trigger squeeze, big problem or wrong tecknique

[ffffg]

i just posted a question on the builders bench about a trigger creep problem.. i finnaly got my first buck with my .62 cal swamped rifle.. i flat out missed some shots this year.. when at the range i can do a pretty respectable job.. under 4 inche group with the first three shots off cross sticks is common. for arguments sake we will call it buck fever to get that over.. im 57 years old next month, and have been deer/elk/duck/ goose hunting since 15 years old.. half of that has been with muzzel loader..i have not hunted with a flintlock rifle before. :redface: . ( the biggest problem i had this year was not haveing the binoculars with me, i hope ive fixed that! bucks only and i have poor vision) what im seeing is if i dont squeeze my hand instead of simply squeezing the trigger im getting into trouble.. i would love to blame the inconsitent pull on my trigger which will sometimes drag 1/8 inch until it goes off.. if for any reason there is also or has a delay in ignition and anyone doesnt do the proper squeeze, i could miss when im shooting once a week as in a hunting situation, be it a grouse or deer, or what ever.. i know that guys using the older style locks like muskets dont have a fly and this can cause worse problems if you dont know how to handle its squeeze properly, so i dont have a complaint.. im just trying to figure if i need to have my lock fixed, or train myself to squeeze my hand which will overcome most of these type problems with a flintlock.. any coments on what helps you guys overcome this situation is welcome, dave..

 

[Stumpkiller]

I think I'm following you. Your right hand should be pulling the rifle back into your shoulder. The squeeze is just the index finger. If you're pulling with the whole hand you'll get the same problem as squeezing a pistol hard when you fire and the shots will break to the right.

How the trigger is released will have no effect on the ignition, as once it trips it trips all at once. It's certainly possible you have a lot of creep in the trigger up to that point. It takes a lot of careful work to get a crisp trigger geometry with a pinned trigger (which I'm guessing is what yours has). If your hammer or sear is rubbing then all bets are off. If you put your ear on the sideplate and slowly cock the rifle to half cock and then to full cock you should just hear two sharp "clicks" and no unever rubbing or grinding. Just a soft, smooth rub with two snaps.

Actually, a trigger that surprises you when it goes off can be a good thing if the pull is light and there is not much more than 1/8" of creep. If you've ever shot a rifle with a two-stage creep you'll find you can get used to it and make it work for you. It encourages a slow, smooth pull instead of a sudden slap.

 

[Darkhorse]

Just curious but, have you checked to see if your sear bar is rubbing against the stock at any point. Since you mention this is an intermittent problem then it could be caused by humidity swelling a bit of unsealed wood.
Sometimes "just enough" clearance isn't really enough.