Trigger Pull—Hunting versus Target Shooting

[JustinsDad]

I never touch the trigger until I’m on the target. I have never shot with gloves on either although a few times my finger was so cold I may have been just as good with gloves. My rifle is a carbon fiber Nosler 30 that only weighs 6 pounds. I think the heavy trigger pull is affecting the accuracy though. Obviously the accuracy is my fault but lighter trigger pull will probably help. You guys bring up good points. Having a 12 oz trigger pull seems extremely low but I could see that being good for really long shots.

 

[Shangobango]

I have no clue how many pounds the triggers are set to on all my different rifles. I don't have any that are so heavy that they cause accuracy problems. I only have one that is so light I feel obliged to mention it before I hand the rifle to someone.

As long as it is a nice crisp break on the trigger and I am familiar with the trigger pull on the rifle I am shooting, I don't have issues.

 

[88man]

It depends how much trigger time you have. If you never shoot or only fire 20 rounds a year from a scoped rifle 3.5 lbs on an average weight sporter is fine for all. If you shoot alot 2lbs or less is fine.

 

[Wildabeest]

When hunting, I wear mid weight liner gloves most of the time and put chopper mittens over them when it’s really cold. I leave the liner gloves on when shooting. I also tend the wear those same liner gloves at the range just so I have consistency.

 

[noharleyyet]

2.75 on the bolts....makes the Ruger #1 feel like a strong handshake...& need a better trigger for the AR.

 

[thusby]

I don't know how much difference it makes if you are used to where it is set. My subconscious and muscle memory kicks in when it is killing time. I don't remember actively controlling my breathing or deciding to pull the trigger once my crosshairs are stable and the animal is broadside. It all just kind of happens.

 

[2rocky]

My hunting guns are now almost all 1.5 - 2 lbs. Once you get used to it it’s hard to go back to a heavier trigger. Much easier to be a good shot with a lighter trigger and some guns will miraculously become more accurate with a light trigger. If you practice enough you’re unlikely to go off prematurely...

True in more than just shooting rifles...

 

[Tom_Nguyen]

My hunting rifle trigger is set at 1.5 lbs , I practice and hunt at the same.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

At the range I’m most accurate with a 2 lb trigger pull. However for hunting I have always been told to stay with 3-1/2 lb minimum so I don’t get excited at the big buck in my scope and prematurely fire before I’m ready. Adrenaline factor, I guess. I’m starting to hunt at longer ranges now though, and thinking about adjusting my hunting rifle down to 2 lbs. What are your thoughts on this?

This may be obvious, but if you are suffering from adrenaline overload, I would work on that separately. I don't think it should preclude you from a nice crisp trigger.

 

[Huntkook]

At the range I’m most accurate with a 2 lb trigger pull. However for hunting I have always been told to stay with 3-1/2 lb minimum so I don’t get excited at the big buck in my scope and prematurely fire before I’m ready. Adrenaline factor, I guess. I’m starting to hunt at longer ranges now though, and thinking about adjusting my hunting rifle down to 2 lbs. What are your thoughts on this?

My rifles are both set at 2.5 lbs. That's what I practice and hunt with. That being said find a weight that you feel most comfortable with and go with that.

 

[npaden]

Don't see them on many hunting rifles, but I think a big part of the accuracy of my Rock River Arms AR-15 is the 2 stage trigger. Best of both worlds.

On a single stage trigger I think mine are all around 2.5 lbs. We practice quite a bit with a Ruger 10-22 and it has a pretty heavy trigger pull. It does take some adjusting to go back to the lighter triggers after spending a lot of time with it. I probably need to get it's trigger replaced or adjusted so it isn't such a big difference.

 

[nrpate05]

I had a rifle that was about 3.5 lbs and I shot ok with it, but would sometimes be a little inconsistent and send a shot a few inches one way or the other every now and again. I adjusted it down to 2.5 lbs and my consistency has improved dramatically. I didn't think it would have made a difference, but it did and I enjoy shooting the rifle a lot more now.

 

[VikingsGuy]

When hunting, I wear mid weight liner gloves most of the time and put chopper mittens over them when it’s really cold. I leave the liner gloves on when shooting. I also tend the wear those same liner gloves at the range just so I have consistency.

I like the half-length midweight liners with choppers over the top if needed. Unless it gets really cold, keeping your wrists, palms and first 2/3 of your fingers warm actually helps keep the tips reasonably warm too while still having full feel.

 

[ida homer]

If you practice enough you’re unlikely to go off prematurely...

How much practice does he need? - my internet provider

 

[JustinsDad]

The lighter trigger pull has improved my groups at the range. It’s really noticeable at 600 yards+. By this fall I will have shot enough rounds that it’ll be better for hunting too. Im at 2 pounds now and may go down one more step. It’s kinda fun messing with it. Feels like a brand new rifle!

 

[JustinsDad]

Don't see them on many hunting rifles, but I think a big part of the accuracy of my Rock River Arms AR-15 is the 2 stage trigger. Best of both worlds.

On a single stage trigger I think mine are all around 2.5 lbs. We practice quite a bit with a Ruger 10-22 and it has a pretty heavy trigger pull. It does take some adjusting to go back to the lighter triggers after spending a lot of time with it. I probably need to get it's trigger replaced or adjusted so it isn't such a big difference.

Indeed. I have been shooting my Nosler 30 but I need to adjust my other hunting rifles trigger pulls to match. My Nosler 30 is my “go to” hunting rifle but I also hunt with a few other rifles every now and then.

 

[ida homer]

Good work. I think 1.5 - 2 lbs is great, at least for my liking.