Single set trigger for York rifles?

[SimonKenton]

I loathe most single triggers but in all the books I can't find any York rifles with double set triggers from the Golden Age, but a few from the early percussion period. TOW has some single set triggers that will fire set or unset. Are any suitable for use on a York? If not, how much of a project would it be to install a "pigtail" trigger as seen on an Isaac Berlin or other rifle into a single set mechanism?

-Ray :huh:

 

[Slowpoke]

Ray,
When I built my York rifle and I installed put double set triggers. It from a Chamber's kit and the trigger guard he gives you won't take a double trigger. I got my trigger guard from Cabin Creek. In not a big fan of this guard because I have a hard time getting my hand around the wrist. Anyway, this is my trekking gun anyway so I don't care to much how it looks. Heck, I've already beaten a skunk to death with it and had to repair the finish on it because it fell in the camp fire and cooked a little bit.

SP

 

[Erzulis boat]

I purchased a single set trigger that L and R manufactures, to install on a rifle.

Number one, they consume a considerable amount of space within the wrist area, not a major concern, but one to consider nevertheless.

Number two, while they can be fired un-set, the resistance and feel are horrible.

Number three, to set the trigger requires a push forward, and the force required is massive, even after adjustment.

Number four, single set triggers must be very precise and all pivots and interfaces must be close and wobble free.

I have examined only two L-R single set triggers, so this cannot apply to all available brands, but I was furious.

I machined a trigger plate slightly larger all around, and ended up making a single trigger system without a "set" capability.

Granted, this might very well been a fluke, that both trigger assemblies were without worth, but I would definitely examine any single set trigger mechanism before purchase, unlike some doubleset units that are established sweethearts, I know of no standard within the single set realm.

The particular mechanism that L-R uses for their single set trigger requires advanced fit and finish, and both examples were not executed well.

I have not messed with single set triggers since, but I too would like to hear of a nice unit out there!

:m2c:

 

[Mike Brooks]

I'm no fan of the single set trigger. I've always been able to set up a simple trigger lighter than any single set I've seen.

 

[MikeChapin]

The only single set trigger I have found that was worth a putz was the Pedersoli LePage trigger. They were great but I can't find them anymore.

Any other I have tried to use never broke right. Trying to adjust them was a nightmare. I've got a couple hanging around that I don't know if they will ever go in anything. Have not tried the L&R but doubt if I would ever mess with them again.

 

[SimonKenton]

Mike,

Then what's a good source for a correctly styled single York trigger that will break clean and can be adjusted to a reasonable pull?

-Ray :huh:

 

[Erzulis boat]

If you are in fact not going to utilize a single set trigger, then the correct trigger placement, the capability of the lock to perform smoothly, and the elimination of slop, will dictate the outcome.

The trigger alone cannot fulfill your desire for a light, clean discharge.

I think that if you set it up right, you will be EXTREMELY happy with the outcome.

I LOVE single triggers!

 

[Stophel]

"While they can be fired un-set, the resistence and feel are horrible"...the same can be said for double-action double set triggers!!! The angle of the trigger bar is HORRIBLE, and the sear has to drive itself up the ramp-like sear bar, making a long, heavy, and disconcerting sliding feel. I made a set trigger once with a VERY tall front blade with an angle more like is on a normal single trigger. Much better and lighter, but the pivot point is so low, the sear slides across the bar a good distance and is not the most pleasant trigger I ever pulled! But, once again, much better than the normal type.

When shooting a gun with set triggers, I NEVER fire them unset, so could easily do well with "single-action" set triggers, as many, and likely most, old set triggers were.

There are PLENTY of York county rifles with regular double triggers. Find, if you can, the little book "Gunsmiths of York County, Pennsylvania" by J.B. Whisker. There are several late Axariah Alloway rifles with sets, and a NICE Georg Eyster with sets. A Martin Fry, an Andrew Kopp (very possibly made in Maryland), a John Shriver, and a George Shroyer, all with double set triggers. There are more in "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" by Kindig, including the justly famous "George Nunnamacher" rifle.

 

[Mike Brooks]

Mike,

Then what's a good source for a correctly styled single York trigger that will break clean and can be adjusted to a reasonable pull?

-Ray :huh:

Are we talking about a set trigger here or a simple trigger? I've always used just the simple trigger that comes with the kit. If you want a set rigger , go with the davis double set, it will fit into the trigger guard bow with a little work. There ain't much room for it, but with a little will power it will work.

 

[mule ear]

I am not familar with the York school, but I have built several single-set triggers from Prior Mountain Bill's drawings. They can be fired set or unset. Good for hunting rifles. I thought they functioned well; crisp. No difficulty fitting to the wrist area. They were all built by hand; no fancy milling, etc. Only a hack saw, files & drill press. Don't be intimidated! It can be done! Copy the drawings, cut out the trigger blades, rubber cement them to sheet aluminium or brass and cut-out your patterns/templates with a jeweler's saw. Springs are easy, too. The whole project doesn't take long - only several evenings. His double-set triggers work well also, as do Robecheau's(sp?)Hawken double-set triggers. If memory serves, Alexander has drawings of SST & DST in his book, too. MB had an article about hand-made DST not too long ago. Making your own trigger allows you to design the trigger blade any way that suits your rifle's school. Good luck!!
:front:

 

[Zonie]

In James Biser Whiskers book "Gunsmiths of York County" Old Bedfore Village Press box 1976, Bedford, Penn. a lot of the rifles shown do have single triggers, however, on pages
34, 36,38, 44-45, 48, 57,67, 77, 94, 95, 135, 139, 152-153 are rifles which do have double set triggers. ::

Only a few of these are precussion guns and more than a few are what I would term "Golden Age" rifles.

Use the double set trigger you want. If some psudo intellectual says they didn't have double set triggers, tell him to go buy some more books. ::

By the way, for all of you builders out there, if you have decided on a school to pattern your rifle after, be sure to check out Dixie Gunworks catalog for books which deal with the School your interested in.
There is a great wealth of knowledge out there and "Rifles of Colonial America" and "Thoughts On the Kentucky Rifle In Its Golden Age" are not the only comprehensive books available.
Just a thought. :thumbsup: