Author Topic: Contender trigger adjustment (Read 897 times)

BobMachus · « **on:** April 02, 2003, 02:07:20 PM »

I have searched here and other places for some tips on how to reduce the trigger pull on my Contender serial # 19xxx. The trigger has been adjusted so that it has virtually no creep, but it still feels like it takes about #10 to drop the hammer. It might only be 7 or 8#, but it is a monster. My SKS has a better trigger pull, a bit creepy, but much preferable to me for its lightness. My bolt action .223 has a trigger pull of about 10 oz, my single action revolvers about 2.5 #. I have done the work on these myself and am more than capable of working on the contender, but it seems that other than some more polishing my only recourse is lighter springs. Rather than duplicate the effort of others I thought I would try to find some info on which springs have the greatest effect on trigger weight and whether it is easier to modify the springs or buy replacements. I am looking for a trigger pull of about 18-22 oz. Anyone with any thoughts on this please give me some insight, suggestions, links, etc.

Thanks, Bob

BobMachus · « **Reply #1 on:** April 02, 2003, 03:43:04 PM »

Disassembled the action and cleaned with carb aerosol and brake cleaner. Rinsed the solvents out with water and blasted dry with compressor. I then polished all bearing surfaces and lubed with Slip 2000, a persistent lube I use on my 1911 slide. Re-assembled, and the trigger now feels like about 4lbs. I did not disassemble the trigger group. The return spring is VERY strong, tomorrow I will remove that spring and perhaps lop a coil or 8 from it. The trigger feels like about 3 lbs out of the gun due to this return spring. I'll update tomorrow, I am going to go shot some prairie dogs late morning.

Bob

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #2 on:** April 02, 2003, 06:29:42 PM »

Bob,

Rather than clipping off a coil on the trigger return spring, try replacing it with a finer wire one from a disposable lighter cut to the same length as the stock spring.

I have done this on a few frames and have trigger pull weights ranging from 1.75 to 3.25 lbs.

contendernut · « **Reply #3 on:** April 02, 2003, 06:31:11 PM »

Bob,

You can cut a coil or two off the factory spring to reduce weight. If your frame hasn't been converted to easy open, the spring is very stiff. I would polish the striker and sear. Trapper makes a kit that has reduced power springs in it. Don't pay the overpriced ebay kits, Natchez shooting supply sells them for 5 or 6 for the kit.

BobMachus · « **Reply #4 on:** April 02, 2003, 06:58:01 PM »

It has not been converted to easy open, the reutrn spring needs sumthin! Which lighter springs??! Strangely enough I was talking to a buddy who was telling me about using lighter springs for his motorcycle carbs. Thanks, guys

bob

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #5 on:** April 02, 2003, 07:07:26 PM »

Bob,

It's strictly trial and error on the lighter springs between the brands.

Don't think there are any special specifications there, just as long as the coil diameter is about the same and fits.

Cut to the length of the stock T/C spring and the varriation comes from the different stiffness and the number of coils in the length of the lighter springs.

Moe · « **Reply #6 on:** April 03, 2003, 08:06:18 AM »

ON the exploded view, which spring are we talking about. What is its official name? Thanks

BobMachus · « **Reply #7 on:** April 03, 2003, 05:44:23 PM »

On the exploded view in my 30 year old manual it is part # 27 Trigger Spring.

I took my original spring (which would make a great garage door spring) to the hardware store in an attempt to find one the same diameter but with finer spring wire. I failed. I then cut about a coil off the original spring with some side cutters. This left the spring long enough that it still applied pressure to the trigger when re-installed. This resulted in a trigger pull that was too light. It wouldn't "bump off" or fire if I bang the grip on the table, but the trigger pull was in my SWAG was about 4 oz. I then removed the trigger spring again and stretched it just a bit and reinstalled. A few more very tiny stretchings got it to around 1 3/4lbs (again SWAG), just about perfect for me. No creep at all, very smooth due to polishing, still safe enough to not bump off. I would caution anyone wanting to do this to be VERY, VERY careful polishing action parts. I use gunsmithing stones (these are much cheaper then replacement parts, such as a new sear or right hand) and remove only the bare minimum of metal to get a flat surface. Then I use rubbing compund and a rag to get a mirror polish. I would also advise that if you choose to cut your trigger spring do so in VERY small increments so you can avoid having to stretch it later. Put the end you cut into the hole first, so that the factory end is in contact with plunger. Make sure when you polish that you don't change the angle of the surface you are polishing.l