SR series lightened trigger pulls, Galloway springs, etc.

[Sal1950]

Josh and Eric,
Hey guys, would really like to get some updated info on lowering trigger pull weights on the SR series weapons and what you might of ran into in relation to the results of my posted experiments here.
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=52057&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=140

Josh you promised on a number of occasions you would get some trigger pull measurements posted on your tests of the Gallaway spring kits, any possibility we could get that? The proof of the pudding in any test is an accurate, repeatable measurement that can be compared with your "before" tests where you did an excellent job of making and posting the weights.

Eric. The description of your spring kits and their applications have changed a number of times now. Do you offer anything that will reduce the trigger pull on SR series guns, and more specifically the SR9c.
No offense meant but seems like this question is being avoided. Maybe you ran into the issue I did of trigger return issues no matter what combination of striker and trigger bar spring were used. Noticed you no longer refer to a "lighter" trigger, only a "smoother" trigger kit.
Just would like some straight answers to the problem of lightening the pull even if it is only "I couldn't make it work"
TIA,
Sal

 

[Big Stu]

Ghost rocket will reduce it some. They claim it is a 3.5lb trigger, but I don't have a scale to measure mine. It is much lighter then it was before the install.

 

[jhearne]

The Ghost Rocket is not 3.5 lbs. After installing the Galloway parts (the competition trigger kit and polished internals), I found that rough trigger tests yielded a slight ~1/2 lb drop in pull weight from the lower 5 flat I had with the Rocket/Polished combo.

I don't have access to that vise setup anymore, but the proof is in how it shoots.

It's smoother, lighter and does shoot tighter groups. Before, with even polished internals and the Rocket, I was an admittedly terrible pistol shot. Now, I can shoot a ragged hole, center mass with the Galloway/Polished combo. I don't jerk the trigger because I'm fighting an inconsistent, rough, heavy trigger anymore.

I haven't had the time in the past couple months to devote to the SR9 though, haven't shot it all summer.

Josh

 

[Tmyoungjr]

I haven't had the time in the past couple months to devote to the SR9 though, haven't shot it all summer.

Josh

Blasphemy!

 

[boomer1]

....I haven't had the time in the past couple months to devote to the SR9 though, haven't shot it all summer.

Josh

I can relate to that. It has been a busy summer. BTW, thanks Josh for all of your good volunteer work for the forum and Ruger firearms.

I recently did the "buff and fluff" operations on my SR pistols. I referred to your excellent stickies at the top of the forum page for reference. I had viewed them before, but forgot a few things...Additionally, have been installing some Galloway aftermarket parts in my SR pistols.

However, my latest project has been upgrading a Mossberg 500 for HD use. Changing out the forend and stock, adding a heat shield, etc.........

Be safe,
boomer 8)

 

[jhearne]

You guys are welcome! Post up some pics of the 500 in the gallery when she's done!

Josh

 

[Egalloway]

Josh and Eric,
Hey guys, would really like to get some updated info on lowering trigger pull weights on the SR series weapons and what you might of ran into in relation to the results of my posted experiments here.
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=52057&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=140

Eric. The description of your spring kits and their applications have changed a number of times now. Do you offer anything that will reduce the trigger pull on SR series guns, and more specifically the SR9c.
No offense meant but seems like this question is being avoided. Maybe you ran into the issue I did of trigger return issues no matter what combination of striker and trigger bar spring were used. Noticed you no longer refer to a "lighter" trigger, only a "smoother" trigger kit.
Just would like some straight answers to the problem of lightening the pull even if it is only "I couldn't make it work"
TIA,
Sal

Hey Sal my descriptions have changed as I've added parts to the trigger kits, the applications list has changed several time as Ruger adds new models that share the platform. The SR trigger groups are a pain to really drop due to the short striker spring that is internal on the striker body. I've spent alot time and money trying to get a reliable softer spring but due to working limits and the tolerances in the pistol I've not had luck at it. Some testers had a 100% others couldn't get the gun to reset correctly. Same you experienced cutting coils on the current short spring. These pistol really vary alot in production parts from early on and due to manufacture tolerances can vary from the factory a pound or so from one another.

My spring kit and other polished replacement parts will reduce the trigger pull a pound or more depending on the pistol. Again the pistols vary a wide range. Most seem to come from the factory around 8.5 lbs and settle in around 7,(M&Ps start around 7.5 and settle about 6.5, Glocks all seem to be about 5.5 and settle around 5, just as a reference). With the smooth it kit I offer it can get the pull to drop a 1-1.5.

Ruger changed the spring length twice now, and changed the trigger bar reset angle to something that is really close to the Ghost unit. That said the Ghost bars still offer a lot over the new style factory reset bar, namely shorter reset and a slight reduction 1 or so pounds in pull weight. IT WILL NOT make it 3.5lb trigger pull, on the older early SR9 pistols with the flat reset head it will MAKE a huge difference but still not 3.5.

Add the two together: Ghost and my parts and you can hit 5 lbs easy and get a 100% bang out of the pistol. So polish the striker body for best results. I can get them a little lower in house currently but that is in house.

The biggest problem is folks measure the pull at different points, the trigger safety is a pain for most and I've had folks preload the trigger to get it started, giving false readings, people tell me they corrected the pull with tape to keep the guage on the tip of the trigger etc. That and the varying weights and various internal parts is why I don't advertise a weight reduction numbers. Help any?

Pics of the 500? I've got a 930 SPX that is a garbage disposal, can't choke the thing, runs like a sewing machine with a bad attitude. Makes my Saiga 12 look silly, but the Saiga gets more looks.

 

[Mike J]

boomer-PM me if you would be interested in selling the stock for the 500 you took off. Maybe we can make a deal.

 

[Sal1950]

The SR trigger groups are a pain to really drop due to the short striker spring that is internal on the striker body. I've spent alot time and money trying to get a reliable softer spring but due to working limits and the tolerances in the pistol I've not had luck at it. Some testers had a 100% others couldn't get the gun to reset correctly. Same you experienced cutting coils on the current short spring. These pistol really vary alot in production parts from early on and due to manufacture tolerances can vary from the factory a pound or so from one another.

Eric,
Thanks so much for the clear and honest answer! I had a feeling you had run into much of the same issues I did during my experiments and testing but never had access to a stronger trigger bar spring to see if I could get a better balance between it and the striker spring.
I'm right at 5 pounds now and looks like that's about as good as it gets with a SR series. In the big picture that really is a VERY nice trigger, but you how it is with us tweakers, never satisfied. LOL
Thanks also for all your R&D and bringing your excellent products to market. Now folks don't have to do all the futzing around like we did in the earlier days.
Sal

 

[Big Stu]

I was at the range yesterday and I thought my trigger was feeling fairly light so I asked the rangemaster to put the scale to my SR9c. We unloaded and inspected it for safety and then he tried it out just to see, and he said it felt very crip, but fairly heavy. He guessed at 9 lbs. I told him I had a ghost rocket installed and the gun was well broken in so it should be much less then 9 lbs. He then put the trigger scale on it and I was shocked to see the results. We tested it three times and it averaged just over 8 lbs. I still don't believe it so now I'm on a quest to check it with another scale. I don't want to change the trigger because I really like it the way it is, but the rangemaster assured me the scale was correct. He then showed me his Glock and he told me his trigger was 3.5 lbs. He then verified that with the scale. I tried his and the pull was so light it was scary. I did NOT like the trigger at all. Even though my trigger was much heavier then his Glock, my trigger was much shorter and more predictable. Now I'm wondering if there is a way to truly lighten the pull but still hit the primer hard. Oh well, I can live with what I have. I truly love my SR9c. Unfortunately it is now my sometimes CCW. I have fallen in love with another handgun that is now my true favorite pistol. I have a GP100 in .357 magnum. Even though it is a 4" bbl, full size frame revolver, I am able to carry it completely concealed and it is the most accurate handgun I have ever fired!

 

[Sal1950]

Big Stu,
That just doesn't sound right?
First have you watch Jason's videos? You can get a large variance in measured pull weight depending on where the gage pulls the trigger from. This is true of all levered triggers but the design of the SR series (where the trigger pivots from), along with the heavily curved trigger makes the measurement problem more pronounced. As in the video, use a small zip tie and tighten it around the trigger about in the middle to 2/3's down. This will stop the gage from sliding up towards the top of the trigger and giving it exaggerated high readings.
The other thing to consider then is to do all the polishing work that Jason shows in his video. Either that or send it to Eric at Galloway and have him tune it up for you.
A auto with a 8+ pound pull (if yours really is that high) is going to be right up there with a DA revolver, IE difficult to shoot accurately at longer ranges.
Your call,
Sal

 

[Big Stu]

I would like to try the zip tie and remeasure the pull. I know it is much lighter then the scale said and I'm sure like you said the scale was measuring at the wrong spot on the trigger therefore giving a false high reading. It feels fairly light to me but I have to admit, it was not as light as his Glock. I am also glad it wasn't. I have a double action revolver and the pull is fairly high, but I have not measured it. My SR9c is much, much lighter than the GP100. I can shoot my SR9c with very good accuracy so I know I don't need to mess with the trigger anymore to improve my shooting.

 

[Sal1950]

A Block will be about 5 lbs or so out of the box and about 3 .5 lbs with a Ghost kit installed. I shot a friends action tuned Block that he shoots in competition and it's under 3 lbs.
A SP series gun with the latest revision striker spring will usually be around 6.5 out of the box and drop MAYBE a pound with the Ghost and a little more if well polished and used. But you do have to be careful in your measurement technique to get accurate reading.
Sal