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Trigger Weights

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Revolver in position on trigger weights

Revolver in position on
trigger weights

Courtesy of St. Petersburg
College Firing Range

Trigger weights are the most commonly used method of determining trigger pull. The system consists of a shaped rod and different sizes of metal weights (usually ¼, ½, 1, 2, and 5 pounds) placed on a flat surface (rest).

The steps in measuring trigger pull with trigger weights are as follows:

  1. For single-action trigger pull, cock the firearm.  For double-action trigger pull, do not cock the firearm.
  2. Place the trigger under the top portion of the rod.
  3. Slowly lift the firearm upward with the rod, bringing force on the trigger.
    1. If the weights come off the rest without the firearm discharging, add more weight to the rod.
    2. If the firearm discharges before the weights come off the rest, remove weight from the rod.
  4. Continue until the least weight required to cause the firearm to discharge without the weights leaving the rest is determined.

Click here to watch a trigger pull demonstration
Courtesy of Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Tampa, FL

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