The Ruger American rifle's popularity stems partly from its affordability and accuracy. However, many shooters find the factory trigger a bit rough and heavy. Fortunately, the Ruger American trigger is easily adjustable, allowing you to customize the pull weight and reduce creep for a more precise and comfortable shooting experience. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the Ruger American trigger adjustment process, ensuring a safe and effective modification. This guide covers adjusting the Ruger American trigger, emphasizing safety and proper technique for improved accuracy and shooting experience.
Understanding Your Ruger American Trigger
Before diving into the adjustment process, it's crucial to understand the trigger mechanism. The Ruger American utilizes a fairly simple design, making adjustment relatively straightforward. However, proceeding without understanding the components involved could lead to malfunctions or even injury. The key components you'll be interacting with are the trigger itself, the sear, and the adjustment screws.
Trigger Components and Their Roles
- Trigger: The part you pull to fire the rifle.
- Sear: The component that engages the firing pin.
- Adjustment Screws: These screws, usually located on the trigger group, control the trigger pull weight and overtravel.
Safety First: Essential Precautions Before Trigger Adjustment
Gun safety is paramount. Always follow these steps before you begin:
- Unloaded Weapon: Ensure your Ruger American rifle is completely unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine to confirm no ammunition is present.
- Point in Safe Direction: Point the rifle in a safe direction, away from yourself and others.
- Use Proper Tools: Gather the necessary tools—a small flathead screwdriver and potentially a punch or similar tool for the overtravel screw—before starting the process.
- Clear Work Area: Maintain a clean, well-lit workspace, free from distractions.
- Consult Manual: Familiarize yourself with the Ruger American owner's manual before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Ruger American Trigger Adjustment Guide
The Ruger American trigger adjustment involves two key adjustments: pull weight and overtravel.
Adjusting the Trigger Pull Weight
The pull weight adjustment screw is usually located on the trigger itself. It controls how much force is needed to pull the trigger and fire the rifle.
- Locate the Screw: Identify the adjustment screw on the trigger. It’s typically a small screw on the bottom or side of the trigger housing.
- Loosen the Screw: Gently loosen this screw using a small flathead screwdriver. A small amount of turning will make a significant change to trigger pull.
- Adjust Gradually: Turn the screw clockwise to increase the pull weight and counterclockwise to decrease it. Make small adjustments (1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time) and test the trigger pull after each adjustment.
- Test and Repeat: Continue adjusting until you achieve your desired pull weight. Remember, lighter trigger pulls reduce the force needed to fire the rifle. Lighter is not always better – too light a pull can lead to accidental discharges. A good range for most shooters is between 3 and 5 pounds.
- Tighten the Screw: Once you've found the optimal setting, securely tighten the adjustment screw.
Adjusting Trigger Overtravel
Overtravel refers to the distance the trigger travels after the shot breaks. Reducing overtravel can improve the crispness and feel of the trigger. The overtravel screw is often recessed and requires a smaller tool for precise adjustment.
- Locate the Overtravel Screw: This screw is typically small and located near the trigger adjustment screw. It may be hidden slightly, requiring a careful examination of the trigger group.
- Adjust Carefully: Use a small punch or appropriately sized screwdriver to adjust the overtravel screw. Turning the screw clockwise reduces overtravel, while counterclockwise increases it. Again, make small adjustments (1/4 turn at a time) to avoid making drastic changes.
- Test and Repeat: Test the trigger pull after each adjustment. Overtravel should be minimal but not so restricted as to make trigger reset difficult.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Trigger is too light: If the trigger pull is too light, turn the pull weight adjustment screw clockwise.
- Trigger is too heavy: If the trigger pull is too heavy, turn the pull weight adjustment screw counterclockwise.
- Trigger is sticky or gritty: This might indicate the need for a professional cleaning and lubrication of the trigger group. Do not attempt to force adjustments if the trigger is binding.
- Trigger doesn’t reset properly: Check for proper engagement of the sear. If the problem persists, it might require a deeper inspection by a gunsmith.
When to Seek Professional Help
While adjusting the Ruger American trigger is generally a straightforward process, some situations warrant professional help:
- Significant Issues: If you encounter significant problems during adjustment, or if you're uncomfortable performing this task, seek a qualified gunsmith’s assistance.
- Lack of Experience: If you lack experience with firearm maintenance, it's best to leave the adjustment to a professional to prevent accidents.
This detailed guide provides you with the knowledge and steps to safely adjust your Ruger American trigger. Remember to prioritize safety throughout the process. By adjusting the trigger pull weight and overtravel, you can enhance the accuracy and shooting experience of your Ruger American rifle. Always follow safe gun handling practices.