TargetTalk

Okay, I have an Anschutz 1907 with the 5018 trigger. I like the piece a lot, especially the trigger. I want to take a shot at doing a local NRA Smallbore shoot but the rules say there is a minimum trigger weight of 3 Pounds.

My question is: does anyone think it's possible to get the weight up to 3 pound minimum? If so, how?

The "3 pound rule" is a big misconception. There are four different rifles described in the rulebook, as follows:

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3.1 The Rifle - The rifle authorized for use in smallbore rifle matches is the .22 caliber rimfire chambered for cartridges commercially catalogued as the .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Long Rifle cartridges. There are no
restrictions on the barrel length or overall weight of the rifle and accessories. No portion of the rifle or any attachment to the rifle shall extend more than 3 inches beyond the rear of the shooter’s shoulder. The trigger pull must be capable of lifting 3 pounds. The same rifle must be used throughout all stages of any one match (except aggregate) except in the case of a malfunction or disabled rifle, when the competitor may change rifles with permission of the Chief Range Officer.

3.2 Any Rifle - A rifle authorized for use in smallbore rifle matches using cartridges commercially catalogued as the .22 Short, .22 Long or .22 Long Rifle cartridges. There are no restrictions on the barrel length or overall
weight of the rifle and accessories. Any safe trigger is allowed. No portion of the rifle or any attachment to the rifle shall extend more than 3 inches beyond the rear of the shooter’s shoulder. A butt plate conforming with NRA Rule 3.15 may be used. Around the body, or around the shoulder hooks are not permitted. The same rifle must be used throughout all stages of any one match (except aggregate) except in the case of a malfunction or disabled rifle when the competitor may change rifles with permission of the Chief Range Officer. In NRA Metric Position Course shooting, this rule will govern the conduct of the match and may not be waived by the Match Sponsor.

3.3 Light Rifle - Any .22 caliber rimfire (.22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Long Rifle) with not less than a 2 pound trigger pull and which weighs not more than 8 ½ pounds when equipped with sights.

3.4 Junior Rifle - A rifle authorized for use in Junior competition using cartridges commercially catalogued as a rimfire .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Long Rifle cartridge. There shall be no restrictions on the barrel length or overall weight of the rifle. Any safe trigger is allowed. The rifle may not be equipped with thumb hole stock, Schuetzen Type Butt Plate (Rule 3.15), or palm rest (Rule 3.14). Adult use of this rule in open competition is permitted.
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The match program must specify which of these rules, either 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 or 3.4, will be used for a particular competition. Obviously, all four rules can't be applicable at the same time. For the vast majority of competitions rule 3.2 "any rifle" is specified, which allows for a trigger of any safe weight. Rule 3.1, specifying a minimum trigger weight of 3 pounds, is not used very often anymore.

You will find that the heavy trigger is usally only used in sporter rifle classes. This is when comp is done with rifles normally used for "hunting".

You will find that the heavy trigger is usally only used in sporter rifle classes. This is when comp is done with rifles normally used for "hunting".

Well thank you all. This makes me feel a whole lot better.

Well thank you all. This makes me feel a whole lot better.

The majority of the times you may have trouble is in a 4-H match where many times they try and combine 3.1 & 3.2. If there is a question, call the match director (in the program) and chat with them. If they are trying to combine them, have them call HQ Moody at NRA Competitions and have him explain to them that there are the 4 types of rifles.