Brass or iron for triggers

[trackpin]

Was brass ever used for triggers on non-reproduction muzzle loaders? I see some modern made reproductions using brass. I see none on original pieces. Why?

 

[tenngun]

Was brass ever used for triggers on non-reproduction muzzle loaders? I see some modern made reproductions using brass. I see none on original pieces. Why?

Too soft?
I wouldn’t be surprised if someone offered an example. Sea guns were often made with brass barrels and brass lock plates, steel reserved for only where needed.
But steel seems the rule. And this where steel was the unusual as iron made up most of the gun

 

[TDM]

Agree with @tenngun. Steel for triggers.

 

[rich pierce]

It was used. I recently saw an early fowler with a cast brass trigger. Rare though.

 

[wiscoaster]

The trigger on my Kentucky looks like it's brass. Do you suppose it's plated? I agree that brass is too soft for a trigger.

 

[Coot]

The trigger on my Kentucky looks like it's brass. Do you suppose it's plated? I agree that brass is too soft for a trigger.

View attachment 262442

A small magnet will tell if the trigger is brass. IMHO brass triggers would be too easy to bend or break.

 

[wiscoaster]

A small magnet will tell if the trigger is brass. ...

Duh .... Now why didn't I - Mr. High School Science Club Chief Nerd - think of that?!?!? I dunno what's happening to my brain lately. Anyway, the verdict is the Kentucky's trigger looks like brass and is most definitely non-ferrous.

 

[trackpin]

Duh .... Now why didn't I - Mr. High School Science Club Chief Nerd - think of that?!?!? I dunno what's happening to my brain lately. Anyway, the verdict is the Kentucky's trigger looks like brass and is most definitely non-ferrous.

 

[trackpin]

Traditions Kentucky pistols as well as some CVA use brass. I am building a custom Kentucky and wanted to see what the consensus on the brass triggers was. To make my build more authentic I will go with an iron trigger now. Though I had a brass one fitted originally for a CVA Kentucky rifle. I do know that a brass trigger would last a very long time unless there is some major heavy trigger pull issues.

 

[wiscoaster]

.... I do know that a brass trigger would last a very long time unless there is some major heavy trigger pull issues.

My Kentucky has a pretty light trigger, so probably why I haven't had any issues. I think going with a steel trigger is the best idea, whether it's traditionally correct or not.

 

[longcruise]

Duh .... Now why didn't I - Mr. High School Science Club Chief Nerd - think of that?!?!? I dunno what's happening to my brain lately. Anyway, the verdict is the Kentucky's trigger looks like brass and is most definitely non-ferrous.

Hmmmm.... maybe it's gold!!

Just finished up a CVA Kentucky. Brass trigger. I've seen the idea of brass triggers panned here and for good reason I think but so many of these guns are not shot enough to make a difference.

Would be pretty simple to use the existing trigger plate and pin a steel trigger.

 

[Old-Duckman]

A small magnet will tell if the trigger is brass. IMHO brass triggers would be too easy to bend or break.

and wear quickly I would suppose..?