12 replies to this topic

[dangerranger]

I found my son a Mossberg pump. one of the first things I want to do to it is improve the trigger. it doesnt have any creep but its pull weight is at least 7 lbs. Ive never had a Mossberg trigger apart but it seems that the trigger return spring is the culprit. it should have enough force to return the trigger at half its current tension. Has any one here done this before? thanks DR

[Bisley]

Truth be told, in all the years I've been bird hunting (over two decades-it is my true passion) to this day, I could not tell you what the trigger pull is like on my shotgun. When the birds are flying, I could literally squeeze off a table leg if I had to! I would not want a light trigger on a shotgun though. If you plan on doing much hunting with it, and I mean HUNTING with it, leave it. Last thing you want when shooting heart-pumping animals that fly from under your feet at times is a light trigger. ESPECIALLY for a kid! Large game and predators (usually) give you a chance to see them, get settled, ease off a safety, and aim. Simply put, birds don't. I actually had to make a trigger heavier on an old H&R single shot. It must have had a rifle barrel at some time because myself, and everyone I know who shot it, would have that damn thing go off just trying to shoulder it! No fun!It's a lot easier to get used to a stiff trigger on a shotgun than to get used to it going off when you don't want it too. Been there, done that.

[Frank]

DR, while I really do not pay much attention to the triggers on my (Berreta, Rem(of course/lol) shotguns, your Mossberg's trigger does sound somewhat different to me. But, like Bisley, I would be hesitant to do anything to it, especially for a kid. And yes, guns sometimes have a way of going off when not ready for it. Which is even more dangerous in a kids hands. I'm getting nervous as I type this. lolIF you still go forward, I would suggest letting a competent gunsmith look it over first & get their suggestions. I too do not believe I would want a light trigger on a shotgun, even though I have never actually weighed the trigger pulls on mine. Good LuckFrank

[DirtyDave]

Yeah what they said ^^^Only reason I would do it was if I wanted to lighten up the pull on my slug-gun. But for bird shot and buck shot, No way

[Baja_Traveler]

The only hunting shotgun I've ever heard of getting a light trigger was a friend of mine who had a 3 pound trigger put on his turkey gun. But that's all he uses it for under very controlled conditions. Target only shotguns (trap & skeet) get light triggers all the time, but again - they are only used in specific controlled conditions. Never felt the need to touch any of mine, and I've been hunting birds since I was 12.

[dabob]

I won a Remington 870 Express in a raffle one time and it was way too heavy on the trigger pull. It felt like the safety was on! I sent the trigger off and got it fixed for around $60.00. That trigger is perfect now, it is not too light.Do some searches for a gunsmith that specializes in shotgun trigger work. Check out TRIGGERSMITH.COMIf the trigger pull is in the 6 to 7 lbs pull range I would leave it like it is.

[clampdaddy]

I agree with the others. Leave it alone and consider it an extra margin of safety for that new hunter.

[dangerranger]

The Kid will be 30 in Oct. Hes in the military, and his units designated shooter. I forget that everyones kids arent grown. as DaBob said it feels like the safety is on. I pulled it twice before it tripped. I have a few shotguns and none of them have a pull weight like this. Im going to have to get out my trigger weights and actually measure it, but its tough. DR

[clampdaddy]

Oh, that's another ball of wax entirely. I would check around with companies that specialize in combat shotguns. Most of those companies build on either a remy or mossy platform so I'd be willing to bet someone could help you out.

[Frank]

The Kid will be 30 in Oct.

Just a minor (omitted) detail...

I forget that everyones kids arent grown.

My sons will soon turn 34 & 32, but can't recall the last time I called either one "kid"... But hey, whatever works

[dangerranger]

Problem solved! I took the trigger group out and after removing the trigger pin I found the problem. the trigger spring was already compressed nearly all the way. when I removed it I found the pocket it fits into plugged with plastic bits. After cleaning it out and reassembly, it trips at 7lbs 2 oz. it did not lighten any but it feels like a trigger now. I think it was running out of compression room. DR

[dabob]

Good job!

[Frank]

There ya go