The Importance of a Pro Trigger Job on Your 1911
Trigger jobs are not a DIY project and should be done by an experienced gunsmith who has the requisite jigs and skill. If this isn’t done properly it can result in an unsafe firearm that could fire unexpectedly.
A professional trigger job includes removing burrs on the trigger bow, hammer strut and firing pin safety and polishing them. This can significantly lighten the trigger pull.
1. Improved Accuracy
A pro trigger job removes burrs and rough spots on the trigger bar, hammer struts, firing pin safeties (if installed), and other components
that move when the trigger is pulled. This smooths out the feel of the trigger to the finger, improving accuracy and helping to reduce the likelihood of accidental fires, whether dry or live. The trigger job should be done by an experienced armorer or gunsmith, preferably one who is familiar with the type of pistol being worked on. Test the pistol carefully after installation, ideally at the range. A good gunsmith will stand behind his or her work.
2. Reduced Trigger Pull
A good trigger job lightens the trigger pull and gives a smoother feel. Some trigger jobs involve polishing or coating parts, while others may include machining or grinding them to change their shape or reduce their weight.
A common trigger modification involves bending the legs of the sear spring to reduce its tension. The problem with this is that it can cause the sear not to engage the hammer hooks in cycling, which will result in double-fires. It is therefore best to leave adjusting the sear spring to an experienced gunsmith.
Another easy way to lighten the trigger pull is by cleaning the trigger return spring tunnel and trigger bow. Use a sharp, flat screwdriver blade to remove the epoxy-like clear coating that covers the trigger adjustment screws at the front of the trigger assembly. This should expose the small slots of these screws, which can then be cleaned by scraping with a sharp tool. The trigger bow is the piece that extends back from the trigger, through the magazine well and around to engage the grip safety. It should be stoned to make sure there are no burrs that could snag on the frame or magwell and cause trigger back-lash.
3. More Comfortable Grip
The trigger is a very important part of the pistol. It needs to be comfortable in your hand and be able to fit well with your trigger finger. The trigger and grip also need to be positioned in a way that allows for a clean, straight back trigger press. This can be difficult with some triggers/grips, but a good gunsmith should be able to help you find a setup that works for you.
Some of these triggers have a lever halfway down the arm and hand grip that can be extended or shortened to get them in the exact position you want. This is a huge benefit, especially when using a shoulder rig and needing to quickly come down for a low angle shot.
4. Reduced Felt Recoil
A pro trigger job can help reduce felt recoil by making the firing cycle smoother. It is important that the gunsmith polishes the trigger channel, disconnector and hammer hook interface, as well as the sear engagement angle.
Rough spots or burrs on the trigger bar, hammer struts, firing pin safeties, or any other part of the handgun that interacts with the movement of the trigger can translate into roughness felt by the trigger finger. This can be improved by stoning, honing or smoothing the surfaces of these parts without changing their shape or function.
Be careful about attempting to do these changes yourself or having a friend try to do it for you. This is a job that should only be performed by an experienced and knowledgeable gunsmith. Also, be sure to test the gun carefully at the range after it has been modified to ensure that the work was done correctly. A faulty trigger job could lead to multiple rounds being fired. This is especially true if the trigger sear does not properly engage the hammer hooks during cycling.
