Long Trigger for Mil-Spec

[roundup]

I am the proud owner of a Springfield Mil-Spec .45 auto. I was going to leave it stock, you know how that goes, but I decided to make a few changes. First of all I replaced the stock grips with double diamond checkered rosewood grips. Then I installed a deepwell, ordered a couple of stainless 8 rd mags, and then had higher profile fixed 3-dot sights installed.

I have no trouble with the configuration of the unit, so I'm not going to mess with a beavertail grip safety or change the hammer.

The only thing I'm contemplating at the moment is installing a "long" trigger. A friend of mine has one on his .45 and it seems comfortable to me. Is their a particular reason for the long hammer? Also I was told that the long trigger would help correct in me shooting to the left.

I have been shooting 2 1/2" to 3" groups offhand, not from a rest at 25 yards with 230 gr Rem white box ammo. But the groups are usually to the left of point of aim.

Would it be worthwhile to me to install the long trigger?

Thanks in advance.

[XavierBreath]

I like a long trigger. In particular, I like the McCormick trigger (which has been backordered for months).

For me it is worth the swap. The only way to know if you will prefer it is to try it. Chances are it may help your shooting left, but don't depend on equipment changes to cure operator error.

[chuckshoun]

Since you are shooting good groups consistently to the left, you might consider adjusting the rear sight and use the trigger you have. If you do think the trigger is the issue, here's a way to find out (at least it works for me.

Make a target with only a cross on it (+). the arms should be about .5 inch wide, and extend from top to bottom, side to side.

Place the target about 10 meters from you, fix it to a wall -- this is a dry-fire exercise.
Get a good stance and position. Aim at the target and when your sight picture and sight alignment are correct, activate the trigger slowly, concentrating on keeping the sights centered on the arms of the cross, rear sight on the horizontal line, front sight bisecting the vertical line. Really concentrate on this image as you activate the trigger. when the hammer falls, remember your shot call. Repeat this exercise at least once a day for a week or two. You may find that trigger activation is an issue. If it isn't, you just can't get the shot to break on the cross, then the new trigger may resolve your issue. I'd repeat this exercise even with the new trigger before you go to the range to be sure that you have the proper trigger placement on the gun.

I dry-fry every day this way, 15 repeats with my Kimber Gold Match II, and 15 times with my Springer "GI". I use a Snap Cap in the chamber to relieve stress on the firing pin. I also hold the position for 30 second after the shot breaks to strengthen my right arm. It's an exercise I have found has improved my shooting off-hand, and works great for the long Kimber trigger and the short "GI" trigger. On the range, I can keep 20 shots each gun within a 5.5 inch black target (except for a flyer if I hold too long), and for a 76 year old f--t like me , that's pretty good shooting. Sometimes I even get a one ragged hole with the Kimber!

[roundup]

Hey guys! Thanks for the tips and replies. Of course the long trigger I was interested in is the McCormick. About age....I am middle aged....that is if I live to be 138!