141"'/64

die
3/16 deep
3/32

1 1/8

3/16

iTI"\- # 10-32

#30 drill
3 places.for rivets.
(Use the sideplafe
fora drill template.)

I I-I 2 places
~ 1/4 D

1/8

FRONT SPACER BLOCK

mat'l - Aluminum or CRS
1 required
Face "l" (see text)

drill

REAR SPACER BLOCK

mat'l - Aluminum or CRS

In this trigger system, the trigger

and the sear are separate parts. The
trigger bar supports the front lip of
the sear (refer to Figure 3) in a manner
that the sear is prevented from
rolling forward, so the sear notch
(a part of the striker in the bolt) is
prevented from moving forward to
fire the cartridge. When the shooter
pulls the trigger rearward, the pivoted
top end of the trigger bar moves out
from under the sear nose, allowing
the sear to roll over forward under
the pressure of the striker spring.
With the striker notch moved
forward, the sear is returned to the
upright position by the sear spring.
The trigger spring in the upper
hole in the front spacer block with
a tensioning screw provides an
adjustable trigger tension, and
returns the trigger to its upright
position under the sear nose when
the trigger is released after firing.

2 places for rivets.

(Use the side plate
for a drill template.)

When the bolt is withdrawn after

firing, the sear notch rides over the
top leg of the sear, forcing the sear
down, pushing the rear end of the
system housing downward, allowing
the bolt assembly to go rearward.
As the sear notch passes rearward
over the sear top, it allows the sear
and the housing to rise again into
position in front of the sear notch.
When the bolt is again moved forward
chambering the fresh cartridge, the
sear notch is again held back in
cocked position by the sear for
the next firing.
An over-travel screw in the rear
spacer stops the trigger after it has
released the sear and prevents
excessive rearward travel of the
trigger pull. The engagement
adjustment screw in the bottom of
the front spacer block adjusts the
amount of engagement of the trigger
with the sear, preventing an overlong

trigger pull. The W' holes in the side

plates allow easier adjustment of
engagement and provide access for
lubrication. Engagement of the
trigger bar with the sear nose by only
about 0.020" permits a smooth but
abrupt let-off for firing.
The trigger assembly is not subjected
to heavy forces by recoil caused
by firing, but the trigger and sear
are required to securely prevent
the accidental firing of the rifle
due to any bump or jolt in
any direction.
The adjustment must all be able
to securely prevent release of the
firing mechanism - tested before
ever loading the firearm. Test it
thoroughly, jolted and bumped
solidly, in all possible directions,
with the chamber empty while the
striker notch is engaged to make
sure the firing mechanism cannot
accidentally release. Also, safety
requires you occasionally do this
test to make sure the trigger system
is safe before taking the weapon
to the field for shooting.
Now, Let's Make One
But first, one or two notes. Since
this sear/trigger combination is all
that prevents the rifle from firing,
it must be carefully made of
adequate aluminum or steel and
the engagement faces need to be
hardened steel. The failure of any
stressed part can allow an accidental
firing, so be sure of your work. The
housing does not directly receive
firing stresses; the forces applied
within the assembly are all of low
magnitude. Wear on the trigger bar
and sear can result in failure, and
these parts should be hardened steel
at their contact parts.
Since Mausers have been made by
many manufacturers, and to many
specifications from customers, it is
mandatory that you first verify all the
measurements given to make sure
they will fit properly and do their
functions as designed. I have found
variations from one maker to another
and you may too. And, the sear must
engage fully with the striker notch.

Now, let's proceed. This is not a

complicated mechanism, but each part
has its function, so study how they
interact before starting to cut metal.
October/November2001

27