M1A Two-stage Trigger

[C420sailor]

Trigger question here...

I have a three month old Springfield Armory M1A, with the factory two-stage trigger. Only about 40 rounds down the tube (this .308 is EXPENSIVE!) so it's not even close to broken in yet.

The trigger is unlike any other two-stage trigger I've seen. Normally on a two-stage, the first stage is very smooth, linear, and will reset on its own when released. This trigger is very stiff in the first stage, and clicks into a noticeable detent at the end of the first stage and stays there. It feels more like a safety switch than a first stage. It does not reset on its own---you must push the trigger forward out of the detent for it to reset. The rest of the pull is great---crisp, like breaking a glass rod.

When actually firing the rifle, if you keep holding the trigger down after firing, it will reset to the detent at the end of the first stage. However, if you release the trigger quickly (as soon as the rifle fires) it will fully reset flawlessly. It is very unnerving not knowing if I have a full trigger pull (1st and 2nd) or just the second stage left.

I've never seen this before. Can any other SA M1A owners chime in on this? Is this normal? Thanks in advance.

 

[Bevo16]

My SA purchase is well documented:

on this airwarriors thread

and I have since gotten it scoped. Not including ammo, I have more than $3,000 in my rifle at this point.

Lucky for me, I got a heads up for some low cost (1000 rds for about $450) surplus ammo and I snapped it up. I have about 200 rounds through it at this point, and I have not any issues like what you are describing. Sounds to me like something is wrong with your trigger. The first stage of my trigger is very smooth and the second is just like yours. Perfect. No reset issues at all.

 

[sodajones]

IF you want your trigger set up right send it to Ted Brown and he'll do a trigger job for about $50-60. His trigger job greatly improved how I fired my rifle. My groups got exponentially smaller. Google him, he is the authority on M14 gunsmithing.

 

[C420sailor]

IF you want your trigger set up right send it to Ted Brown and he'll do a trigger job for about $50-60. His trigger job greatly improved how I fired my rifle. My groups got exponentially smaller. Google him, he is the authority on M14 gunsmithing.

Will do, thanks!

I think I'm just going to bring the whole rifle to a local smith first, for an opinion only, just to make sure I'm not crazy and that there isn't anything majorly wrong with the trigger group. If it just needs some massaging I'll send it out to Mr. Brown, otherwise I'm sending it back to SA.

 

[Rocketman]

Will do, thanks!

I think I'm just going to bring the whole rifle to a local smith first, for an opinion only, just to make sure I'm not crazy and that there isn't anything majorly wrong with the trigger group. If it just needs some massaging I'll send it out to Mr. Brown, otherwise I'm sending it back to SA.

If your trigger is as you describe you def need to take it to a smith. I'm not even sure I would mess with a local guy unless he knows M1A's. A good M1A guy can make that trigger break like a glass rod. A bad one can screw up a Garand or M1A. Make certain you get it to someone who know what he's doing.

If you haven't already been there the guys on this forum can give you informed info as well. http://m14tfl.com/upload/

Make like Bevo and find some surplus ammo. M1A's and Garands almost seem to have personalities. You have to shoot them to know them. Good Luck!!