Trigger Jobs on Carry Guns

[sbc3530]

Just out of curiosity, how many have had Canyon Creek or Springer trigger jobs done on the XD's that they use for daily carry? What lb. trigger pull did you get? Do you feel confident that it is as safe as a stock XD? Just curious as to what others think.

[GrovenSpringer]

My rule for carry guns is that I never modify in any way except for grips or sights. I don't want some "expert" trying to make me look like a "gun nut" just looking for someone to shoot, in a court of law in case I actually have to shoot someone. As a licensed pistol carrier, the single most important thing to me after protecting the lives of myself and those around me is my continued freedom. I don't want to spend the rest of my life in jail for killing some s**t pile. It's all about my safety and personal liability. I believe a trigger job or some other major modifications could work against me in a court of law. And don't forget, it isn't over after the criminal case. You still may have to hurdle a civil lawsuit, ie someone's mom, sister, lover trying to sue you over the loss of a loved one etc.. And something as simple as a trigger job may not put you behind bars but it could cost you literally millions in a civil suit. And keep in mind, the amount of evidence needed to rule against you in civil court is much less than in criminal court. Buying the gun and leather is just the beginning, you have a very heavy responsibility when you carry a gun.

[petey1]

My XD-9 is out at Springer right now getting the combat/carry 4-5# trigger job. Although I don't have it to shoot at this time, I'm completely confident that it will be just as safe as the stock trigger. All of the XD's built-in safeties still work as intended. Keeping your finger out of the trigger guard is still the most important thing, trigger job or not

[slugger6]

I respect Groven's statement, but I decided to get a 4.0# trigger from Canyon Creek over a year ago. I think it is just right for me.

[davidk]

Smoothing out the trigger is acceptable but the weight should be kept at factory spec for the above outlined liability reasons.

[Damon]

I have a trigger job on my EDC XD done by Rich at Canyon Creek. He did the "carry" trigger job that has about a 4lb pull.

I don't worry about it coming up in a court case. I believe a good shoot is a good shoot.

It would probably come up if they were trying to say it was an accidental shooting, saying the trigger was so light that you did not mean for it to go off. But thats why most "combat" trigger jobs are at least 4lbs or more.

If you can show the "reasonable man doctrine" and show the three elements of Ability, Opportunity and Jeopardy, then your shoot was justified.

[GaryTx]

My carry guns all have had trigger jobs...all are set at 4 pounds.

[davidk]

While others may not worry about a upcoming trial, I am greatly concerned with both fights, the gun fight and the court fight. Doing otherwise would be shortsighted. There are all too many people in jail that had righteous shoots, including those with A,O, J.

The prosecutor will try to paint you as irresponsible and negligent in the eyes of the jury and will do anything and everything to do so. We all know that the jury will NOT be a jury of our peers will be easily swayed. ANY doubt in their mind about our responsibility or negligence could damage your defense. Just because you have an expert witness that contradicts the prosecutors assertions, does NOT mean that the issue has been alleviated in the jury's mind. I want as few points against me as possible and not give added "ammo" to the prosecution.

I can shoot a snub nose revolver with a 12-lb double action trigger to the level needed for combat accuracy. Reducing the XD trigger weight 1 or 2 pounds should not effect your combat accuracy. If you can't shoot the factory trigger well enough to achieve combat accuracy you have far more problems than lightening the trigger will solve. In addition to the legal liability issue, the lighter trigger is the more susceptible an ND. While we all train vigerously to keep our finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, under extreme stress it has been PROVEN that shooters often touch the trigger subconsciously.

There are ONLY two things needed to shoot a gun accurately. Placing the sights on target and pressing the trigger without jerking it. Practice those two skills and you will be able to shoot any gun with any trigger.

There is much more on these issues in my book.

[ElrodCod]

Carry guns should be "box stock".

[enfurno]

I swapped out the guide rod and spring. Something that would eventually need repaired anyhow. This is not against my favor, even in court.

Second of all, this half empty view of the world is definitely not in your favor when your safety is concerned. Just because you kill a man in self defense does not mean that you end up in court. Maybe where you live, but not here in Nevada. First there is a thorough investigation determining whether or not you were justified in your actions. Should you be deemed justified without a doubt then there will be no court action taken.

In order for you to goto court, someone or some entity has to bring charges against you. They don't just hand out court dates for no reason. Just make sure that you are in a life threatening situation before you pull the trigger and you will be fine. Dealing with the person's family will be okay also as long as this person was in an attempt to harm you or your family.