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Triggers
(Over time I'll discuss various types
I make)
Our first discussion will be a review
of "Set Triggers" and introduce the new Barnes "Cubed
Double".
A conventional trigger, uses linked
levers, cams, and springs, to transfer the force applied to the
trigger blade to the "sear" (the device which is holding
the hammer back in cocked position). The sear is thus pulled from
it's notch and the hammer is allowed to fall.
A Set Trigger is
a mechanism which is not directly connected to the sear. It is
a more complex series of springs, levers, and cams which allow
an internal member (the fly), to lash out and trip the sear with
a sharp blow. The set trigger mechanism itself, must be cocked
by hand. Once cocked, it's own internal sear and trigger operate
under less spring tension and the trigger release can be made
to be remarkably low. This light, smooth trigger release is the
prime reason for having a set trigger. It allows a far more precise
firing cycle to be developed, which adds greatly to the accuracy
equation.
A set trigger can be made in
many forms. Some have only a single trigger blade. With these,
you push the blade forward to set (or cock), and then pull the
same blade back to fire. Set triggers with two trigger blades,
use one blade to set (or cock the trigger mechanism) and the other
to fire the gun.
Pull releases on set triggers will
vary. The whole point is to be able to safely operate the gun,
yet have a light trigger. As you know, many manufacturers use
a very heavy trigger pull as a sort of safety buffer for their
products. The theory is that only a deliberate effort (or considerable
accidental contact) will be able to fire the gun. The reality
of using such a gun is less charming. They are very difficult
to shoot due to the trigger force required to release the sear.
The set trigger, introduces an intermediate step into the firing
cycle. It assumes you are prepared to take a shot (therefore not
stumping through brush and twigs). At this point, you deliberately
"set" the triggers. Now, when the shot is absolutely
correct, you need only touch off the firing blade.
Firing blades vary as well. There are
the "hair triggers". The actual firing trigger blade
might only be a thin protruding wire where you'd expect a full
trigger blade to be. These are the extreme end of the "touchy"
scale such as used on the old German Shutzen rifles of the 19th
century. Hardly anyone today can "sneak up" on one of
these triggers. Just a mere breath will fire them. Fine, if you
have the nerves and touch for it. Not me. I've raised teenagers
and now have grandchildren.
With some double bladed set triggers,
you can also use the "setting blade" to fire the rifle.
This is called "Double Acting". This is for a nervous
hunting situation. That 14 Point is looking back down your rifle
barrel from the muzzle end. You are locked eye to eye. You have
no idea what your name is (or if you even have a name). Now, at
this time, you might forget all about set trigger procedures.
You start squeezing on the front trigger blade. If you have the
double acting type, you'll be alright. The rifle will still fire
(just at a higher pull weight). If you had the single acting double
set trigger, you could bend the front trigger blade back against
the stock and the gun would still not fire. Some like this very
much though (I do too). It's a built in "safety". You
cannot fire the gun without setting the front trigger.
The "Barnes Cubed Double Trigger"
has it all, and then some. It's has two full trigger blades.
One sets, the other fires. The setting blade can also fire the
gun if pulled directly. Finally, (the icing on the cake), the
firing trigger blade is two stage! . . . I can't stand it . .
.
This two stage firing blade should
almost eliminate the chance of a pre-mature pull. The weight is
sufficient that you can touch the blade and feel the first stage
resistance. A clear second stage "curb" can be felt
at the end of the first stage draw. When you decide to pull against
this "curb resistance" . . . BANG!!!
Two blades, Double Action, Two Stage
= the "Cubed Double" from Barnes Pneumatic
Currently $450US
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