Author Topic: .204 Handi Trigger Work (Read 518 times)

ajshoots · « **on:** August 06, 2005, 06:11:38 AM »

I have a .204 Handi Rifle that shoots well, but I like a rather light trigger(15oz.-2lbs.) My trigger is very crisp and clean but pulls @3.25lbs. I now this is concidered light, but not to me. I have read other posts about trigger jobs, but non have said that under 3lbs is possible. Can you safely take the trigger below 2lbs? If so do you have to change spring length or tension, or just keep stoning? Any help would be appreciated!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2005, 06:20:57 AM »

Welcome aboard, AJShoots!! If you read Perklo's instruction, you'll see that he doesn't recommend a pull weight below 2¾lbs, and I think he's right cuz if you go below that, you risk the trigger wearing over time and getting too light to be safe. I've done a couple that are are 2lbs3oz and they are getting lighter everytime I use them, the one that I did first is down to less than 2lbs now, so I expect I'll be installing a new hammer before too long. :? If you do go real light, I'd recommend you check it frequently with the bump test to make sure it's still safe.

Tim

http://www.perkloafm.com/

Varminter · « **Reply #2 on:** August 06, 2005, 06:23:14 AM »

Yes it's possible. I went alittle too far on my 44 mag when i was doing a trigger and now it pulls at about 1.25 pounds. I didn't like at at first but now i'm gonna have to redo my 223. It's great. Just check the sticky at the top of the page for the instructions.

Welcome aboard! Pull up a chair, kick up your feet and stay awhile.

Varminter · « **Reply #3 on:** August 06, 2005, 06:28:54 AM »

I did the bump test on mine. It's completely safe RIGHT NOW. But like quick said i will also probably be replacing the triggeer very soon.

Wlscott · « **Reply #4 on:** August 06, 2005, 07:59:06 AM »

Quote from: quickdtoo

Welcome aboard, AJShoots!! If you read Perklo's instruction, you'll see that he doesn't recommend a pull weight below 2¾lbs, and I think he's right cuz if you go below that, you risk the trigger wearing over time and getting too light to be safe. I've done a couple that are are 2lbs3oz and they are getting lighter everytime I use them, the one that I did first is down to less than 2lbs now, so I expect I'll be installing a new hammer before too long. :? If you do go real light, I'd recommend you check it frequently with the bump test to make sure it's still safe.

Tim

http://www.perkloafm.com/

Ditto. I took my 204 down to 2.25 lbs. It's a great trigger, but I'm afraid I'll be putting a new hammer in it in a year (If I can actually get out and shoot the darn thing :cry: ).

My 204 was at around 3.25 lbs before I started, and all I did was polish with the Dremmel. No stoning at all and it took it down to 2.25 lbs.

DON'T STONE IT, JUST POLISH IT IF YOUR TRIGGER IS ALREADY THAT LIGHT. PUT IT BACK TOGETHER AND CHECK IT WITH A PULL GAUGE BEFORE YOU DO ANY STONING!

jeff223 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2005, 08:40:30 AM »

my 223 handi rifle trigger is at 1.5lbs (24oz) and ive been shooting it for a number of years now.the trigger job was done way back when NEF had their own forum.i really dont see any problem with a light trigger on a handi rifle at all.they seem to last very good at 1.5 lbs but i have heard of handi rifle triggers being to light and they wouldnt function good.between 1.5 and 2lbs is about the limit on one.

once you have things honed you can change the trigger return spring with one from a ball point pen.try a number of them as there are many out there.you can also cut one coil off the factory return spring and that will lighten things up too.be sure to save your factory spring just in case.i once enlarger the return spring hole on one of my guns so a lighter spring would fit in there good.its just a hole in the plastic trigger guard so its not a big deal

ajshoots · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2005, 03:52:29 AM »

Thanks for all the info! Atleast I know what I am getting myself into with lightening the trigger now.
thanks again
Aaron

ajshoots · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2005, 09:16:43 AM »

I just finished a camo job on my .204 and decided to look at the trigger. All I did was use a Dremel with a polishing wheel and some JB and polished everything up. Didn't take off any metal, just polished and the trigger pulls at 2lbs 4oz. I gave it the old drop test and it wouldn't fire. So hopefully I won't have any problems with it. Thanks again for everyones help.

Much Appreciated
Aaron

Fred M · « **Reply #8 on:** August 08, 2005, 04:09:29 PM »

I have two frames both have 24oz triggers. Would not have them any other way. Make sure you reduce the trigger return spring for trouble free follow through.

ajshoots · « **Reply #9 on:** August 08, 2005, 05:01:37 PM »

How much needs cut off? 1 coil? Does this lighten the trigger or what exactly is this needed for? This is my first Handi Rifle and am still learning.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** August 08, 2005, 05:18:12 PM »

The trigger sticky by Raynor shows the trimmed trigger spring.

Tim

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=52341

Fred M · « **Reply #11 on:** August 08, 2005, 05:46:23 PM »

I have found the original trigger return spring to heavy even when cut off.
There is only so much you can cut off or the trigger will rattle. I used a new much lighter spring. You can look at a ball point pen spring.

Yes when you reduce the trigger return spring you also reduce the the pull weight by the amount you reduce the return spring. My return spring will just return the trigger with practically very little felt weight.

The bump test will not drop the hammer. To me this is really of dubious value. When the hammer is cocked you are ready to shoot if you don't shoot lower the hammer and let go of the trigger. I don't walk around with the hammer cocked. You only cock the hammer when you want to shoot.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #12 on:** August 09, 2005, 02:02:39 PM »

Ok Fred, I took your advice again!! I did a trigger job on the fluted Ultra, used half of a retractable pen spring, but since it's larger in diameter than the original spring, I had to drill the spring pocket out, not a problem, the spring provides just enough pressure to return the trigger and also keep it from rattling. Trigger scale say 2lb 2oz with minimal honing of pins, bores and trigger/hammer contact points.....it's a winner!!! To the range tomorrow!!!

Thanks Fred!!

Tim

Fred M · « **Reply #13 on:** August 09, 2005, 02:21:41 PM »

Quick.
I did not use a ball point pen but JPH did. Never put a scale on my return spring. 34oz is a pretty good weight. But more than I like. I would not hesitate to use a 16oz trigger on a varminter.