The Ruger American Rifle Gen 2 is a popular choice for its accuracy and affordability. However, many shooters find the factory trigger a bit rough and heavy. Fortunately, the Ruger American Gen 2 trigger is adjustable, allowing you to customize the pull weight and overall feel to better suit your shooting style and preferences. This guide will walk you through the process of adjusting your Ruger American Gen 2 trigger, empowering you to enhance your shooting experience.
Understanding Your Ruger American Gen 2 Trigger
Before diving into the adjustment process, it's crucial to understand the components of the trigger mechanism. The Ruger American Gen 2 trigger uses a fairly simple design, making adjustments relatively straightforward. Key components include the trigger itself, the sear, and the trigger adjustment screw. Improper adjustment can lead to malfunction or damage, so proceed with caution and always prioritize safety.
Safety First!
- Always unload your firearm and visually inspect the chamber before making any adjustments.
- Point the firearm in a safe direction.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any potential spring-related hazards.
Adjusting Your Ruger American Gen 2 Trigger: A Step-by-Step Guide
The adjustment process primarily focuses on reducing the trigger pull weight. While you can't adjust the trigger's overtravel, you can significantly improve its crispness and overall feel.
Tools Required:
- A small flathead screwdriver
- A trigger pull gauge (optional, but recommended for precise measurement)
Steps:
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Disassemble the Rifle: Carefully follow the instructions in your Ruger American Rifle Gen 2 owner's manual to properly disassemble the action. This ensures you don't damage any components and allows you access to the trigger mechanism.
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Locate the Trigger Adjustment Screw: Once the action is disassembled, you'll locate a small screw on the trigger mechanism. This screw is responsible for adjusting the trigger pull weight.
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Adjust the Screw: Using your small flathead screwdriver, carefully turn the screw. Turning the screw clockwise will increase the trigger pull weight, while turning it counter-clockwise will decrease the trigger pull weight. Make small adjustments (1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time) and test the trigger pull after each adjustment.
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Test the Trigger Pull: Reassemble the action (following the owner's manual), ensuring all parts are correctly seated. Carefully check function before loading the rifle. Use a trigger pull gauge, if available, to measure the trigger pull weight accurately. The goal is to find a trigger pull weight that is both safe and comfortable for you. A general recommendation is to aim for a trigger pull weight between 3 and 5 pounds. Anything lighter may compromise safety.
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Reassemble: Once you achieve your desired trigger pull weight, carefully reassemble the rifle, following your owner's manual instructions precisely. Double-check that all parts are correctly aligned and securely fastened.
Troubleshooting and Considerations
- Trigger is too light: If the trigger pull is too light, carefully increase the pull weight by turning the adjustment screw clockwise.
- Trigger is too heavy: If the trigger pull is too heavy, carefully decrease the pull weight by turning the adjustment screw counter-clockwise.
- Trigger feels gritty or sticky: This may indicate the need for cleaning and lubrication. Consult your owner's manual for proper cleaning and lubrication procedures. Avoid using excessive lubricant.
- Trigger feels inconsistent: Ensure the trigger mechanism is clean and properly lubricated. Inconsistent trigger pull may also indicate a component that needs repair or replacement.
Conclusion
Adjusting the trigger on your Ruger American Gen 2 rifle can significantly improve your shooting experience. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can customize your trigger to achieve a pull weight and feel that enhances accuracy and comfort. Remember to always consult your owner's manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions. If you're uncomfortable performing this adjustment yourself, seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith.
