The Savage Accutrigger is a popular and highly adjustable trigger system known for its crisp break and safety features. However, getting it just right for your specific needs and preferences often requires some adjustment. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to adjust your Savage Accutrigger, ensuring a safe and satisfying shooting experience. Remember safety is paramount; always treat your firearm as if it were loaded, and never point it at anything you don't intend to shoot.
Understanding the Savage Accutrigger
Before diving into the adjustment process, let's understand the Accutrigger's components and how they work. The Accutrigger consists of two primary adjustment points:
- Pull Weight Adjustment: This controls the overall trigger pull weight, allowing you to customize it to your comfort level.
- Overtravel Adjustment: This limits how far the trigger travels after the shot breaks, promoting a crisper and more consistent trigger pull.
The Accutrigger's design incorporates a blade-style trigger, which some shooters find more comfortable and precise than traditional triggers. Its two-stage design helps improve safety.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools. You'll need:
- A Small Flathead Screwdriver: This will be used to adjust both the pull weight and overtravel. Make sure it's the right size to fit the screws without damaging them.
- A Gun Cleaning Mat: This will protect your firearm's finish and provide a clean work surface.
- Safety Glasses: Always wear eye protection when working with firearms.
- A Trigger Pull Gauge (Optional): This tool allows for precise measurement of your trigger pull weight. While not strictly necessary for adjustment, it's highly recommended for accuracy.
Step-by-Step Adjustment Guide
1. Safety First: Unload your Savage firearm and visually inspect the chamber to ensure it's completely empty. Point the firearm in a safe direction, preferably downrange, and keep your finger off the trigger.
2. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down your gun cleaning mat and place your firearm on it. Gather your tools and make sure you have ample light.
3. Adjusting the Pull Weight:
Locate the adjustment screw for the pull weight. This is typically a small screw located on the trigger itself, often near the bottom. Using your flathead screwdriver, carefully turn the screw clockwise to increase the pull weight and counter-clockwise to decrease it.
- Small Adjustments: Turn the screw in small increments (1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time). Test the trigger pull after each adjustment. Excessive adjustments can lead to unwanted changes.
- Recommended Pull Weight: Many experienced shooters recommend a trigger pull weight between 2.5 and 3.5 lbs for hunting rifles and 3.5 to 4.5 lbs for tactical applications, but it's a matter of personal preference. Always prioritize safety over trigger weight preference.
4. Adjusting the Overtravel:
The overtravel adjustment screw is usually located near the trigger. This screw controls how far the trigger travels after breaking. To reduce overtravel, carefully turn this screw clockwise. To increase overtravel, turn it counter-clockwise.
- Small Adjustments: Similar to the pull weight adjustment, make small adjustments (1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time) and test the trigger pull frequently.
- Finding the Sweet Spot: The goal is to eliminate or significantly reduce overtravel, which can improve trigger feel and shot consistency. You want to adjust the screw until the trigger breaks cleanly and resets correctly.
5. Testing and Refinement:
After making adjustments, it's crucial to test the trigger repeatedly. Use a trigger pull gauge, if available, to accurately measure the pull weight. Dry fire the rifle (with a snap cap) many times to ensure smooth and consistent trigger function. Continue making small adjustments until you achieve the desired pull weight and overtravel.
6. Final Check and Reassembly:
Once you're satisfied with the trigger adjustment, carefully reassemble any parts you may have removed during the process. Always verify that the firearm is functioning safely before loading it again.
Case Study: Improving Accuracy with Accutrigger Adjustment
A hunter, experienced with Savage rifles, found their Accutrigger on their new rifle had a relatively heavy pull, at 4.75 pounds. This resulted in inconsistent shot placement, particularly during field hunting situations, with shots sometimes falling outside the target due to an unexpected jerk in the trigger pull.
By carefully following the steps outlined above, the hunter decreased the trigger pull to 3.25 pounds and reduced the overtravel significantly. This adjustment led to a noticeable improvement in accuracy and shot consistency, improving overall hunting success.
Conclusion
Adjusting the Accutrigger on a Savage firearm is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your shooting experience. By following these instructions carefully and prioritizing safety, you can customize your trigger to your liking, improving both accuracy and comfort. Remember to always practice safe gun handling procedures.