howa trigger problems

[sheriff jr]

recently i purchased a 2nd hand howa 1500 i’ve not done any modifications but recently i’ve noticed that upon installing the bolt and closing it it fires of the action now used to only do it when inserting the bolt for the first time but now it seems to be doing it a lot more


ideally think it’s best to just swap out the trigger for a new one as i believe mine is the older trigger if memory serves me right it has only the one adjustment screw ( can upload pics if needed)


ideally don’t really have the funds at the moment to splash 200 odd quid on a trigger so soon to the family holidays and i understand you can’t put a price on safety either


if anyone has a trigger reasonably priced i’ll certainly buy it

it’s very frustrating at times as well when pulling the trigger as it seems to have three personalities going some times it’s like a single stage that breaks nice and clean, then it’s a two stage that can be very gritty if that make sense then the obvious problem being hands free lol

 

[North Cornwall Deer]

I have a howa trigger spare.
£50 posted and it’s yours

 

[sheriff jr]

I have a howa trigger spare.
£50 posted and it’s yours

i’ll take it

 

[User00044]

recently i purchased a 2nd hand howa 1500 i’ve not done any modifications but recently i’ve noticed that upon installing the bolt and closing it it fires of the action now used to only do it when inserting the bolt for the first time but now it seems to be doing it a lot more


ideally think it’s best to just swap out the trigger for a new one as i believe mine is the older trigger if memory serves me right it has only the one adjustment screw ( can upload pics if needed)


ideally don’t really have the funds at the moment to splash 200 odd quid on a trigger so soon to the family holidays and i understand you can’t put a price on safety either


if anyone has a trigger reasonably priced i’ll certainly buy it

it’s very frustrating at times as well when pulling the trigger as it seems to have three personalities going some times it’s like a single stage that breaks nice and clean, then it’s a two stage that can be very gritty if that make sense then the obvious problem being hands free lol

It sounds as though the unit is loose from the action or it's been lightened beyond its adjustment . I'd check those things first , trying to lighten the trigger too far will also result in the 3 position safety failing to work .
If it still fails a slam test , then replace it.

 

[sheriff jr]

It sounds as though the unit is loose from the action or it's been lightened beyond its adjustment . I'd check those things first , trying to lighten the trigger too far will also result in the 3 position safety failing to work .
If it still fails a slam test , then replace it.

when closing the bolt and there’s no trigger pull you can’t engage the safety

 

[User00044]

when closing the bolt and there’s no trigger pull you can’t engage the safety

As I said , the unit may be loose . Worth exploring before changing the unit .

 

[sheriff jr]

As I said , the unit may be loose . Worth exploring before changing the unit .

unit was tight and i adjusted the screws in a little now it’s worse won’t fire at all, my trigger has two adjustment screws front and back

 

[User00044]

unit was tight and i adjusted the screws in a little now it’s worse won’t fire at all, my trigger has two adjustment screws front and back

That's the single stage trigger , pre HACT .
from memory the rear screw is sear engagement and the front is pull weight .

You've nothing to lose . Check YouTube for a set up video and when happy with adjustment slam and bump test it , hard !
They're not difficult to set up and once done are a good trigger with a clean pull .
A picture is worth a thousand words .

It may be worth removing and rinsing out with spirit to flush any dirt that may be trapped before hand . Stripping and cleaning the bolt may also be worth your time . Again, YouTube is your friend.

If all fails , change the trigger or visit a gunsmith . As I said ,"nothing to lose" , but do ensure it's safe before loading with live rounds .

 

[Smellydog]

It's lost its sear. Just needs adjusting correctly. No need to panic.

 

[sheriff jr]

i’ve no clue as what to do so rather just play safe get it replaced

 

[User00044]

i’ve no clue as what to do so rather just play safe get it replaced

Honestly , it's very easy , YouTube is your friend .
Safety first , ensure the chamber is empty, then check its empty again .
Insert bolt.
Slowly back out the rear screw until it releases , then wind it in half a turn .
Cock the bolt / trigger .
Slam and bump test , hard , with the Safety in the fire position . If it releases another quarter turn in and repeat , until it's safe . Excessive sear engagement will present itself as creep , too little and it'll be unsafe.
Adjust front screw , out to reduce(anti clockwise)and in to increase pull weight . I think minimum is about 3lb .
Then fine tune , until you're happy.
Always do a slam and bump test after adjustment on an empty chamber , for safety and check the safety's operation .

If you're still unhappy replace the unit or visit a gunsmith .

I'm unsure as to whether the trigger unit is a restricted item in NI , so importing a replacement from mainland UK may present problems . Worth checking to keep on the right side of the law .

Hope this helps .

 

[Smellydog]

i’ve no clue as what to do so rather just play safe get it replaced

And if the one you replace it with needs adjusting then what?

No disrespect but I've never understood why people can't follow abundant basic instructions for trigger adjustments but are prepared to believe replacement is the only viable solution because they believe their unit has somehow gone bad or defective!

Triggers don't go bad. They can go out of adjustment and simply need adjusting.

 

[User00044]

And if the one you replace it with needs adjusting then what?

No disrespect but I've never understood why people can't follow abundant basic instructions for trigger adjustments but are prepared to believe replacement is the only viable solution because they believe their unit has somehow gone bad or defective!

Triggers don't go bad. They can go out of adjustment and simply need adjusting.

A bit harsh.

 

[Smellydog]

A bit harsh.

I was not intending to be.

The answer is right there in front of the guy.
It just takes the little bit of understanding and all will be well

 

[User00044]

I guess some don't have the "have a go" attitude !

 

[Nick703]

And if the one you replace it with needs adjusting then what?

If he’s happy with a trigger that’s exactly how they come from the factory ,never adjusted and only fired a few rounds ,so nearly new second hand ,there’ll be no adjustments needed

 

[GWP]

The trigger on my early Howa is set at 1.5lb by a guy that knew what he was doing unfotunatly he is no longer with us the guy at Roedale used to do them via post but as smellydog has said get the screwdrivers out but keep the ammunition lock up until your happy with the result or take it to a gunsmith the roedale one he had on show was half a pound and still safe

 

[villaman]

Or just buy the vanguard trigger which will fit
But £180

 

[User00044]

Timney TT609 for Howa , £193 from Spud .
Timney TT611 for Weatherby Vanguard, Howa (3 position safety) , £269 from Brownells' .

 

[villaman]

But you can take original vanguard trigger down to 1lb which will fit straight on the howa