Author Topic: Reducing AR15 trigger pull? (Read 2062 times)

Thomas Krupinski · « **on:** December 25, 2003, 06:01:15 AM »

I have a Bushmaster XR-15 lower with a stock single stage trigger. It pulls crisp and clean, but at 8 pounds.

Does anyone have good instructions for modifying the existing spring(s) to reduce the amount of pull?

Didn't get much information from Bushmaster when I called them other than buying one of thier DCM two stage adjustable trigger sets. I won't be shooting this in competion, only hunting, so I don't have an imposed lower limit.

Thanks.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 25, 2003, 01:32:14 PM »

Two stage triggers usually allow a lighter let off sagely than a simple single stage unit does, especially in autoloading weapons. I've not worked a single stage trigger for low weight in an AR15.. good luck!

Nobade · « **Reply #2 on:** December 26, 2003, 04:23:25 AM »

No need to change springs, but if you watch the hammer as you pull the trigger (don't let the hammer hit the lower - keep your finger in the way) you'll see that it is cocking as the trigger is pulled. If you stone the sear so the engagement angle is paralell, i.e. hammer doesn't move as the trigger is pressed, it will go a long way to helping. Then you can buy one of Brownell's grip fixing bolts with the setscrew in it to reduce creep (or make one yourself if you have a lathe) and you're set. Be careful though, don't cut on the hammer and test it thoroughly. I don't have any problem with mine, but friends who have shot it can get it to double sometimes. Really the best solution is a Rock River 2 stage, it'll cost you some money but you'll have a nice safe trigger that will last. I'm kind of doubtful as to the durability of my trigger job, since I'm not sure how deep the hardening on the sear is. I figure I'll just keep using it until it is worn, then buy a 2 stage myself.

redial · « **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2003, 04:58:48 PM »

Nobade brings up a critical point concerning futzing with the existing pieces - the surface hardening of the parts is very shallow, as I've been told.

I have several of the aftermarket jobbies and the Rock River is one I'd buy over and over. Simple enough that even I can install it without parts left over! Avoid the Bushy.

try adco firearms (www.adcofirearms.com, if I remember right) for the best price - should be less than $100 delivered.

HTH

Redial

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2003, 06:45:12 PM »

Anyone have any more information on that Rock River NM 2 Stage Trigger?

Redail, what was wrong with the Bushmaster 2 Stage Trigger to avoid it other than the price?

When I went to the ADCO and Rock River websites there was just ordering information, no specifics about pull, location of the adjustments and other information like drop in or does it require fitting.

However the price sounds appealing.

Thanks,

1911crazy · « **Reply #5 on:** December 30, 2003, 02:49:08 AM »

I would stoning and polishing it first then add some "Moly" based anti-seize on it and I'm sure it will cut the trigger pull in half. BigBill

If you deciede to go this route do a before and after test on the trigger pull too. Also the more the moly works in to the pores of the metal the better/smoother it will get.

redial · « **Reply #6 on:** December 31, 2003, 03:40:10 PM »

Sorry for the tardy reply Thomas!

The RR is non-adjustable for the most part and drops right in with only two big pieces. Easy to take out for cleaning, no special tools required and never gives problems. Can be tuned by a knowledgable smith to a pull on par with any.

The Bushy is often quite the opposite. The two complaints I hear among Service Rifle shooters involve the feel of the trigger and that it often wears out, won't hold adjustment, doubles, triples and generally annoys the shooter. They're a PITA to get out or adjust and require a tiny Allen head wrench to remove a screw. Service life varies among those with complaints from 800 - 3000 rounds before things start going screwy. The popularity of the Bushy CMP rifle sold to highpower shooters who consume TONS of ammo has brought most of this to light.

To be fair, I have a factory-installed Bushy that has a couple thousand rounds downrange without incident. It's on my dedicated .22 upper most of the time. I never take it apart and I clean it with one of the spray-can solvents instead.

Triggers in this game must hold 4.5 lbs, per the rules so there's little interest in lightening the pull. A Jewell is adjustable well below that weight but that discussion will open more cans of worms...... :wink:

My two cents - worth every penny!

Mark

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #7 on:** January 01, 2004, 03:40:03 PM »

Mark,

Thanks for the additional information, that's not what I wanted to hear, but what I wanted to know. I guess that is why the fellow from Rick River has not answered my follow-up email asking where the adjustment screws are located on their NM 2 stage trigger.

Not too happy hearing that about the Bushmaster trigger. I guess I will just have to talk to them again about how the adjustments are made to their trigger.

Because I no longer shoot service rifle competition, I am not hindered by those rules, I really wish there was a way of lightning up my Bushmaster single stage trigger without affecting dependability, but they told me it can't be done.

Thanks again for the reply.

mainehunt · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2004, 08:14:23 AM »

Tom,

I just did this very thing three nights ago....

I have a Bushmaster V-match. (2 months old)
Stock trigger was decent, but heavy.

I used an Arkansas sharpening stone and some light oil. I stoned the trigger and hammer connection points. Now, the stone that I'm using is pretty smooth. All I did was polish the surface.

I then applied some Moly lube to the two surfaces. This GREATLY reduced the trigger pull. I regret that I don't have a triggger scales to measure with, but let me tell you, it is 200% better. After all of this, I drove my wife nuts by sitting onm the sofa and "shooting" everything in sight.

You know what I mean. Dry firing at screw heads on the electric switch plates and things like that. It is now sooooooo smooth. Now my only beef with that trigger is that it has about 3/16" of creep before the break. I'm going to get one of the Brownell's grip bolt that reduces the creep.

I have also heard about polishing the trigger pin with a drill and steel wool. I will also do that.

Hope this helps, MH