Ideal trigger pull weight for 1911 range/defense gun ?

Handguns » 1911 Discussions

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ideal trigger pull weight for 1911 range/defense gun ?

Posted: 1/13/2016 10:26:03 AM EDT

I gat a RIA GI 1911a1. It had a really heavy trigger, 8 lbs. or so when I got it. I replaced the sear spring with a "blue" Colt sear spring and that alone dropped it to a few ounces shy of 4 lbs. Trigger has maybe 1/16" of take up and very little, if any creep . It breaks clean and crisp. I use this mainly as a range gun , but sometime as a back up home defense gun. It seems pretty light, but I haven't shot it a lot yet. I think I'm use to my DA autos like my CZ-75B that has a 5 lbs. pull but more take up and creep. Any input on the topic ? -Thanks

Posted: 1/13/2016 10:30:16 AM EDT

[#1]

Most will say the 4-5 pound range is ideal for a defense gun. For a range toy many will try to go much lower, but often very light triggers do not tend to last long with premature sear wear and tendency to either drop to half cock or go full auto. If you are between 4-5 you are probably where you need to be

Posted: 1/13/2016 10:50:48 AM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
Most will say the 4-5 pound range is ideal for a defense gun. For a range toy many will try to go much lower, but often very light triggers do not tend to last long with premature sear wear and tendency to either drop to half cock or go full auto. If you are between 4-5 you are probably where you need to be

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+1

tried a <2 lb trigger, to light for me even on a USPSA toy.

OP you could of just bent your original sear spring.

Posted: 1/13/2016 2:57:07 PM EDT

[#3]

In my experience, weight is nowhere near as important as crispness of the trigger pull. A five pound break on a crisp trigger seems as good as any lighter weight to me.

Having said that, I run my race guns at 3 pounds, crisp, and have never had problems during a match with that weight. But, a gun set up that light requires a disciplined shooter who keeps his finger outside the trigger guard at all times except during the shot.

Posted: 1/13/2016 5:00:15 PM EDT

[#4]

It all just depends on what you're used to. My STI Spartan V breaks at 3 lbs 14 oz, and I wouldn't hesitate to carry it. My DVC Limited breaks at 2 lbs 2 oz, and while I'm fine with it for USPSA I wouldn't want to carry it.

Posted: 1/13/2016 5:56:03 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
In my experience, weight is nowhere near as important as crispness of the trigger pull. A five pound break on a crisp trigger seems as good as any lighter weight to me.

Having said that, I run my race guns at 3 pounds, crisp, and have never had problems during a match with that weight. But, a gun set up that light requires a disciplined shooter who keeps his finger outside the trigger guard at all times except during the shot.

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This. My TRP breaks right at 5# on my trigger pull gauge but *feels* better to me than other lighter triggers in my collection. So I like having the safety factor of requiring a certain amount of pressure to break the shot combined with a really clean trigger.

Posted: 1/14/2016 2:37:40 PM EDT

[#6]

I like 4.5

Posted: 1/14/2016 3:02:02 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
I like 4.5

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This

Posted: 1/14/2016 10:40:29 PM EDT

[#8]

I like 3.5 - 4.5

Posted: 1/14/2016 10:48:16 PM EDT

[#9]

3.5# is the lowest most gunsmiths will go.

Posted: 1/15/2016 9:20:17 PM EDT

[#10]

4-5 lbs

Posted: 1/16/2016 4:34:43 PM EDT

[#11]

I'll have to agree on 4-5.

Posted: 1/17/2016 1:14:15 AM EDT

[#12]

I have a Hi Power that breaks cleanly at 4.5 lbs and that is about perfect for me.

Posted: 1/17/2016 3:36:35 AM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'll have to agree on 4-5.

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That's were I like mine.

Posted: 1/17/2016 5:14:36 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:

3.5# is the lowest most gunsmiths will go.

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That's what I prefer. If my finger is on the trigger I mean to shoot you.

Posted: 1/18/2016 11:39:45 PM EDT

[#15]

My 1911 45acps have always been set to 4lbs and that works great for me.

Posted: 1/18/2016 11:45:37 PM EDT

[#16]

I jut shoot my RIA 1911 at the factory weight. Does just fine. Is it as nice as my Caspian bullseye gun with a 3 lbs trigger?? No, but it doesn't seem to slow me down at all.

Posted: 1/21/2016 9:05:03 AM EDT

[#17]

A crisp break with no creep is paramount, 4.5lbs to 5.25 is what I aim for.

Posted: 1/21/2016 9:31:19 AM EDT

[#18]

I like a good crisp 4-4.5lbs

Posted: 1/21/2016 10:18:48 AM EDT

[#19]

Nothing to do with the base topic, but:

6.2 CMP Service Pistol Rules
Only Service Pistols that comply with this rule may be used in National Trophy
Pistol Matches and CMP-sanctioned Service Pistol Matches.

6.2.1 General Service Pistol Requirements
The following specific Rules apply to all Service Pistols:

The pistol must be a U. S. Service Pistol or a pistol derived from U. S. or
foreign service pistol design.

The trigger pull must be at least 4.0 pounds. If a trigger shoe is attached,
the trigger weight must be suspended at the center-point of the trigger
when the trigger is checked.

View Quote

Posted: 1/21/2016 12:08:04 PM EDT

[#20]

I've seen a modification that is basically a set screw installed in the MSH that will allow you to adjust the sear spring tension with a hex key. I've often thought about doing that just for kicks.

Posted: 1/21/2016 6:14:42 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
I like 4.5

View Quote

Exactly what I shoot for.... 4-5# is the cheese!

Posted: 2/13/2016 11:31:33 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
I like 4.5

View Quote

Posted: 2/13/2016 11:48:35 PM EDT

[#23]

Another thing to remember, is that as you use the gun and everything wears in, the pull weight will drop a bit.

Posted: 2/14/2016 12:15:59 AM EDT

[#24]

I'm with the 4.5lb guys.

Both my 1911's settled in there with some use without any tricks.

Posted: 2/20/2016 1:28:03 AM EDT

[#25]

My Dan Wesson CBOB is right around 4lbs, that's about perfect.

Posted: 2/20/2016 7:51:26 PM EDT

[#26]

Crisp, no creep, 3.75 pounds.

Ron Phillips did mine.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ideal trigger pull weight for 1911 range/defense gun ?

Handguns » 1911 Discussions

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