The Savage AccuTrigger is renowned for its crisp, clean break and adjustability, making it a favorite among shooters. But understanding how to properly adjust this trigger is crucial for both safety and optimal performance. This guide will walk you through the process, providing clear instructions and safety precautions.
Understanding Your AccuTrigger
Before you begin any adjustments, it's vital to understand the AccuTrigger's mechanism. It's a two-stage trigger, meaning it has a distinct take-up before the clean break. This is designed for safety and helps prevent accidental discharges. The adjustment screw controls the overtravel—how far the trigger travels after it breaks—and the weight of the second stage pull. Never attempt to adjust the first stage; this is fixed.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
Gun Safety is Paramount:
- Always point the firearm in a safe direction. This should be downrange at a designated backstop, preferably outdoors.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot. This is the single most important rule of firearm safety.
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Never assume a firearm is unloaded.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Ensure that no one is in the line of fire.
- Use appropriate hearing and eye protection.
Tools Required for AccuTrigger Adjustment
You'll need minimal tools for this task:
- Small flat-head screwdriver: A precision screwdriver is recommended to avoid damaging the adjustment screw.
- A safe shooting environment: You’ll need a place to test the trigger pull after making adjustments.
Adjusting Your Savage AccuTrigger: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Unloading the Firearm: Begin by completely unloading your firearm. Visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine to ensure it's devoid of ammunition. Many gun owners utilize a process called "dry firing" for this purpose (refer to your firearm's manual).
- Locating the Adjustment Screw: The AccuTrigger adjustment screw is located on the trigger itself. It's typically a small screw, easily identifiable on the underside of the trigger.
- Making the Adjustment: Use your small flat-head screwdriver to gently turn the adjustment screw. Turning the screw clockwise will increase the trigger pull weight, while turning it counter-clockwise will decrease the trigger pull weight. Small adjustments are best—a quarter or half turn at a time.
- Testing the Trigger Pull: After each adjustment, dry fire the rifle (with the safety engaged and pointing in a safe direction) to test the trigger pull weight and feel. Do not shoot live rounds during this adjustment phase. Note the feel; you want a crisp, clean break without excessive creep.
- Repeating the Process: Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you achieve your desired trigger pull weight. Remember, it's better to err on the side of caution and have a slightly heavier trigger pull than one that's too light.
- Final Safety Check: Once you are satisfied with the trigger pull, re-inspect the firearm to ensure it's still unloaded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-adjusting: Avoid making large adjustments at once. Small, incremental changes are key.
- Damaging the Adjustment Screw: Be gentle with the screwdriver; over-tightening or stripping the screw can damage the trigger mechanism.
- Ignoring Safety Procedures: Always prioritize safety. Treat every firearm as if it's loaded, regardless of whether or not you've just unloaded it.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about the adjustment process, it's always best to seek professional help from a qualified gunsmith. They have the expertise and tools to safely adjust your AccuTrigger and ensure your firearm functions correctly.
This comprehensive guide should help you successfully adjust your Savage AccuTrigger. Remember, safety is paramount, and understanding the process before you begin is essential. Always refer to your firearm's owner's manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.
