Simple Trigger vs Set Triggers

[George F.]

I recently finished my Cherry Fowler, and it was a Chambers Kit. The trigger was a simple trigger. I've known about this for quite some time, but since I don't build that many guns, 8 so far, and most have been with Davis double set triggers. I didn't pin the trigger to the stock, but replaced the triggerplate with my own using 3/4" x1/2" bar stock. Pinned the trigger at the top, and inletted the the plate and trigger. Then I thinned down the sear spring some, and fitted the trigger to the sear bar and triggerplate with no slop or free travel. I kept the sear/trigger piviot pin about 3/8", maybe 1/2" from the sear. This gave me  very short trigger travel, and with the high pivot pin, polished surfaces, and a thinned sear spring, a very nice light trigger with hardly any trigger travel. I think I won't be using  anymore Davis set triggers. I am so impressed with this trigger, I am besides myself.  ...Geo.

[J Shingler]

Glad it worked out for you but try pinning it higher in the wood next time and you will like it even better. 
The longer the pivot pin to the trigger finger the better the mechanical advantage. It also allows you to slope the top of the trigger bar for more advantage. One of the best explanations of this is in Recreating the American Longrifle. You are correct with a little effort in layout and slicking up a lock it is amazing what you can do with a single trigger gun.
Jeff

[northmn]

Glad it worked out for you, but sometimes it is easier to install a set trigger than getting a good trigger pull out of the single trigger.  Another trick for fitting I use is to install a small light spring that holds the trigger against the sear.  No slop easy fitting.   I have used stretched out ball point pen springs.

DP

[Dphariss]

I recently finished my Cherry Fowler, and it was a Chambers Kit. The trigger was a simple trigger. I've known about this for quite some time, but since I don't build that many guns, 8 so far, and most have been with Davis double set triggers. I didn't pin the trigger to the stock, but replaced the triggerplate with my own using 3/4" x1/2" bar stock. Pinned the trigger at the top, and inletted the the plate and trigger. Then I thinned down the sear spring some, and fitted the trigger to the sear bar and triggerplate with no slop or free travel. I kept the sear/trigger piviot pin about 3/8", maybe 1/2" from the sear. This gave me  very short trigger travel, and with the high pivot pin, polished surfaces, and a thinned sear spring, a very nice light trigger with hardly any trigger travel. I think I won't be using  anymore Davis set triggers. I am so impressed with this trigger, I am besides myself.  ...Geo.

A good single trigger is really a joy.
"No slop" in the trigger can be a safety concern. When fit this tight ANYTHING that interferes with trigger movement can result in an accidental discharge since the sear may not fully enter the 1/2 or full cock notch. The sear MUST be allowed absolute free travel to be safe.
A *very* light spring is better way to keep the trigger in contact with the sear if this is important.

Dan

[George F.]

Yes a trigger that is "more" than just touching the sear is dangerous, considering the depth of the full cock notch. I will have a better look at it just to make sure, but I can not get over how great this feels.  ...Geo.

[Acer Saccharum]

Locks with the 'one position sear' can be set up for a single trigger without much slop between trigger bar and sear.  This 'one position' means that the sear position is the same for both full cock and half cock. Not all locks are made with this geometry.

I also use a light feather spring to hold the trigger against the sear. VERY light flat stock. You don't want the gun to fire if the sear spring fails.

Acer

Good morning, and what a morning it is! Clear and crisp. Not cold enough to frost the peppers and tomatoes. Lovely weather.

[jerrywh]

I would rather have a good single trigger in a hunting gun than a set trigger. I like set triggers on target pistols and rifles. I woulld not have lightened the sear spring though. I usually strenghten my sear springs if anything. They have little effect on trigger pull if everything else is correct.