trigger pull inspections

[sealbeach]

So I purchased a Lyman trigger pull gauge to make sure I pass the armory inspection. CCWInstructor warned me that some gauges are reading incorrectly, and the guns are failing...sure enough, I check my gauge with 2 different precision electronic scales, it is reading 2 oz over--which means my guns would all fail. (a gun showing a 4 lb pull, would really be firing at 3 lb 14 oz, FAIL!).

At least I know how much to compensate for now, I will adjust the triggers so that using this Lyman gauge, they fire at 4 lb 2.2 oz (or more), that will give me enough of a comfort margin so I know they will pass.

[Dutchman]

Originally Posted by sealbeach

So I purchased a Lyman trigger pull gauge to make sure I pass the armory inspection. CCWInstructor warned me that some gauges are reading incorrectly, and the guns are failing...sure enough, I check my gauge with 2 different precision electronic scales, it is reading 2 oz over--which means my guns would all fail. (a gun showing a 4 lb pull, would really be firing at 3 lb 14 oz, FAIL!).

At least I know how much to compensate for now, I will adjust the triggers so that using this Lyman gauge, they fire at 4 lb 2.2 oz (or more), that will give me enough of a comfort margin so I know they will pass.

Your county goes down to the gnats *****. Our deputy inspecting our ccw weapons didn't use a strain gauge.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by sealbeach

So I purchased a Lyman trigger pull gauge to make sure I pass the armory inspection. CCWInstructor warned me that some gauges are reading incorrectly, and the guns are failing...sure enough, I check my gauge with 2 different precision electronic scales, it is reading 2 oz over--which means my guns would all fail. (a gun showing a 4 lb pull, would really be firing at 3 lb 14 oz, FAIL!).

At least I know how much to compensate for now, I will adjust the triggers so that using this Lyman gauge, they fire at 4 lb 2.2 oz (or more), that will give me enough of a comfort margin so I know they will pass.

Just curious - do you know what kind of a scale they are using? i know the OC folks are ok, but geeze, is their scale calibrated by Weights and Measures?

[x-ricer]

i just went through the inspection last week.

they use weights that are hooked up to a "hook" literally, and hang it onto the trigger and lift the gun to see if the trigger will "activate".

pretty simple

[prophet42]

very scientific

[1buba]

Originally Posted by x-ricer

i just went through the inspection last week.

they use weights that are hooked up to a "hook" literally, and hang it onto the trigger and lift the gun to see if the trigger will "activate".

pretty simple

Ok, i have to give it to them - that's got the potential to be much more accurate than the typical ones like SB and I have. still matters where you locate the hook, but it's better than i thought they were doing.

[sealbeach]

Originally Posted by 1buba

Ok, i have to give it to them - that's got the potential to be much more accurate than the typical ones like SB and I have. still matters where you locate the hook, but it's better than i thought they were doing.

After learning how they were doing it, I made my own: sports bottle with exactly 4 lbs. of change in it, checked it with a very accurate digital postal scale, cross checked with a second scale. I used a bent heavy gauge wire for a hook, and then I could learn that my Lyman gauge was off by 2.1 oz @ 4 lbs.

Each gun therefore needed to read 4 lbs. 2.1 oz to just be exactly 4 lbs trigger pull, so I added 2 oz more to be even safer. Now each gun on the Lyman had to read 4 lbs, 4.1 oz OR MORE in order to pass.

My double check was the simple 4 lb weight/bent wire hook, each gun had to pass that test too. The guy in the armory (Lance, not Dwayne) kept rechecking each one, he seemed surprised they passed--but if I had trusted the Lyman, they would have failed!!!

The problem with only using a 4 lb weight to calibrate your triggers, is that it is a pass/no pass deal, you might make the trigger much too stiff, if you cannot tell what your adjustments are doing--it passes the weight test, but it might be much higher than you want.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by sealbeach

After learning how they were doing it, I made my own: sports bottle with exactly 4 lbs. of change in it, checked it with a very accurate digital postal scale, cross checked with a second scale. I used a bent heavy gauge wire for a hook, and then I could learn that my Lyman gauge was off by 2.1 oz @ 4 lbs.

Each gun therefore needed to read 4 lbs. 2.1 oz to just be exactly 4 lbs trigger pull, so I added 2 oz more to be even safer. Now each gun on the Lyman had to read 4 lbs, 4.1 oz OR MORE in order to pass.

My double check was the simple 4 lb weight/bent wire hook, each gun had to pass that test too. The guy in the armory (Lance, not Dwayne) kept rechecking each one, he seemed surprised they passed--but if I had trusted the Lyman, they would have failed!!!

The problem with only using a 4 lb weight to calibrate your triggers, is that it is a pass/no pass deal, you might make the trigger much too stiff, if you cannot tell what your adjustments are doing--it passes the weight test, but it might be much higher than you want.

Good stuff SB. After reading about the scale they use, I have a foggy memory of seeing one. Now I'm trying to remember where. I NEED one of those!!! (Though your sports bottle is a great idea.)

I think it's just bizarre the differences from county to county. They don't even LOOK at the guns up here. In fact, the ladies typing up the permits don't know anything about guns, so i'm sure i could write in a rife and they wouldn't know. I'm guessing they would know that 12 gauge shouldn't be there though.

[NikNak]

When working on triggers ..... all competitors at National and International events have to have theirs make weight ... a common practice is to give yourself 10% wiggle room should there be a discrepancy in your scale ... their weights, ..........and to compensate for the break-in period of the springs/wear points in the trigger linkage.

Most new parts will wear in a little and the springs will get tired after extensive use ... that is why they make more. If you push the limits, you may find yourself over the edge at the wrong moment....

When it come to actually using it ... an extra 4-8 ounces won't even be noticed if you have a clean break.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by NikNak

When working on triggers ..... all competitors at National and International events have to have theirs make weight ... a common practice is to give yourself 10% wiggle room should there be a discrepancy in your scale ... their weights, ..........and to compensate for the break-in period of the springs/wear points in the trigger linkage.

Most new parts will wear in a little and the springs will get tired after extensive use ... that is why they make more. If you push the limits, you may find yourself over the edge at the wrong moment....

When it come to actually using it ... an extra 4-8 ounces won't even be noticed if you have a clean break.

i've done quite of bit of work on my Contenders and Encore triggers. You are right - the crisp trigger will make it appear almost a pound lighter than the soft trigger that you normally have on these guns.

[Kappy]

Wow. I don't even think my sheriff picked my guns up. I think they just tilted the case I brought in to read the serial number.

[wac220]

Originally Posted by Kappy

Wow. I don't even think my sheriff picked my guns up. I think they just tilted the case I brought in to read the serial number.

Same for Placer County, Just verified SN