Trigger Pull—Hunting versus Target Shooting

[JustinsDad]

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?

 

[D4570]

Try it, I bet you find the presser of your hunting cold weather gloves set the trigger off before your ready to shoot.

 

[MTLabrador]

My primary hunting rifles are all set to 2.5 lbs. Haven’t had a problem, and I don’t shoot with bulky gloves on.

 

[huronmtns]

Practice the trigger pull set at 2lbs and remember if your trigger finger is cold you may loose a little sensitivity for what weight you are pulling. I hunted with a gun for twenty years that was set up at 2 lbs. I never had any issues with it. But it did scare another guy that wanted to shoot my gun that was used to a much heavier trigger weight. No gloves on while I pull the trigger.

 

[Gary]

IF the majority of your shooting is target shooting (with a 2 lb trigger pull), going to a heavier trigger pull can't be conductive to accuracy, IMO. Use the same trigger pull you're most familiar with.

 

[JustinsDad]

Practice the trigger pull set at 2lbs and remember if your trigger finger is cold you may loose a little sensitivity for what weight you are pulling. I hunted with a gun for twenty years that was set up at 2 lbs. I never had any issues with it. But it did scare another guy that wanted to shoot my gun that was used to a much heavier trigger weight. No gloves on while I pull the trigger.

I have a visual in my head of your friend Farming it on a 190 buck because he wasn’t used yo that light of trigger pull. Was it that dramatic?

 

[hogcarpy]

I have my two hunting rifles set at 2.5 lbs. I shot a two pounds, but didn't feel comfortable and put them back at 2.5#. No issues here.

 

[Brian in Montana]

I set my triggers at 2.5. as you pointed out, I just shoot better with a light trigger.

 

[huronmtns]

I have a visual in my head of your friend Farming it on a 190 buck because he wasn’t used yo that light of trigger pull. Was it that dramatic?

It was dramatic for him. He was shooting at a big pumpkin at 100 yards off hand. I did not tell him what the trigger pull was like. Me and another person had a good laugh out of his reaction though.

 

[MJE2083]

I think 2.5 to 3.5 is ideal

 

[jcbusaf]

Use what you practice with. I know the old saying the trigger should surprise you when it breaks. No. You should know exactly when that trigger breaks.

 

[Deleted member 16014]

Set it how you like it for shooting well and if you have target panic you’d want to fix that, not put a bandaid on it by making your trigger pull heavy. My opinion anyway.

 

[Carl]

I hunt with mine at 12 oz, but don't exactly recommend that. Nothing wrong with a lighter trigger if you're truly comfortable with it.

 

[ImBillT]

All of mine are well under 2lbs.

It sounded like one fellow in here shoots with his gloves on. I always take my right glove off to shoot. There have been some times that my tigger finger got pretty cold.

 

[ida homer]

I’ve never shot at an animal with gloves on, even in -5F. Take them off to shoot.

Mine is at 2.5 lbs, I wish it could go lighter. IMO, 1-2 lbs is the sweet spot. Anything heavier than 3 lb. max is not good for long range, especially if the rifle is lightweight. You’ll see the crosshairs start to wobble.

If planning to shoot at animals at 500 and beyond, you should have 10+ minutes to kick out a nice spot to lay down, dry fire plenty, triple check your conditions/app and dump most of that adrenaline.

 

[belshawelk]

I hunt with multiple guns that have different pulls. I have never adjusted a trigger. Mine all are 2.5-3.5. I do prefer the lighter but not to a point of adjusting anything under 3.5. I never shoot with gloves except waterfowl.

 

[HandgunHunter]

You don’t touch the trigger until you are ready to fire.
Many of my hunting guns are in the ounces....haven’t had an issue.

 

[golfer]

My main hunting rifle is set at 2 pounds. Never seem to have any issues.

 

[JLS]

You don’t touch the trigger until you are ready to fire.

This.

 

[D_Walt]

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...