Need help finding a solution for a heavy trigger

[leam]

I have a flintlock Traditions Deerhunter. The sear letoff is crisp, but trigger pull is very heavy. Is there anything that can be done to lighten the trigger pull? I've added a photo that shows where the sear lever contacts the trigger bar, if that helps.

 

[BEP]

The full-cock notch on the tumbler looks to be very aggressive but unless you really know what you're doing I'd leave it alone. That machine screw with the spring on the shank that engages the full cock notch is there to adjust the relationship between the sear and the tumbler when the lock is cocked. By screwing it in you can control just how deeply into the full cock notch the sear engages and vary the trigger pull. Just a warning; screwing it in too far can set you up with a hair trigger or even one where the sear slips out of the notch so any adjustments need to be made in small increments.

Another photo showing how the sear and tumbler look at full cock would be helpful.

 

[leam]

BEP, thanks! I took another look at it, and you're right. The screw was set so the sear went deeply into the full cock notch. I've adjusted it, and the trigger pull is much lighter. Actually, I intentionally adjusted it too far, just to see if the trigger pull was lightened. It was, and that's what I needed to know. Now to back it off so that it's safe.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

I have a flintlock Traditions Deerhunter. The sear letoff is crisp, but trigger pull is very heavy. Is there anything that can be done to lighten the trigger pull? I've added a photo that shows where the sear lever contacts the trigger bar, if that helps.

leam,
Sear engagement in the tumbler effects trigger pull, but geometry and spring tension are also factors. When you play with engagement make sure it is into the full cock notch far enough to be safe. I have included a sketch Track of the Wolf shows in their catalogue. It details the mechanical advantage/disadvantage of different pivot positions. Another factor that will effect trigger pull is the sear spring tension. A sear spring needs to be strong enough to engage the sear into the tumbler sufficiently, but not more because that is also causing the need for more trigger pull.
Hope this helps.
Flintlocklar
F

 

[Britsmoothy]

Do make sure the sear screw is not to tight and it can move freely.
If that checks out disengage the trigger wire spring and note the difference.
If the difference is agreeable relieve some of the tension.

 

[BEP]

BEP, thanks! I took another look at it, and you're right. The screw was set so the sear went deeply into the full cock notch. I've adjusted it, and the trigger pull is much lighter. Actually, I intentionally adjusted it too far, just to see if the trigger pull was lightened. It was, and that's what I needed to know. Now to back it off so that it's safe.

Glad you fixed your problem and that it was a simple fix.

 

[pondoro]

I have a CVA, bought used. Trigger was awful. The top of the trigger where the sear bar rode looked like it was cut with a coarse hacksaw. I smoothed it with a fine file and sandpaper. Made a huge difference. It is still not a target trigger but it is reasonable. The rest of the lock seemed well finished, cheap, not a fine piece of machinery, but serviceable. I think the assembler had missed a step on my trigger.

 

[EC121]

You can test the full cock notch/sear engagement, by removing the mainspring with a mainspring vise and setting the lock to full cock. Then hold the lock nose down and press on the sear bar. The hammer shouldn't move before the sear breaks. If it moves back then you are having to push against the mainspring pressure to disengage the sear. Forward or back means the notch angle isn't right.

 

[leam]

Following up with a big "THANK YOU!".

It has been a while since I shot; I wasn't even sure I remembered how to make the flintlock go boom. With the heavy trigger it was easy to put off trying anything. The answers here helpful and the attitude was encouraging. I made it to the range today and was able to hit something approximating the size of a broad barn side. Skinny barns don't have to worry, but the big fat ones I can usually hit.

 

[LawrenceA]

Don't forget to use a smidge of good grease in the full cock notch.
It goes a long way to keep a trigger smooth, crisp and reduce wear.

 

[Col. Batguano]

Polishing the trigger blade where it engages the sear bar can help too, as can lightening the sear spring force.