doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com OT Novis Rifle question ..... after reading TT's

I have very little experience with rifles. My only deer gun ( as a teenager) was an old 30/30 bolt Rem. Since then, except for spending some time behind an M-14 and AR 15 it's been shotguns ..... so here's my novice question ..... what is the function of the second trigger on a bolt rifle? ........ Different pull?

Al

Al, usually the front trigger is a set-trigger, making the rear trigger a much lighter pull ('hair-trigger'), as I understand it.

John

Gizmo is called a double set-trigger. Works as follows:
The front trigger is the only one that fires the rifle. By itself, it tends to have a trigger pill in the 4-8# range (typically). The rear trigger sets the front, giving it a much lighter pull. Ofter, there is a litte vertical screw between the two triggers. This adjusts the weight of the front trigger from won't fire at all (undesireable) to fires when you breath on it (maybe even worse). In between, you find the weight you like. Some people like a few ounces. Once you've set the front, you unset it by pulling the rear trigger and, while holding it back, pulling the front and easing it forrard. It is very prudent to practice this on an unloaded rifle or to empty the chamber before doing it in action. These tend to be popular on Continental rifles. Personally, I find them acceptable on rifles you"ll fire fron a rest or prone, likely to encourage an accidental discharge when used off-hand. I have even seen them on dangerous game rifles, and I recommend MUCH practice before using one on a large charging mass of hair and muscle.

I played with a Winchester High-Wall with a DST's made by O.A. Bremer, San Francisco that you could set so light the rifle would fire if you moved it from the horozonial to vertical. Most of my target single-shot rifles have DST's and of course there are all manner of set triggers for bolt rifles some good, some not.

Thanks to all ..... I understand (I think). I've been looking at quality 30 06 bolt rifles and have a lot to re-learn. I think I'll forgo the set trigger complication for now and concentrate on 30 06 ballistics.

Thanks again

Al

Al,
If you're having one built, you can order what you want, and I wouldn't recommend adding the DST unless you really want to build a Germanic gun. If you're buying, you won't find a lot of US or Brit guns with set triggers. Although I know of one McKay Brown bolt action in 270 with a single set trigger. He told me ha made it for a rabid stag stalker (the stalker, not the stags) Go figger. Otherwise, some companies like Steyr Mannlicher and Sauer made fine high-grade production rifles with set triggers. The German and Austrian custom makers quite often put them on their guns. As MP notes, they are pretty much the rule on single shots. So, you may well find one if you look over there. Have fun,
Leo

Leo:

I've been looking at quality Sauer and other German or Austrian makers. I think I'm going to get a quality used rifle to learn from ...... and when I think I've answered all my questions about what I really want ..... I'll have one made.

Al

Al,
Do have a look at the Steyr-Mannlichers. Not the current ones, but the ones made a few years back. I've found them to be the most accurate factory rifles I've owned. There were enough made so that you can find one around. They tend to like EAW quick detachable mounts, and the whole package is both reliable and fairly nice looking. Some people like the rotary mags, some don't, it seems to be a matter of taste. They're quite different from original Mausers, but take a look.
Leo

leo,
those early M/S's are indeed sweet rifles.I have had several over the years and have two now in the collection.Including this 1903 with set trigger and a adjustable cheekpiece;

I will offer you $50, no say $75 for that piece, without even looking down the bore! Can't say fairer than that. Seriously, that is a fine M-S and makes the point about them better than all the words one could write. What is the shield on the grip?