Cheap and easy trigger enhancement

Karl · 11-27-2004, 02:21 PM

I recently acquired my first M1900 Luger and was surprized by the light trigger pull compared to a P-08. It turns out that the M1900 trigger return spring is much lighter than a P-08 spring (see photo). I cut about 60% off of a ballpoint pen spring, stretched it out a bit and installed it in my favorite shooter. It makes a significant difference in trigger pull. I should note that the spring may be too weak if there is any binding in the trigger mechanism. KFS

John Sabato · 11-29-2004, 10:45 AM

A great tip Karl... I have done this modification myself...just retain the original spring... they are easy to lose.

Luke · 11-29-2004, 05:19 PM

Interesting idea. I wonder if anyone actually makes a weaker replacement spring as is the case with P-08 mainsprings. I am a little uncomfortable with using a ballpoint pen spring.
Am I being too cautious?

Luke

Karl · 11-29-2004, 08:13 PM

Luke,

I respect your caution, however, I don't see a safety concern. If the spring is too weak for a particular gun, the trigger won't retract the trigger lever, preventing the sear bar plunger from returning, and the gun won't fire. The ballpoint pen spring is a little bit weaker than I would prefer but it does work on my gun. I guess, without any real knowledge, that the beefed-up P-08 trigger return spring was seen as more desirable for a military pistol. If any forum member can see a safety problem with this modification please speak up. KFS

John Sabato · 11-30-2004, 12:04 PM

Karl, your assessment of the safety issue is correct. Without proper tension, the gun would only fire the one time the trigger is pulled.

Luke...My suggestion is to take a substantial ball point spring and cut off coils one at a time until the length is correct to allow function regardless of the trigger pull weight... then stretch the spring length with your fingers until the weight is close to what you are trying to achieve...

The neat thing about this modification is that no damage is done to the original parts, and if you screw up by cutting or stretching too much all you have lost is a ball-point spring...

Try it on one of your shooters where the trigger pull is just a little heavier than you wish it was... you won't be disappointed.

11-27-2004, 02:21 PM	#1
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 515 Thanks: 0 Thanked 249 Times in 112 Posts	Cheap and easy trigger enhancement I recently acquired my first M1900 Luger and was surprized by the light trigger pull compared to a P-08. It turns out that the M1900 trigger return spring is much lighter than a P-08 spring (see photo). I cut about 60% off of a ballpoint pen spring, stretched it out a bit and installed it in my favorite shooter. It makes a significant difference in trigger pull. I should note that the spring may be too weak if there is any binding in the trigger mechanism. KFS

11-29-2004, 10:45 AM	#2
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	A great tip Karl... I have done this modification myself...just retain the original spring... they are easy to lose. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

11-29-2004, 05:19 PM	#3
Luke User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NC - USA Posts: 1,239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 6 Posts	Interesting idea. I wonder if anyone actually makes a weaker replacement spring as is the case with P-08 mainsprings. I am a little uncomfortable with using a ballpoint pen spring. Am I being too cautious? Luke __________________ "Peace, if possible; truth, at any cost." . . . Martin Luther

11-30-2004, 12:04 PM	#5
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Karl, your assessment of the safety issue is correct. Without proper tension, the gun would only fire the one time the trigger is pulled. Luke...My suggestion is to take a substantial ball point spring and cut off coils one at a time until the length is correct to allow function regardless of the trigger pull weight... then stretch the spring length with your fingers until the weight is close to what you are trying to achieve... The neat thing about this modification is that no damage is done to the original parts, and if you screw up by cutting or stretching too much all you have lost is a ball-point spring... Try it on one of your shooters where the trigger pull is just a little heavier than you wish it was... you won't be disappointed. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

11-29-2004, 08:13 PM	#4
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 515 Thanks: 0 Thanked 249 Times in 112 Posts	Luke, I respect your caution, however, I don't see a safety concern. If the spring is too weak for a particular gun, the trigger won't retract the trigger lever, preventing the sear bar plunger from returning, and the gun won't fire. The ballpoint pen spring is a little bit weaker than I would prefer but it does work on my gun. I guess, without any real knowledge, that the beefed-up P-08 trigger return spring was seen as more desirable for a military pistol. If any forum member can see a safety problem with this modification please speak up. KFS