Re: [HOE] Trigger mod questions

[Theo McGuckin <tsm@jlab.org>]

> What exactly is a set trigger, mechanically? I know it gives a
> "smoother pull", but how does it do that?

I THINK a set trigger uses some type of special mechanism to control the
pull on the trigger. A normal gun's trigger is basically (VERY simplified
here) a lever with a spring on it to pull it back. When you squeeze the
trigger the spring stretchs until you pull it over the catch point, then
the trigger releases and the spring pulls (amybe it pushes) the hammer
back to normal position very quickly, hitting the cap of the bullet and
firing.
Now because of physics the more you move a spring from it's rest position
the harder it is to pull/push. This means that it's harder to pull
trigger at the end of the pull than at the beginning. In a tense situation
the result is a "yank" on the trigger that send your aim off (especially
on older guns with a heavy pull).

Now one set trigger I've heard is the two-stage trigger used on a lot of
sniper/hunting rifles. This is a two-stage trigger where you can either
pull it back normally to fire, or pull it part way to a "set" position.
The trigger than stays there and a feather touch on it will then set it
off (because there is no change in the amount of pull needed to distort
the spring).

This seems like it would be kind of useless on a pistol though ("Gimme a
second before we start the duel, I gotta set ma trigger.") 

It also wouldn't be any good after the first pull (unless you took an
action every time to set the trigger again).

Another possibility would simply a better mechanism that uses alternate
method for restoring the trigger to he firing position that doesn't use a
simple spring.

As a side not, I've ruled that anyone that cocks their gun before firing
gets a +1 to hit as this is the equivalent of setting the trigger or
giving it a hair trigger. Also note that my group doesn't differentiate
between single and double action revolvers in terms of RoF or actions to
fire.

> I'm working on an idea for a relic: a matched pair of .44 AutoMags,
> insanely customized (ghost steel construction, tritium nightsights,
> integral recoil suppressors, low-friction finish for quickdrawing, a
> left-handed ejection port on one weapon, etc.), that were specially
> commissioned by an high-ranking Texas Ranger operative before the war.
> They're an unbelievably sweet find for a wasteland gunslinger who
> doesn't think too hard about why the last badass who used them wasn't
> able to hold onto them...until the curse starts to take hold.

One thing that I'd like to try some time is a gunfighter that has a really
nice desert eagle kit. A good kit comes with the attachments to make the
gun a .50, .44, .357 or some other caliber (like a .50AE or something).
Plus as a .357 it can fire .38 ammo. The kit also comes with extended
barrels and laser-sight and scope. I just think it would be cool to have
someone who was that dedicated to his gun (most of my characters tend to
be of the "use 'til it breaks" variety).


Theo McGuckin - SysAdmin, JLab


"Are we going to push it to the edge of the envelope, and beyond Brain?"
"No Pinky, we may however reach the sticky part."