Trigger pull scale

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Ok so it may not be exactly correct or the same as other measurements but is a good way for a quantitative apples to apples comparison of trigger weight before and after trigger mods. Even just the smoothing of parts can lighten the trigger pull a bit because of less friction that has to be over come, so even if you don't try the more major trigger mods you may be interested in this.

Find the biggest round object that will fit in the trigger housing in front of the trigger (PVC, plastic, aluminum, wood, what ever) and contact the most of the trigger all the way through it's motion. Too small an object can be positioned in different places on the trigger (up and down) and different places on the trigger will give you different trigger pulls because of the mechanical advantage (lever action) of a trigger that rotates on an axis (like the p-11, a 1911 does not have this problem for instance). Make sure the item is not to big either, it should easily fit in the trigger guard without touching the sides through the entire travel of the trigger, so it will not add any friction to the trigger pull or force the object to only touch the trigger higher up (giving false high readings because of lack of mechanical advantage).

To Big To Small To Small About Right


I found that 1/2 CPVC worked well for my p-11, p-32 and Ruger MKII.

If you can (depending on what you use) bend a slight V in the center to keep it centered on the trigger (for pvc heat it a bit and it will bend, but don't burn it, PVC gives off noxious fumes when burned). Tie a piece of string to each end of the object (tight so it does not slide off the end) and at the other end of the string make a loop Using a clip of some sort attach the two strings and a weight holder (bucket, bag, box...) to the end of the strings with the loops. Put a snap cap in the chamber of the pistol. Get something to pad a vise with (towels, wood..) and firmly grasp the grip of the pistol or the slide in the vise. For the p-11 and p-32 you will want a mag in the well if you use the grip to help keep from distorting the grips when you clamp it, for my MKII (and others with removable grip panels) I removed the grips so I could clamp down on the frame. You will want the rod (PVC) as close to the vise as you can get it without hitting it, this will help keep the pistol from trying to twist. I had to clamp a quick grip hand clamp into my vise and use that. This was only because my vise did not stick out over the edge of my bench enough for the pistol, pvc and bucket to not hit my bench. Now just slowly load up the weight holder until the trigger breaks. While loading up the trigger keep an eye on the pistol to make sure it does not twist in the vise. Also you will have to start a bit under the trigger pull and add weight to sneak up on the break point. If you start with too much weight (even if it is slightly under the pull weight) you may pull the trigger before hitting the true weight. Of course make sure the weight holder is as still as possible. Disassemble the devise and weigh all pieces (weight holder, rod, and string) and that should be your trigger weight!