M96 lock time question
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I believe the most common method to reduce lock-time, at least on a bolt action rifle, is to replace the steel firing pin with a titanium one & replace the factory firing pin spring with a higher-rated one, although I have seen a custom one that had longitudinal fluting machined on a factory firing pin to reduce its mass, albeit on a Mauser 98 rifle.
I don't think anyone has made titanium firing pins for a 96 Mauser, although stronger firing pin springs are available [Wolff Springs makes 22 & 26 # firing pin springs, vs. NEW factory 19# springs, but I doubt that many, if not all, of the originals still maintain this strength after 60- 80 yrs.].
While that may minimally reduce lock-time, presuming of course that there is no interference between the firing pin & the firing pin spring, as well as between the spring & the bolt body, the stronger spring may also introduce more vibration when the firing pin hits its stop within the bolt body, negating any benefits inherent in the stronger spring. There can also be increased friction due to the spring's increased coil count.
Dayton Traister makes a speedlock kit for the M96 Mauser, which includes a stronger spring, a c0ck-on-opening c0cking piece & an adjustable trigger. While I do not know if your Boyd's trigger will work with the D-T c0cking piece, it may be something to consider, along with a stronger spring. I've seen one of the D-T pieces with the nose extension cut off to maintain a c0ck on closing, but with the benefit of a shorter start length, compared to the D-T C-o-O c0cking piece.
I don't think anyone has made titanium firing pins for a 96 Mauser, although stronger firing pin springs are available [Wolff Springs makes 22 & 26 # firing pin springs, vs. NEW factory 19# springs, but I doubt that many, if not all, of the originals still maintain this strength after 60- 80 yrs.].
While that may minimally reduce lock-time, presuming of course that there is no interference between the firing pin & the firing pin spring, as well as between the spring & the bolt body, the stronger spring may also introduce more vibration when the firing pin hits its stop within the bolt body, negating any benefits inherent in the stronger spring. There can also be increased friction due to the spring's increased coil count.
Dayton Traister makes a speedlock kit for the M96 Mauser, which includes a stronger spring, a c0ck-on-opening c0cking piece & an adjustable trigger. While I do not know if your Boyd's trigger will work with the D-T c0cking piece, it may be something to consider, along with a stronger spring. I've seen one of the D-T pieces with the nose extension cut off to maintain a c0ck on closing, but with the benefit of a shorter start length, compared to the D-T C-o-O c0cking piece.
I have one of the Dayton Traister kits on a 1946 date M38 action, chambered for the 6mm Remington.
Other than it's a very sharp break, on pulling the trigger, and lower pull weight, I honestly don't notice any difference between lock time on a standard M38 trigger that I've tuned myself.
When you're used to a match tuned trigger, on a commercial action, lock times are definitely noticeably longer, when shooting these lovely old rifles. However, no matter how much lipstick you put on that old girl, you're going to be living with 130 year old tech.
You would be better off looking for a set of "old school" double set triggers. I believe Intersurpls has a nice Timney, with side safety for $150.
It's been my experience that lock time isn't the issue, as much as a dragging, creepy trigger with a sloppy sear disengagement
Other than it's a very sharp break, on pulling the trigger, and lower pull weight, I honestly don't notice any difference between lock time on a standard M38 trigger that I've tuned myself.
When you're used to a match tuned trigger, on a commercial action, lock times are definitely noticeably longer, when shooting these lovely old rifles. However, no matter how much lipstick you put on that old girl, you're going to be living with 130 year old tech.
You would be better off looking for a set of "old school" double set triggers. I believe Intersurpls has a nice Timney, with side safety for $150.
It's been my experience that lock time isn't the issue, as much as a dragging, creepy trigger with a sloppy sear disengagement
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