the funkey safety, it had double set triggers. I had two barrels: 7 mag and 22/250. I liked the set for chucks with the .22/250. For the 7mag, it wasn’t my cup of tea, especially with the weird safety.

 

[skydiver386]

It depends totally on what you are used to.

I like set triggers, but with lawsuits being what they are, it's easy to see why modern manufacturers shy away from them.

It's also the reason many new rifles have something like the Savage Accu-Trigger. It offers a two stage like effect with a crisp second stage and added safety, at least in theory.

 

[Flbt]

I have shot a few ml with 2 triggers.
They worked but the set really was not that light cheap mass production rifles.

I do like the cz push foward set trigger.
The normal pull is not bad at all.
The set is really light and works well on a stand where you have time to set the trigger.

My rem 700 has a light trigger that brakes like a glass rod ( old gun magazine saying) but it fits.
The trigger is very close to the set trigger.
I will only use that rifle on the range or from a stand.
Honestly I think it’s to light for a hunting rifle.
I would not us it where the game is moving a lot.

With the cz I have a normal trigger for normal type use and I have the option of a light trigger for use on the stand or range.
I have let my nephew shoot it a lot .
He 11 and under stands how to use it
And likes it.
So it ant that complicated.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Dealing with some problem set triggers right now, bought a BRNO Fox .22 Hornet a few years ago w set triggers, it shoots lights out, well under 1/2” at 100 yds. Its the first gun i’ve had w these triggers, is fine at the range, even kinda liked it. Took it out fox calling one night, what a cluster! Trying to set the trigger on a cold night w gloves and then trying to get in the light trigger (ounces) was not only a nightmare but very dangerous when hunting with your son. Tried it a couple other times by myself thinking i would get better w it bc i have been wanting a .22 Hornet to fox hunt with since i was a teenager, not getting any better tho, so am working w my gunsmith now to replace the set triggers w a single, but apparently he cant find an aftermarket trigger out there to replace it with, hate the idea of selling such a good shooting Hornet, but just not comfortable hunting with it

Unless there is a very large trigger guard, with plenty of space between the set trigger and the shooting trigger; wearing using gloves while hunting is a "cluster".

Trick to using gloves:
I suggest using a "trigger finger glove" or fingerless glove/ mitten type, one of those "gloves" that allow the "tip" of the trigger finger(s) to be exposed while covering the other fingers or back/palm of the hand. One that uses magnetic or velcro to hold the half mitten frontal piece in place. Walmart carries, or use to carry, these type gloves/mittens.

Of course depending on how cold it is just remove the shooting hand glove once you identify your target and prepare to shoot.

If I'm wearing gloves while hunting I'm using the. forementioned in fridged weather. While in cool /cold weather I generally use a slender neoprene type shooting glove.

I like my trigger finger exposed to feel the trigger. Gloves prevent my feeling of the trigger. I know some like to use a "surgical" "exam" type glove to keep their hand warm, just not my preference.

 

[Ridge Runner]

It is very interesting how different shooters respond to different triggers.

On set triggers I anticipate just the touching of the trigger too much. It makes me lose focus on the target even and sometimes I flinched because of that.

Then again: gerenations of german hunters used set triggers. Single stage triggers on hunting firearms only became common in the 90s (i think?).

Practice, Practice, and more Practice.

There should be no anticipation on touching the trigger, or flinching. IF the set and shooting triggers are set properly.

The sequence being:

Pick your target
Put sights on target
Set the set trigger, trigger finger pointing forward/parallel along side rifle, above trigger guard
Concentrate, sights on target
Trigger finger moves to trigger, BOOM!!

Full concentration is on your target, trigger finger doesn't move shooter is fully fixated on the target. Moving or Stationary. The movement of the trigger finger is totally muscle memory/ by habit. BOOM!!

IF a shooter has to think about placing their finger on the trigger, then squeezing (pulling) the trigger, while semi focused on their target. The shooter will flinch, or otherwise "jerk" the trigger.

Those use to a heavy trigger, Well, "trigger anticipation is normal".

 

[Ridge Runner]

You are repeating what you said but not really stating any advantages to a set trigger. 1.5-2.25 lbs would be a very heavy set trigger. If I couldn’t lower my single stage trigger to 2 lbs I could possibly see it being an advantage, but I can. Counting to 5 before shooting would provide the same advantage you described earlier.

The set trigger on my firearms will scare everyone not use to a light trigger.

1.5 - 2.25 trigger weight is without a set trigger. Rifles with a set trigger cuts the trigger weight about ~1/3 to ~1/2+. My 1.5 triggers will be a ~.8 to ~.9 pounds. The 2.25 triggers are around ~1.6 to ~1.9 trigger weight.

I see this change of trigger weight as an advantage. Most others would be horrified and declare this an abomination disadvantage of such a light trigger.

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I don't count. I focus. I either declare or decline the shot. Resulting in my thumb controlling the hammer coming down with the muzzle in a safe, pointed to the sky. Or the action being opened and the chambered cartridge(s) being ejected/removed/cleared.

 

[steve white]

The set triggers I have are so light, that not only does the gun go off if you touch them at all, but I also wonder if the gun could suffer the slightest bump without releasing the sear. I have not tried the bump test on them, but might as well get out the snap caps and try. It would provide some peace of mind to know the safety limits. Of course, with a Greener safety engaged, it might be just fine anyway.

 

[Bonk]

I’ve had set triggers on a couple of rifles but I don’t remember which ones. I think one was a CZ. I didn’t care for it. Too light for field work but kinda handy for sighting in on the bench. Hell, I may even still have one. That’s how infrequently I use them. I can’t even remember which if any of my rifles has one.