The Ruger American Pistol, while a reliable and affordable option, can benefit significantly from a trigger upgrade. Its factory trigger, while functional, often feels gritty and possesses a long, somewhat heavy pull. This can hinder accuracy and overall shooting enjoyment. This guide delves into the various options for upgrading your Ruger American Pistol trigger, helping you choose the best solution for your needs and budget.
Understanding Your Ruger American Pistol's Trigger
Before diving into upgrades, it's crucial to understand the factory trigger's components. The trigger assembly consists of several parts, including the trigger itself, the sear, the disconnector, and the hammer. These interact to control the firing sequence. Many upgrades focus on smoothing out the interaction of these parts, reducing creep, and shortening the overall pull weight.
Factory Trigger Drawbacks:
- Gritty Feel: The factory trigger often has a gritty texture, stemming from friction between components.
- Long Reset: The reset distance—the distance the trigger needs to travel after firing before being ready to fire again—is relatively long.
- Heavy Pull Weight: The pull weight, typically around 5-6 pounds, can be heavy for some shooters.
- Creep: A noticeable amount of creep (the trigger's movement before breaking) is often present, impacting accuracy.
Ruger American Pistol Trigger Upgrade Options:
Several options exist for enhancing your Ruger American Pistol's trigger, ranging from simple DIY modifications to professional gunsmithing services.
1. DIY Trigger Job:
This involves carefully polishing and smoothing various trigger components, reducing friction points. Caution: This requires skill and patience; improper modifications can compromise firearm safety. Numerous online resources detail the process, but proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk. Incorrect modifications can render the pistol unsafe.
2. Aftermarket Trigger Kits:
Several companies offer aftermarket trigger kits designed specifically for the Ruger American Pistol. These kits often include improved components like:
- Reduced Pull Weight Springs: These lower the overall trigger pull weight.
- Improved Sear: A smoother sear reduces friction and creep.
- Polished Components: Pre-polished components minimize the need for extensive DIY work.
These kits typically provide a significant upgrade compared to the factory trigger, often delivering a lighter, cleaner, and more consistent pull. Installation may require basic gunsmithing skills. Always consult instructions thoroughly before starting.
3. Professional Gunsmithing:
For the best results and peace of mind, consider a professional gunsmith. A qualified gunsmith can perform a comprehensive trigger job, meticulously smoothing components, tuning the pull weight to your preference, and ensuring the pistol remains safe and reliable. This is the most expensive option, but it guarantees a superior trigger and ensures the firearm's safety is not compromised.
Choosing the Right Upgrade:
The best trigger upgrade for you depends on your budget, mechanical aptitude, and desired level of performance.
- Beginner/Budget-conscious: Consider researching detailed DIY guides. Proceed slowly, carefully, and only if you possess the necessary tools and mechanical understanding.
- Intermediate: An aftermarket trigger kit offers a good balance of cost and performance.
- Advanced/Perfectionist: A professional gunsmith will provide the most refined and reliable trigger upgrade.
Safety First:
Always prioritize firearm safety. Before any modification, thoroughly research the process, ensure you have the proper tools, and handle the firearm safely. If unsure about any step, consult a qualified gunsmith. Improper modifications can lead to malfunctions and potentially dangerous situations. Disclaimer: The author and this guide are not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from improper firearm modifications.
This comprehensive guide provides a starting point for your Ruger American Pistol trigger upgrade. Remember to always prioritize safety and choose the option best suited to your skills and resources. By upgrading your trigger, you can significantly improve your shooting experience and accuracy.
