Gunsmithing AI Trigger: Realistic Expectations?

[03psd]

OK, I have seen LLs video and have read the threads I can find but questions remain:
I have 157 rounds down the tube on my AIAT and as I get more comfortable with it the more I wish the trigger was lighter. My other .308 custom has a Jewell and its very nice. I dont mind the AI 2 stage but that second stage feels heavy to me. The folks online who have adjusted it seem to all say there isnt must lightening that can be done and not have the sear trip when dropped from knee high. I dont have a gauge so I dont know exactly how heavy it is or what my other rifle breaks at but its miles apart. I wondering if I should lighten the 2nd stage as detailed in the instructions a bit or just keep on shooting it and get used to it? Will it get better over time? The issue is bouncing back and forth between rifles, both are AI chassis so the feel of the rifle is identical but one is a 700 clone with the Jewell and the other is factory AIAT with their 2 stage battle trigger. I knew going in that the AI was a military sniper rifle not a full custom bench rest competition gun so I am not sure what a reasonable expectation of the trigger can legitimately be. Do you have rifles with significantly different triggers? How do you become proficient with both?

 

[nfoley]

I sold my AI for that reason. I loved everything about the AIAT, except the trigger. Just could not warm up to it. I prefer something a little lighter. Love 2 stage triggers, something like the huber set at 2 lb total is about perfect for me. Called Mile High and asked if there was any way I could get my trigger worked, told them what I wanted and they said nope. I tried Jacob Bynum's AI trigger and it was way better than mine. Was told that was because he has about 100,000 rounds through it. Also tried an AI trigger from a guy at a match once, his was also great. I believe he was on the AI team. He stated he had never touched it nor had work on it, but it was really nice.
I do think you could get used to it and win matches, there are guys here that do just that. Honestly I question my decision to sell my AT on a regular basis. If there ever becomes an option to get a trigger on one that I could love I would buy another in a second.

 

[Nik H]

I have 2,000 rounds through my AT. It is the finest trigger I have ever used bar none. It is purpose designed though just like the rifle. If it were any different it wouldn't be on this type of rifle. The AT system is designed for ultimate reliability and consistency under all environmental conditions. It has to be safe. It is 100% repeatable even after 2,000 live fire rounds and I don't know how many dry fires. It is truly remarkable and perfect for its intended role. I have never even thought of adjusting it since I purchased the rifle.

If you are looking for a benchrest type of trigger, you need a different rifle. I have my Anschutz rifles and their phenomenally light and adjustable triggers to scratch that itch.

 

[W54/XM-388]

The folks online who have adjusted it seem to all say there isnt must lightening that can be done

YOU CAN have an AI trigger that is for all intents and purposes a Single stage trigger that breaks like glass in under 2 pounds.

I have an AE Mark II that once went to GAP for a new barrel & action smoothing & then after that went to a custom gun smith for trigger work.
The trigger on it is indistinguishable from a single stage trigger and it breaks like a glass rod with less than 2 pounds of pressure.

This does however change it to be more of a race gun / competition gun and take it away from it's utilitarian roots, as it means that to be safe, you need to either have the safety on, or have the bolt open, or not have a round it it. All things you would do in a match / competition / training, anyways, as you aren't going to be allowed to have the bolt closed on a live round safety or no safety while moving stages or waiting for a stage.

But it does mean if you wanted to go hunting or play Red Dawn out in the woods, you had better understand your weapon well.
Also it is a different style of shooting, with factory AI triggers, you usually take up the slack a bit and bring it right to the wall & then follow through when ready. With a competition tuned trigger, you just touch the trigger when ready to send and leave you finger forward of the trigger till then.

If you are shooting for groups, trying to win at a "Know your Limits" type stage, or are doing extreme long range shots, it can be a big help, it also makes you a bit faster on getting off shots, however if you are mostly doing larger steel targets, it may not really be any better for you.

Also unless you know for sure they are trained really well, you can't exactly hand your buddy a rifle with a trigger that just needs you to think "trigger" to fire and expect safe results.

 

[Timo Turl]

I wouldn't tough it without a trigger gauge. Go too light and you can mess it up meaning a trip back to AI. With a gauge, I got mine under 3lbs but might lighter and it does go off when dropped. I don't think you will get it to under 2lbs and remain safe. It is what it is but even a 1/5lb improvement is worth it. Go find a trigger gauge.