When Should You Set Your Trigger?

[Zonie]

A lot of you already know what I'm going to say, but there are some new-comers (and some old timers) who are unaware of a possible danger with double set triggers.
I can say this because I had been shooting for over 12 years before this was rudely brought to my attention by one of my trusty rifles.

For those unfamilure with double set triggers, the "rear trigger" just a "sear release" bar. This sear release is spring loaded and by pulling the "rear trigger" until it clicks you "cock" or "set" it. When the front trigger is lightly touched it releases the spring loaded release bar which then hits the lock sear and releases the hammer. I know, most of you knew this, but some don't have any idea of how this thing works.

I have found that the answer to the question "when should you "set" the trigger" is "BEFORE YOU PULL THE HAMMER TO FULL COCK!!"
If you wait until the gun is primed or a cap is on the nipple and the hammer is then cocked and then decide you need to "set" the trigger, your dumb, blind finger can find the real trigger by mistake. Of course it (the finger) wont tell you it is on the wrong trigger so you give it a stout pull to "set" the trigger. BOOM!
This actually happened to me many years ago and it was a good thing the gun was pointed down range. No, I wasn't new to set triggers at the time, but I had never stopped to think about this occuring.
Ever sense that day, I have "set" the trigger before capping the nipple or priming the pan. Never had a problem sense.
Good Shooting!

 

[musketman]

quote:Originally posted by 'zonie:
Ever sense that day, I have "set" the trigger before capping the nipple or priming the pan. Never had a problem sense. This seems like an un-safe practice to me.

Once you cock the weapon, a slight bump could set off the light trigger pull before you get the muzzleloader on target.

I have never had a problem with setting the double set triggers as the last step before shooting, maybe what happened to you was just a fluke?

What if you're walking along a deer trail and a 12 point buck jumps out in front of you just as you cock the gun and slip on a rock at the same time?

I would rather have a 5-pound trigger pull than a half-a-pound trigger pull at that point...

Maybe it's just me, but I feel this is not a safe act.

Please use caution...
Just my 2-cents worth.
Musketman

 

[Rancocas]

I only use my "set" triggers during target shooting. I "set" the trigger only just before I am ready to fire.
I realize that some types of "set" triggers can only be fired from the "set" mode. Mine can be fired without "setting" the trigger.
I do not use the "set" trigger when I'm hunting.
I like a regular trigger pull of 3 or 4 pounds. My "set" triggers go off at about 1 or 2 pounds.
My current favorite, a .54 flintlock jaeger, does not have a "set" trigger. The trigger goes off at about 3 pounds.

 

[Zonie]

I agree that the setting a trigger should not be done when your hunting and I am talking mainly about target shooting at a range.
If the hammer is in the half cock notch, (where it should be until your ready to fire) even if the trigger is set and pulled the gun should not fire. (I would suggest that you try varifying this with an unloaded gun to see if the half cock notch is working like it is supposed to).

 

[roundball]

Fortunately, we can all use different techniques in this sport and find room for all of them.
I usually only use my set trigger at the range, and set it as the last thing that I do before getting behind the sights...I intentionally make it the very last thing I do for several reasons:

1) It's the safest way to employ the use of a set trigger..ie: a set trigger left set-on unattended is asking for trouble, if not disaster;

2) Depending on the conditions of the shot being presented, I may not even have time to bother fiddling with a set trigger if hunting;

3) I like using my front trigger when hunting because there is "give/slack" in the front trigger which allows me to get a gloved finger in front of it without taking my eyes off the deer...impossible to do if the trigger has been set...I missed a buck that way several years ago, swore I'd never use a set trigger hunting again;

4) My front triggers are very "shootable" as I polish them down smooth as glass to about a 3lb pull weight;

Your mileage may vary...

 

[RJR]

OK guy, I've got one for you. How about a set of triggers that I have for my rifle, release triggers. Pull the back trigger to set, pull the front trigger till it stops, relax finger on front trigger till it fires. Works great and no trigger jerk. I can set the back trigger and go all day with out a worry. It just takes some getting used too to hunt with. Before you ask, I made it myself while in the military (weapons instructor/gunsmith). Take care, Rick.