Set Triggers

[Ridge Runner]

I would not us it where the game is moving a lot.

Depending on one's definition of "moving a lot" situation.

Meaning

animal is moving within a herd
animal is moving - leading or following a herd
animal is solo moving/grazing away from the her, as an individual, at a distance of 100 to ~250 - 400 yards

This is when I want my lightest trigger most.

As a moving target provides an immediate timing for the best possible shot and the touch of the trigger - BOOM!! - while leading the shot-target combination. But that's me. And what I'm accustomed to.

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Another Thread/OP/ Post subject.

Time To Target Factor: becomes an added calculation when shooting a moving target.

 

[375Fox]

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.

You didn’t describe a set trigger until this post. You made it sound that your set triggers were 1.5-2.25 lbs. If it works for you great. I find it easier to focus on squeezing the trigger and knowing exactly when it will break.

 

[Ridge Runner]

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.

With the amount of adjustable aftermarket triggers available, a set trigger on current production cartridge firearms is almost unheard of, with exception to current production early American black powder sidelock muzzleloading firearms.

 

[fourfive8]

They are ok if you like them but require 100% attention to the process on hunting rifles… for obvious reasons. For hunting rifles…. I much prefer a good, consistent, crisp “single, non-set” trigger over any variety of set system, either double set or push to set single. I’ve killed a bunch of deer and elk over a lot of years using double set trigger rifles, but much prefer a good, single non-set.

 

[Ridge Runner]

You didn’t describe a set trigger until this post. You made it sound that your set triggers were 1.5-2.25 lbs. If it works for you great. I find it easier to focus on squeezing the trigger and knowing exactly when it will break.

My bad as I generalized most everyone understood the purpose of a set trigger and that my trigger weights are 1.5 to 2.25 pound trigger weights.

I find it easier to focus on squeezing the trigger and knowing exactly when it will break.

And this is why I said a set trigger is not for everyone. I for one focus on my target vs squeezing the trigger while others prefer to look at their target and think more about squeezing the trigger.

It's what each individual shooter prefers. Neither mentality is strictly right or wrong.

 

[steve white]

OK, I am back from the "bump test" and happy to report that all three combination guns passed the test with the stecher set and safety either on or off. They all operated correctly without "going off." One even had a margin of a few more ounces in pull weight, I would judge. All fired when the trigger was pulled, only. I did not think to see if I could pull the trigger with the guns on safe, and I have put them away, so maybe check that another day. That would be good to know as well. But, they are quality guns and I am not expecting any trouble.
I did not check the set triggers on the Mannlicher Schoenauers because I did not have/could not find the snap caps for them. Maybe someone could volunteer to test theirs?
Good evening to all, and back to the rat chase!

 

[mark-hunter]

However set triggers aren't for everyone.

I agree with this one, too!

 

[fourfive8]

How well do set triggers work if jacking around with gloves, especially while hunting in winter?

 

[MS 9x56]

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

My number one rule “never use a set trigger while wearing gloves” doing so will almost guarantee an accidental discharge. To review never ever use a set trigger while wearing gloves. You know you don’t have to use the set right. front trigger acts as any other normal trigger.

 

[MS 9x56]

In my experience set triggers work best when shooting from a supported position and help make the most accurate shot with your rifle. Just one old hunters opinion. My first experience with a set trigger was on a Thompson Center Hawken black powder muzzleloader. Then I got 2 Mauser 98 one each in 7x57 and 8x57 both prewar models with set triggers. It takes time and reputation to master the benefits of a set trigger. For me they increase my accuracy substantially. YRMD

 

[Dirtdart]

Over the years I have owned and shot BRNO's, post war sporters, Mark X's, and numerous muzzleloaders with double set triggers. In a lot of cases those double sets sucked when used as a single trigger unset. My 1903 Mannlicher Schoenauer is a prime example.

The factory single set triggers on my drillings, combos, and bolt guns (other than one CZ550) have been much easier to get an unset pull I can live with. All sub one pound when set, but 1.5 to no more than 3 pounds when used unset. When working up loads off of the bench with a rifle that has a bit of recoil I prefer a very light single set but may never use the option in the field.

 

[BlackRhino]

When I started hunting more than 50 years ago, single set triggers (break-down guns) or double set triggers (bolt action) were used exclusively in Europe. The major disadvantage of the double set triggers used at that time was that the front trigger was extremely heavy. Not the best option for driven hunts! Single set triggers used today can combine a good trigger with a defined break with the option of a set trigger for precise shots. I have old guns with double set triggers, single set triggers for bolt actions and break downs as well as guns with a regular trigger. In contrast to "Bonk" I use both functions of the ZKK trigger system. However I agree , it is not the best. In any case you should know how to unset safely the set trigger.

 

[MS 9x56]

Over the years I have owned and shot BRNO's, post war sporters, Mark X's, and numerous muzzleloaders with double set triggers. In a lot of cases those double sets sucked when used as a single trigger unset. My 1903 Mannlicher Schoenauer is a prime example.

The factory single set triggers on my drillings, combos, and bolt guns (other than one CZ550) have been much easier to get an unset pull I can live with. All sub one pound when set, but 1.5 to no more than 3 pounds when used unset. When working up loads off of the bench with a rifle that has a bit of recoil I prefer a very light single set but may never use the option in the field.

My 2 Mauser sporters front triggers are of the military 2 stage type and break at 4 1/2 on the 7 mm and a shade over 5 on the 8mm. I actually prefer a 3 1/2 to 5 lbs on my still hunting rifles as I often have to take snap or jump shots. The heavier trigger gives me time to get on the game before firing.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

With the CZ 550’s and big bores, if the set trigger is a single set, it can be adjusted out to work as a standard trigger that’s not that heavy
Gumpy

 

[Muskox]

Moder set triggers are pretty rare.

I can not think of a single rifle that has one.

You can often put one in a new rifle.

Check Triebel or Johannsen they have a lot of aftermarket gunsmithign parts.

 

[Rare Breed]

With the CZ 550’s and big bores, if the set trigger is a single set, it can be adjusted out to work as a standard trigger that’s not that heavy
Gumpy

My Steyr is like that. Single trigger can be used as a normal trigger or push forward and now a set trigger

 

[SaintPanzer]

I think most of my rifles have some form of set trigger. The Mannlicher Schönauers all have the German "two trigger" set up, the Steyr-Mannlicher Classic II and the Merkel Stützen both have Ruckstechers.

For the double set triggers, my first M1903 (made in 1939) was set for the non set at about four pounds, and the set in ounces. The M1910 (made in 1910) was similar, but my second M1903 (made in 1922) had a very "crunchy" and heavy non-set. It was disappointing, but some time with the smith fixed that. I think he got it to about three pounds, non-set and again ounces while set. All are adjustable, but I'd be cautious. It's easy to go too light.

The Steyr-Mannicher is set to I think around 3 pounds. It has a very little bit of creep, but not much. Its set is also very light. The Merkel is interesting. In addition to its nice "non-set" trigger, the set trigger has a three position switch that varies the lightness. I've found the "middle" position most useful.

For all (especially after having the second M1903 worked on), if you don't like the set, simply don't use it. They are all nice triggers, not a lot of creep, and a crisp let-off. Given the option, I'll take a set trigger, thank you.

I've found them very useful for the Hochsitz. When you have a lot of time to set up your shot, they offer a very precise let off, and you can concentrate on breathing and heartbeat.

As they used to say in the old car ads: "Your mileage may vary".

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

I’ve had a set-trigger on a big game hunting rifle and did not use it. I would imagine on a dedicated target rifle or varmint rifle it could be useful with experience.

 

[Muskox]

I don't think I would want a set trigger on a driven hunt. If you had unsafe situation and then fired a shot, that could be bad.

I have used set triggers on Steyrs on game, but always while I was in the blind or high seat.

 

[steve white]

I think most of my rifles have some form of set trigger. The Mannlicher Schönauers all have the German "two trigger" set up, the Steyr-Mannlicher Classic II and the Merkel Stützen both have Ruckstechers.

For the double set triggers, my first M1903 (made in 1939) was set for the non set at about four pounds, and the set in ounces. The M1910 (made in 1910) was similar, but my second M1903 (made in 1922) had a very "crunchy" and heavy non-set. It was disappointing, but some time with the smith fixed that. I think he got it to about three pounds, non-set and again ounces while set. All are adjustable, but I'd be cautious. It's easy to go too light.

The Steyr-Mannicher is set to I think around 3 pounds. It has a very little bit of creep, but not much. Its set is also very light. The Merkel is interesting. In addition to its nice "non-set" trigger, the set trigger has a three position switch that varies the lightness. I've found the "middle" position most useful.

For all (especially after having the second M1903 worked on), if you don't like the set, simply don't use it. They are all nice triggers, not a lot of creep, and a crisp let-off. Given the option, I'll take a set trigger, thank you.

I've found them very useful for the Hochsitz. When you have a lot of time to set up your shot, they offer a very precise let off, and you can concentrate on breathing and heartbeat.

As they used to say in the old car ads: "Your mileage may vary".

I cannot imagine why I have not taken my M-S in to have the trigger adjusted, as you did. That will be on my to-do list. Thanks.