Spring Weight Reduction

[WNTFW]

I have a general question regarding trigger pull reduction and springs.
I often see DIY trigger job instructions in which the author cuts coils off of a spring to reduce its spring rate. On an automobile coil spring this increases the spring rate. It should be the same on coil spring from a firearm.

Am I missing something here? Is this a valid way to reduce trigger pull or a
hack?

I can see shortening a spring would reduce preload which may trade off more weight than it gained in rate.

Thanks,
WNTFW

 

[10X]

Springs require both a certain length and a certain tension to work right.
Reducing the tension is what you want to do. This can be done by turning the spring on a drill or lathe and machining the diameter of the wire down. This is a very imprecise method unless you have experience on how much reduction you want to do.

Buying a spring with less tension and the correct length is a better way to go.

Wolff gun springs has a variety of springs available. These are inexpensive. Try them first.

 

[WNTFW]

Thanks for the reply,
I am starting to do some trigger jobs for myself. I need to get a trigger pull gauge of some type.

I did a trigger job on a Beretta Neos but did not alter the springs like it called for. Many spring have close-wound or closed & ground ends, which are hard to do. I did not want to cut a spring 3 times & still have it too short ! ! !
I did only square, polish & radius some of the parts like sear, etc. It turned out pretty well.

I was also able to diagnose & remedy a trigger not resetting 100% of the time.

I'm about do a trigger (which is pretty decent anyway) on a Marlin 60 rifle. You guessed it the main tip is to cut springs.

So far I haven't been lucky enough to do anything that Wolff makes a spring for. I think I'll do a gun that they make springs for soon enough.

I am enjoying the work & starting to appreciate better triggers.

Thanks,
WNTFW