Howa Trigger Spring Mod Disappointment

[General RE LEE]

I have a Howa mini action in 6 ARC. The HACT trigger is a very good 2 stage trigger IMO, but I felt it needed to be lighter. I backed out the tension screw and it didn’t do much to lighten trigger.

I did the mod as seen on You Tube where you cut coils off the tension spring to reduce pull weight. Well now I think the trigger kinda sucks. The first stage is very short now with a couple perceptible “bumps” in the take up vs smooth like from the factory. The 2nd stage is firm and then it breaks clean with no travel. That’s a good thing, except it still feels slightly stiff.

Anyone do the mod cutting coils off the spring? Is it normal virtually lose the first stage?

 

[stanley_white]

My apologies in advance for answering the question not asked.

A spring kit from GunBloke is what I used. Find them here or on eBay:

Howa Trigger upgrade spring kits

www.gunbloke.com

-Stan

 

[General RE LEE]

My apologies in advance for answering the question not asked.

A spring kit from GunBloke is what I used. Find them here or on eBay:

Howa Trigger upgrade spring kits

www.gunbloke.com

-Stan

I’m familiar but it’s mailed from Australia. Was hoping this would be quick and easy.

 

[stanley_white]

I’m familiar but it’s mailed from Australia. Was hoping this would be quick and easy.

I have two Howas.

I trimmed the first rifle and it took it down to 2.5 lbs on the second stage by cutting off 3/4 of a coil off of one of the springs. It is very nice and I did not lose the first stage.

On the second Howa I ordered a spring kit and I replaced both springs.

Both are similar enough to me that I don’t notice much of a difference.

-Stan

 

[General RE LEE]

I have two Howas.

I trimmed the first rifle and it took it down to 2.5 lbs on the second stage by cutting off 3/4 of a coil off of one of the springs. It is very nice and I did not lose the first stage.

On the second Howa I ordered a spring kit and I replaced both springs.

Both are similar enough to me that I don’t notice much of a difference.

-Stan

In ordered the spring kit. I will see how it goes. Thanks!

 

[Darryle]

I learned a valuable lesson about springs once, when you cut the coils, it doesn't lessen the weight, the shorter length allows more travel given the impression of a lighter pull.

Cutting Recoil Springs to reduce weight

I know, I shouldn't do this. OK, I understand that. Now, help me here. If I had a 15lb recoil spring and wanted a 13lb will I get there by progressively cutting coils off or is this actually going to increase the spring weight?

forums.brianenos.com

 

[General RE LEE]

I learned a valuable lesson about springs once, when you cut the coils, it doesn't lessen the weight, the shorter length allows more travel given the impression of a lighter pull.

Cutting Recoil Springs to reduce weight

I know, I shouldn't do this. OK, I understand that. Now, help me here. If I had a 15lb recoil spring and wanted a 13lb will I get there by progressively cutting coils off or is this actually going to increase the spring weight?

forums.brianenos.com

Yep, let's say I wish I hadn't monkey'd with it. Now its in the safe waiting on new springs.

 

[stanley_white]

Yep, let's say I wish I hadn't monkey'd with it. Now its in the safe waiting on new springs.

All part of the journey.

-Stan

 

[CK1.0]

The “benchrest” spring from Gunbloke is where it’s at if you’re going to stick with the HACT.

But if you willing to spend a little loot, the Jard trigger for the Howa is amazing and worth every penny, it’s as nice as a TT Diamond or Bix n’ Andy…

JARD Trigger System for Howa™ Rifles

 

[Darryle]

All part of the journey.

-Stan

I made that journey more than once before I learned my lesson, I may be dumb, but eventually I quit peeing on the fence

 

[waspocrew]

I cut a coil and a half off my Howa trigger- for me, it’s acceptable at 2lbs or slightly under. I may eventually go with the jard.

 

[MurphyTX]

Sorry to hear about your experience. I trimmed the spring on mine hunting rifle and have no complaints. No hitches or stiffness in the trigger. First stage is probably a half pound now and the second stage breaks pretty crisply around a pound. Lighter than I was intending to go so now I’m just a little more aware when it’s time to get on the trigger.

 

[General RE LEE]

If anyone has an unmodified HACT trigger spring, I’m interested.

 

[Mbaysinger89]

Are you 100% certain its put back together right? Ive done quite a few hact spring trims and it never did what you are describing. Maybe have a sharp part of the spring that didnt get cut flat enough hanging up or something? I will put the cut part towards the adjustment screw not the trigger blade.

 

[General RE LEE]

Are you 100% certain its put back together right? Ive done quite a few hact spring trims and it never did what you are describing. Maybe have a sharp part of the spring that didnt get cut flat enough hanging up or something? I will put the cut part towards the adjustment screw not the trigger blade.

I resolved the issue. I cut too much off (~3 coils). I had to screw in the tension screw beyond the little nut to get the trigger to function properly. So now the trigger is working great but the little nut is no longer holding it in place. I applied a little blue loctite and a small piece of tape covering the screw to hold it in place. I’ve got a hold of someone that has extra stock actuator screws that I will use to replace.

So yes, if you cut off too many coils, you can tighten the screw to get the trigger to function properly but you might have to remove the small nut to get the screw deep enough in the hole to work.