Trigger pull guage

[Dach Savage]

Hi all,
I have been thinking about buying a electronic trigger pull guage and just started sniffing around tonight. There are dozens if not more available all over the and the prices are all over the map. Does anyone have a recommendation based on real world experience, pro or con? Would love to find a decent one in the $25-$50 range that I can feel good about. Any recommendations appreciated. Dach

PS, couldn't really find a forum catagory that seemed to fit, if this is the wrong venue would appreciate a moderator moving it to the correct place. Thx D

 

[C3Ranger]

I like Wheeler. You may be able to find a digital one starting at around $50 and going up from there.

 

[Johnnu2]

I had two Lyman's that only lasted a few years each and then died.
I finally gave up on electronic and had an old (fish?) scale that would mechanically 'hold' the last reading. Coincidentally, the mechanical scale was as accurate (I compared readings) to my electric scales (when they were working).
J.

 

[Dach Savage]

I like Wheeler. You may be able to find a digital one starting at around $50 and going up from there.

Thanks for the input C3. The Wheeler does indeed look like a really good choice, at least it keeps coming up as very very popular. Found it on Amazon for $65 + tax. There is another that looks pretty good too, I think it is branded "Pridefend" for $20 + tax. 0-12 lbs range in 1 oz increments. Having been a mechanic all my life I lean towards the "Snap-On" paradigm of quality tools and the Wheeler seems to fit that niche. Then again if had the money in hand thats in my stainless roll-away(s) in the garage I would probably have 1/2 the price of a decent house in hand. Hmm. Tempted to order the $20 one and try it for a while and if it is not totally satisfactory fire it back to Amazon and buy the Wheeler. One hilarious choice that keeps popping up is another $20 or so unit. Among the features, it touts 0-110 Lbs range! Seriously? Lessee, I really am looking for that sweet 80 lb trigger pull, this will help me adjust it just right. ROFLMAO. Thanks again, Dach.

PS, heres a link to the Pridefend unit if you are curious... Amazon product ASIN B0B9RBCL7M

 

[Dach Savage]

I had two Lyman's that only lasted a few years each and then died.
I finally gave up on electronic and had an old (fish?) scale that would mechanically 'hold' the last reading. Coincidentally, the mechanical scale was as accurate (I compared readings) to my electric scales (when they were working).
J.

Hi John, yep the old school ways are often the best. Only reason I am leaning towards a digital is that I am worried that the arthritis in my hands leads to awkwardness that might affect the readings. Thanks again for the input. Dach.

 

[Tenbore]

I use a set of old military trigger weights.

 

[Cholo]

I don't believe your arthritis will make a difference. When the trigger trips--it trips, and it should be the same whether a mechanical gauge or a digital. IOW: They're both going to give you the highest reading when the trigger breaks.

I know you're asking about a digital gauge. I have an RCBS mechanical trigger gauge I bought new in '77 and it still gives me very consistent readings. Digital isn't always better than mechanical. In '77 I also bought a mechanical Mitutoyo dial caliber. About 10 or so years ago I bought a Mitutoyo digital caliber. I used it a time or three and put it back in the box. I much preferred the mechanical caliber.

I just looked on Amazon and the current RCBS mechanical gauge rates miserably now. The mechanical Wheeler rates pretty good, as does their digital gauge for more than double the $.

I really think the mechanical will do everything you want it to do.

 

[jkbrecht]

I have a mechanical Tru-Weight "trigger tension scale" that measures up to 10 lbs in 2-oz increments ($23). Also a Wheeler "Professional Digital Trigger Pull Gauge" that measures to 12 lbs in 1-oz increments ($55). To the nearest 2 oz, the measurements are about the same.

 

[Dach Savage]

Thanks for the input C3. The Wheeler does indeed look like a really good choice, at least it keeps coming up as very very popular. Found it on Amazon for $65 + tax. There is another that looks pretty good too, I think it is branded "Pridefend" for $20 + tax. 0-12 lbs range in 1 oz increments. Having been a mechanic all my life I lean towards the "Snap-On" paradigm of quality tools and the Wheeler seems to fit that niche.

I ended up going with the Pridefend unit for $20 bucks and am happy to say it seems to be pretty well made and works just fine. I know a fellow that has a high end trigger guage that next time I run into him I will ask him to check his against mine and make the final decision.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Don't spend much. No matter what you get, it'll only be relative to your own testing.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

A OneTigris force gauge recently replaced my trusty Lyman. Mostly because many DA revolver pulls bottom out the Lyman's 12 pound limit...@$70, It's an excellent unit for the price IMO.

 

[xtratoy]

I've had my Lyman digital scale over 10 years and it still works everytime I use it. Also have some spring scale ones too. The biggest drawback of my Lyman is the 12 pound max weight limit. I don't know if newer Lyman's have increased the max weight.