Audible 2-stage trigger - problem, or not?

[Liam]

My 1903 Springfield has an odd 2-stage trigger right now. I don't recall it doing this a year or so ago. Not sure if a safety issue.

Sometimes a picture just doesn't do it, so I made a short film:


https://vimeo.com/127031396

[Roadkingtrax]

Never seen them stick on the 1st stage, allowing you to let go. I've seen them pull through the 1st stage and drop the firing pin, without any appreciable stop.

I suspect there is a burr, either on the cocking rod nose or the sear. Have you ever stoned the edges for a trigger pull adjustment?

PG 236-237 in the Campbell book explains the trigger interface. I can email you the pages if you'd like?

[Liam]

Have never altered the trigger in any way. Initially, I thought I was rubbing some wood, but upon inspection that is not the case. I do not have the Campbell book (blasphemy!). I will reach out to you, Roadkingtrax, via jouster member messaging. And…thanks!

[Dave in NGA]

Have you disassembled the trigger? Just as a guess have you looked at the spring to see if it's broken?

[Liam]

Had it apart yesterday, Dave. Cleaned, examined, spring OK. Problem is, I only have the one M1903. I don't have another trigger with which to compare for anomalies. I'll be looking online today for some imagery.

[chuckindenver]

looks like a repro stock...that might be rubbing on the trigger, might be a loose trigger and sear pin, could be a burr...hard to say. unless it was in my hands..
trigger should be 2 stage, smooth in its operation...

[Liam]

It's a Keystone C-stock, Chuck. Probably from its passing through Ogden Arsenal rebuild (O.G.E.K. stamps on stock). No evidence of metal/wood contacting at trigger group. The wood is really old and dark underneath, so it's fairly easy to eyeball. Going to do some comparisons today of my trigger against those images I can find of other 1903 triggers. Here's a stupid question: is the rifle supposed to fire if one PUSHES the trigger forward, as opposed to pulling? Mine does. (Edit: mine does WHEN NOT IN STOCK)

[Liam]

Barreled action removed from stock.


https://vimeo.com/127031397

[PhillipM]

Pushing the trigger forward and it releasing the striker is normal out of the stock. The triggerguard slot prevents this from happening, early rifles would go off like that assembled and they went back and had a small pin installed as a fix.

I see the striker moving forward, which is your click. In my amateur opinion either the striker or the sear has a chip in it, the surfaces should be flat and smooth.

[Liam]

video links amended

[Liam]

It was the sear. Ordered a small parts collection from the dreaded SARCO. I could tell by comparing the old sear with one of the two new ones provided that the old sear had either wear or a chip on it. Two-stage just fine after reassembly. And, the other parts won't hurt to have on hand. The collection below is currently on sale for half their usual price. Bonus.
30937