Davis single set hawken pistol trigger

[Mauser06]

Anyone have the scoop on Davis having several items listed as on hold?   


I am gathering parts for a pistol build and was hoping to find a commercial single set trigger to use.

This far, that is the only one I see.  I don't have the skills to make one myself nor the knowledge of hardening and tempering and such.

This is going to be a 54cal hunting pistol...I'm not sure a double set trigger will work as well..it's my understanding that the trigger guard can be rough on the knuckles...a DST would mean having the guard closer to the finger to reach the front trigger I would think...so a single set seems to be the way to go...


Any info, thoughts ideas etc??   

I'm in no hurry. It's going to be a bit before I need the trigger..but at the same time I'd like to obtain the parts so I have them... could make progress quicker than I plan. 


Thank!

[Hungry Horse]

I don't know what you intend to hunt with a pistol, but I've seen more accidental discharges with pistols equipped with set triggers than any other muzzleloading gun. A good smooth basic trigger might serve you better. JMO.

  Hungry Horse

[Daryl]

Taylor has been shooting a .60 cal Hawken pistol with single set trigger for 24 years - or is it 26 years now?  Not sure whose trigger it is. Maybe he will see this thread.

I have a simple trigger on my pistol and it shoots well indeed, with both barrels - the .45 with cap-lock and .54 with flint.

[Bob Roller]

Anyone have the scoop on Davis having several items listed as on hold?   


I am gathering parts for a pistol build and was hoping to find a commercial single set trigger to use.

This far, that is the only one I see.  I don't have the skills to make one myself nor the knowledge of hardening and tempering and such.

This is going to be a 54cal hunting pistol...I'm not sure a double set trigger will work as well..it's my understanding that the trigger guard can be rough on the knuckles...a DST would mean having the guard closer to the finger to reach the front trigger I would think...so a single set seems to be the way to go...


Any info, thoughts ideas etc??   

I'm in no hurry. It's going to be a bit before I need the trigger..but at the same time I'd like to obtain the parts so I have them... could make progress quicker than I plan. 


Thank!

I agree with Hungry Horse.A set trigger may be OK for a match pistol but on a hunting gun,
a single trigger along with a tuned,precise lock will work fine.I saw an early Davis single set
trigger a couple of years ago and it seemed fine to me.Jud Brennan in Alaska has made some
really nice pistols with double set triggers.If you do find a good single set trigger it should be
capable of firing the lock unset.

Bob Roller

[moleeyes36]

The Gun Works makes one. http://www.thegunworks.com/custprodgun.cfm?Cat2Name=Custom%20Triggers&SubCat2ID=56&do=list&Cat1Name=Triggers%20%26%20Trigger%20Parts  Couldn't tell you anything on how well it works.

Mole Eyes

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I agree with HH>>>a set trigger is a catastrophe for a hunting pistol.

I have the above (link) trigger in a rifle, and it is a dandy...bought from Muzzleloader Builder's Supply.

The Hawken pistol Daryl speaks of has been the subject of several threads over the years.  But is a good example of why not to use a set trigger in a hunting pistol.  I lost a "duel" to Daryl at a rendezvous years ago.  The contest consisted of two plates on a pivot - first plate hit moved the second out of the way.  We were to start with pistols cocked and pointed skyward.  As I raised mine, it went off - the weight of the trigger fired the gun.  Daryl had all day to hit his plate, and did not miss.  Everyone had a good laugh at my dilemma.
A hunting situation wouldn't be as amusing.

[Mauser06]

Thank for the info guys!  As always, it's greatly appreciated. 



Can anyone elaborate on why it's not a good idea on a hunting pistol?? 


I will admit, I've never used a single set trigger. My thoughts was it'd be able to fire as a normal trigger. And if warranted, could set it and fire it.   I shoot a DST on my rifles.   On a pistol, it seems a real "clean" and fairly light trigger would greatly help with the accuracy.  I shoot lots of modern handguns running the spectrum basically. I know It's easier to get a good shot with a light clean trigger opposed to say a double action with a long heavy pull.


Don't wanna make a bad decision here.  I want to build this pistol to hunt with. 


Thanx all!   

[Hungry Horse]

Most single set triggers offered today aren't capable of being shot unset. Some single set triggers on antique dueling, or target, pistols did have this option, but I haven't seen any modern replicas of them.

  Hungry Horse

[n stephenson]

Mauser06 , A properly set up simple trigger can be very light and still be safe . I haven't seen a single set that would shoot unset, they might have been made , I just haven't seen them. The best one I ever used in a build was a trigger by Walter Cain, I found it on trader`s row at Friendship in a box of parts I bought for $20 . It was nicely made and worked good but, it wouldn't shoot unset.

[Mauser06]

Thanx all!    That was my ignorance assuming they would work set or unset.   


I definitely see the reasoning now.   

I'm pretty green to trigger and getting the "most" from them....so I will dig through the pages as I'm sure it's been discussed here before. 

[Joe Stein]

L&R has two models of single set triggers that are double action- fire set or unset. They have been around for a long time.  https://www.lr-rpl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55:single-set-triggers-model-t-1650-t-1675&catid=37:la-r-triggers&Itemid=65