Nosler M48 Handgun Trigger Adjustment

[seawolfxix]

Hey guys. I've got a M48 Independence, and I'd like to lighten the trigger pull, but the manual doesn't provide instructions, and Nosler is reluctant to help if you try calling (for liability reasons, I'm sure).

Is it similar to the attached Fig 5 of a Remington 700?

 

[Ernie]

I know a gunsmith that has done some trigger work to the 48, but I doubt if they are going to risk telling someone else how to modify it. I don't have one myself.
Congrats on the specialty pistol.
E

 

[seawolfxix]

Dang it, @Ernie. I was hoping you knew the answer.

My hunch is that it's the bottom screw because it's accessible without removing the stock.

 

[Ernie]

Keep track of the amount you adjust, so you can always go back to the factory settings

 

[seawolfxix]

I experimented with the trigger spring, and it didn't do much. After loosening it as far as possible, the pull weight was still ~3.5 lbs, which is where it was from the factory.

I ordered some lighter springs today to see if a lower spring rate is impactful.

If that doesn't work, then I guess I'll experiment with the sear engagement.

Photos attached for reference.

 

[buggz]

Following...

 

[seawolfxix]

Welp, I'm right back where I started, but I did learn a few things. Attaching some photos for reference.

The owners manual shows a single return spring on the trigger linkage, whereas mine has a two-spring setup, so Nosler may be making modifications to their design over time.

This is "stage 1" of the two-stage trigger, and it seems to be ~1.5 lbs. The trigger travel/return in this stage is relatively smooth when the action is removed, but it gets worse after reassembly, so I'm assuming there is interference somewhere.

I also measured these two springs, and they appear to be the same as the one in the sear mechanism that I measured in the previous post above.

Now onto the sear mechanism itself. I tried several lighter springs, but the effect on trigger pull weight was negligible. Therefore, I believe the second stage "weight" is largely dependent on the sear engagement (i.e. friction). Lightening the spring only made the trigger reset less reliable.

The sear engagement screw, however, appears to have a coarse thread, so the adjustment is not as precise as I was hoping for.

After spending 3 hours tinkering today, I reverted back to the original spring, and the two-stage trigger is still 3.5 lbs (i.e. ~1.5 lbs in the first stage and ~2 lbs in the second stage).

I really wish the first stage was smoother. Now I have to decide if it's worth sending to a professional for improvement…

I'm open to ideas/suggestions.