The 1911A1 trigger

[magnumair]

Can someone explain why somebody would choose a long trigger over a short trigger in a 1911 pistol and vice versa and what is the difference between the two. Thanks for any input.

 

[reddot]

It's basically down to personal preference for trigger reach. Large/med size hand generally find a long trigger more comfortable.

 

[Hitzy]

I never liked short triggers on a 1911....personal preference, I want the trigger on my finger pad, not my second knuckle!

 

[Cocked&Locked]

smaller hands/shorter fingers will probably find a short trigger more useable. I have both, and a long trigger is a PITA to shoot fast and accurate with, and even in slow fire, i find a shorter one makes for more precise trigger control for me.

 

[Ganderite]

I have medium large hands. The short trigger allows my finger to go so far into the trigger that it hits my hand on the other side. A long trigger is perfect. Trigger is on pad of finger.

 

[relliott]

In an ideal world, the trigger finger will interface with the trigger surface at an angle perpendicular to the axis of the trigger so that the trigger can be more easily pulled straight back into the frame. Being able to tune the length of the trigger allows the shooter to micro-adjust that interface angle. Personal preference for "feel" plays a big part of it too.

 

[NAA]

'Course I've shot lots of USGI 1911A1's that come stock from the contract maker with short trigger & arched checkered or serrated mainspring housing. This was supposed to be an 'improvement' over the original Colt 1911 with long trigger & flat, smooth mainspring housing.

On a modern 1911/1911A1 my preference is to the long trigger with flat main spring housing. But can go with an arched mainspring housing, too.

Personal preference, that's what fits me best.

-----------
NAA.

 

[enefgee]

Short triggers can also be of use to anyone who routinely shoots wearing gloves, some long triggers go bang when trying to get a gloved finger into the trigger guard.