Many years ago I acquired a used Model 77 in .243, serial 70-212XX, made 1970 I believe. I recently broke it out and have started reloading for it and would like to ensure the trigger is optimally set.
My research and examination indicates the trigger is PRE LAWYER, in that the over travel, sear engagement and weight of pull screws are accessible and adjustable. The manual (from Ruger.com) indicates the trigger adjustment set screw is a factory adjustment only.
What I am missing is the sequence in adjusting these three screws for this particular rifle. Would appreciate any info or links to the answer here on the forum, or elsewhere. I have found several descriptions for three screw triggers on other brands, but thought I would ask here just to be sure.
Perhaps this will make comments a little easier. Yea or nay or comments to the following procedure.
Back out the spring tension (trigger pull) screw to a light trigger pull that is adequate to keep some pressure on the trigger but is very light (trigger pull will be set later). Next back out the sear engagement screw, and the over travel screws several turns.
Once the screws are adjusted as above, close the bolt (without dry firing) and SLOWLY turn the sear engagement screw in until the firing pin is released. From this point, back the screw out a half turn. Without recocking the firing pin, screw the over travel screw in until you feel it contact the trigger lightly, preventing the trigger from moving. From this point, back the over travel screw out a quarter turn. When you pull the trigger at this point there should be a very slight movement of the trigger.
To adjust the trigger pull, adjust the spring tension screw to a pull that you like. As you turn the screw in the trigger pull will be increased and the pull will be reduced as the screw is backed out. I would not recommend going lighter than 1 to 1.5-pounds with a factory trigger and I prefer a trigger closer to 2 to 2.5-pounds for a big game rifle.
Work the bolt several times to cock the rifle and try the trigger with the trigger gauge and your finger to make sure that you are happy with how the trigger pull and release feels and the weight is something that you are comfortable with. I also recommend the use of a good trigger gauge to confirm that you are getting a consistent break. If the break you are getting is not consistent, then you may need to increase the trigger pull or consider having the trigger rebuilt or replaced by a competent gunsmith.
My research and examination indicates the trigger is PRE LAWYER, in that the over travel, sear engagement and weight of pull screws are accessible and adjustable. The manual (from Ruger.com) indicates the trigger adjustment set screw is a factory adjustment only.
What I am missing is the sequence in adjusting these three screws for this particular rifle. Would appreciate any info or links to the answer here on the forum, or elsewhere. I have found several descriptions for three screw triggers on other brands, but thought I would ask here just to be sure.
Perhaps this will make comments a little easier. Yea or nay or comments to the following procedure.
Back out the spring tension (trigger pull) screw to a light trigger pull that is adequate to keep some pressure on the trigger but is very light (trigger pull will be set later). Next back out the sear engagement screw, and the over travel screws several turns.
Once the screws are adjusted as above, close the bolt (without dry firing) and SLOWLY turn the sear engagement screw in until the firing pin is released. From this point, back the screw out a half turn. Without recocking the firing pin, screw the over travel screw in until you feel it contact the trigger lightly, preventing the trigger from moving. From this point, back the over travel screw out a quarter turn. When you pull the trigger at this point there should be a very slight movement of the trigger.
To adjust the trigger pull, adjust the spring tension screw to a pull that you like. As you turn the screw in the trigger pull will be increased and the pull will be reduced as the screw is backed out. I would not recommend going lighter than 1 to 1.5-pounds with a factory trigger and I prefer a trigger closer to 2 to 2.5-pounds for a big game rifle.
Work the bolt several times to cock the rifle and try the trigger with the trigger gauge and your finger to make sure that you are happy with how the trigger pull and release feels and the weight is something that you are comfortable with. I also recommend the use of a good trigger gauge to confirm that you are getting a consistent break. If the break you are getting is not consistent, then you may need to increase the trigger pull or consider having the trigger rebuilt or replaced by a competent gunsmith.
