Getting a new trigger for the .300 win. What weight do you guys like on your hunting rifles? My choices are 8oz. adjustable to 1 1/2 lbs. or 1 1/2 lbs adjustable to 3lbs? I like a light trigger but I have never gauged mine. Thanks Chain

For winter hunting a heavier trigger is safer. When it's cold you just can't tell what's going to happen with gloves on.

I like a light trigger too but you have to stay safe. Even three pounds is on the light side.

3# is a good safe weight for a trigger on a bolt action rifle to be used hunting. Target shooting is a whole different world.
I'd go with the 1-1/2 - 3#

Under 2 lbs. on a hunting rifle is pushing it. I have some rigs that I had set so light when shooting off of the bench that when I had taken them hunting they would fire quicker than I wanted when starting to squeeze one off at a deer. When I checked them they were typically at about 1 to 1 lb and a few oz.'s

I have settled in liking my hunting triggers at right on 2 lbs. It's worth gauging yours to see what the triggers you like are actually weighing in at. Most of my buds have found that the triggers they like are set at heavier weights than they guessed.

Setting one for grouping off of the bench usually gives me a lighter pull than I would guess, and is one reason to shoot a lot of different weight triggers in different shooting styles to help you decide what a good weight is for a particular style of shooting.

Good luck--Don

I've got my hunting rifles set at 3lbs. Target rifles are set lighter. My Sharps set trigger is down to about 12 oz.

My smith refuses to set triggers below 3lbs. as he believes that unsafe for a hunting firearm. Also he believes that technique is as important as trigger weight, i.e., if one is a poor hunting shot with 3lbs it won't improve at less.

I'm with the 3 to 3 1/2 lb crowd for hunting rifles.

A 3 lb, crisp single stage trigger feels lighter than what it is, and is much more controllable than a mushy, creepy, 1 1/2 lb trigger.

A 3 lb, crisp, two stage trigger with 2 lbs on the first stage and the last 1 lb on the second is heaven.

I keep most triggers at 1# 14oz to 2#. Maybe just a little lighter. I have shot these in -40 weather with gloves numerous times with no problems. I have an auto that is about 3#, but the bolt actions are 2# or a ocuple oz. under. It is perfectly safe, but then I have shot a lot with light triggers. It is all a matter of training.. Even a 2 stage 2 oz trigger feels heavy when you have used it a lot. Tha main thing is to have a very clean break to the trigger to me

Thanks I'll opt for the heavier one. Less than one pound seemed awful light. I appreciate the info. Chain

Good choice.
My sniper rifles are set to 3.25#, as are my hunting rifles, varmint rifles and screw around rifles.
lawndart

On a hunting rifle, 4 pounds for me is fine.
The crispness and smoothness all have to do with sear engagement and how smooth the surfaces are.

In my opinion, under 2 pounds, and most times under 3.5, is crazy for a hunting rifle.

-Spencer

I prefer a 3 lb. trigger except on a DGR then a clean breaking 4 lb. is fine...

Light triggers below 2.5 lbs are not for the hunting field IMO...and thats too light for me. they are dangerous.