For gear junkies like me, tools are just a cost of the addiction. For example, I have the time and space to reload my own ammo. But I know full well that if I got into reloading I would have to have ALL the pieces. Writing for TTAG is no different. A year ago, I didn’t own a laser boresighter, about 15 new screwdrivers, cleaning tools, books, etc. When I started doing more product reviews, I felt it would be best to invest in a trigger pull scale.
Enter the RCBS Trigger Pull Scale. I swear it jumped right off the shelf and made a home in my cart. Retail is $43.95, Cabelas had it for $39.99. Amazon sells it for $36.09. I would say that this is the best $40 I’ve spent in a long time. Now when I do reviews, I don’t have to guesstimate or bend a coat hanger and use jugs of water (no bull, that happened).
The RCBS scale is easy to use. Check that your firearm is unloaded. Secure it in a vise or some other means of holding it steady. Cock your weapon, place the rubber coated hook on your trigger, and slowly pull back until the hammer (or striker) drops. There is a little plastic slider that moves up as the tension increases and then holds its place once the hammer drops so you can record the break. Take five measurements and tally the average.
There are one or two things to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure you pull very slowly, smoothly, and in line with the action of your gun. It is very easy to pull to the side and this can throw your results off. Second, this scale is graduated in 2 oz. increments down to 8 oz, but maxes at 8 lbs. If you have a heavier trigger, take a look at the RCBS Military Trigger Pull Scale. It goes up to 25 lbs and measures in half-pound increments.
Specifications:
Measurement Range: 8 oz to 8 lbs in 2 oz increments
Price: MSRP is $43.95. Amazon seems to have the best deal at $36.09.
Ratings (out of five)
Ease of Use *****
So easy a caveman can do it
Accuracy ****
Only four stars because it is a plastic slider on a piece of printed metallic tape. Digital she is not. However, it seems to show the same number with boring precision.
Fit and Function ****
I would like to see all the parts made of metal, but I’m sure that would drive the price up. Other than that, it feels very solid. The rubber coating on the trigger contact surface is a nice touch.
Overall Rating ****
Buy one and tuck it away until the day you need it.
8 pounds? I need a small hanging weigh scale to measure revolver and 12-pound Massachusetts pistol triggers. The one I have my eye on is digital, measures up to 150 pounds in 1 ounce increments, costs $12 and will handle trigger weights and slabs of beef with equal aplomb. It can even measure the pull weight of a Nagant trigger, which is heavy enough to lift a Russian plow horse. Oh, and it’s black, which makes it a tactical weigh scale, suitable for measuring trigger weights in close combat situations. What’s not to like?
What brand and model is it?
American Weigh H-110 digital hanging scale.