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Kivaari SKS Match/Target trigger

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Frisco Pete:
Thought the info on member Kivaari's SKS trigger jobs should be posted for the info of those who want to improve their SKS triggers at a reasonable cost.  

I have personally had Kivaari do trigger jobs on both my Norinco Paratrooper and '59 Romanian.  Both of them were noticably improved, as was my ability to shoot small groups.  They were both smoother and lighter, yet safety was retained.  While the SKS trigger design limits what miracles one can do with the standard trigger, Kivaari does a great job of improving it within those parameters.  His cost and turnaround time were very reasonable.  Several other SKS Forum members also have had him do their trigger work and recommend him.  An improved trigger pull is one of the best improvements you can make to your SKS.  Here is his own website's info on the trigger job:


SKS trigger groups have an excellent design thanks to Mr. Simonov. The problem lies with their hasty assembly which precludes extracting the potential from the design. This becomes even more important when you realize that the "safety" merely blocks the trigger lever and does not secure either the hammer or the sear. Their safety and performance can be greatly improved with reduced pull, reduced creep, smoothness, repeatability, and clear 2 stage operation.

With the breech clear, cycle the bolt to cock the hammer, remove the rear cover, remove the recoil spring, and squeeze the trigger to observe the hammer's movement PRIOR to let off as the hammer slides on the surface of the sear:

1) if the hammer moves forward, then the hammer/sear is said to have negative engagement.

2) if the hammer remains motionless, then the hammer/sear is said to have neutral engagement.

3) if the hammer moves rearward, then the hammer/sear is said to have positive engagement.

"Positive engagement" is the preferred and safer condition. This is because the hammer will tend to want to remain on its full cock notch until overcome by the sear. This becomes more imperative if the creep has been minimized correctly as the hammer's travel distance over the sear to let off, is markedly less.

Neutral and negative conditions are less safe than the positive condition but to say that neutral and negative conditions are dangerously unsafe is an overstatement IF THEY HAVE SUBSTANTIAL CREEP as a safety cushion.

On the other hand, a neutral or negative condition is dangerous if the creep has been reduced or the standard configuration has minimal creep. Prudence dictates seeking the positive condition if at all possible and if there is any doubt have a competent gunsmith inspect the rifle.

My goal is to improve the safety of as many of the SKS carbines out there as possible for my shooting friends, increase their enjoyment of the rifle, and improve the militia's marksmanship! It is my opinion that the SKS is much more accurate than generally credited, and that trigger function, bedding/stock fitment, and proper use of a sling ( USGI web sling adapted for loop) are the three most important things a serious rifleman can do to improve the "shootablility" of Simonov's weapon. Besides practice, these items are excellent investments in assisting the true rifleman in delivering accurate, consistent fire down range. I view the SKS, primarily, but not only, as an intermediate range battle/hunting rifle capable of accurate fire rather than a close quarters only weapon with high firepower. The SKS is also an excellent weapon to introduce the skill of marksmanship to those less experienced in shooting weapons.


With my match/target SKS trigger work, you get it all--- safety, clear 2 stage operation, lowered pull, much less creep, smoothness, repeatability, consistency and give up nothing, well, a few bucks. Each trigger group is different and each one must be done individually; there are no "jigs" or systems that will allow a sear/hammer to be cut for one that will work optimally for another. These are all done by hand for maximized results.

The price of $59.95 + $5 shipping includes carefully cutting and changing YOUR sear/hammer geometry for a minimal, acceptable positive engagement. A new sear is provided if needed. A Wolff sear and hammer spring are installed upon re-assembly. I tune the trigger spring myself. The sear is stoned/polished as are the rails in the trigger group for smoothness of operation. The trigger bar sear purchase is adjusted so the safety is clearly preventing sear movement and the first stage is minimized in the trigger travel. Everything is fine tuned to a minimal, acceptable pull weight...usually less than 6#, but your mileage may vary. Lastly, I use a low heat and lubricate the trigger group’s internals with moly.

CLICK HERE FOR ADOBE PDF ORDER FORM:
http://www.mnmpublishing.com/kivaari/docs/orderform.pdf

CLICK HERE FOR REVIEW OF MY TRIGGERS:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews/lilmiss/index.asp

Tom Prince aka kivaari
7800 Purple Martin Way
McKinney TX 75070
skstrigger@comcast.net
214-726-1269 message

mruden:
I also have had Tom Prince rework two of my 59/66 trigger assemblies.  The difference was amazing and the price is right.  All old parts returned.  You will wonder why you used the stock trigger after Tom is done!

coyote killer:
A more expensive alternative is the DC Engineering Competition trigger.  I gave $125 for mine and after having my smith install a trigger stop which cost $15 it is one of the best triggers I have ever used.

Theres no 2 stage BS on it.  It just breaks crisp and clean at @ 2.5 or 3 LBS and immediately stops which greatly improves follow thru and accuracy.

If you want pics of the trigger stop my smith installed just let me know.

Army_Infantry_Gun_Freak:
Anyone ever try( http://cgi.ebay.com/SKS-CUSTOM-LIGHT-PULL-TRIGGER-SERVICE_W0QQitemZ170060038080QQihZ007QQcategoryZ73953QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem ) I have a few spare triggers and I was wondering if its worth it to send one to this guy. He also has a running auction on gunbroker. I am going to get at least one done by kivaari.

ScottS:
I just had Tom do the trigger on my Norinco SKS-M.  The trigger was long and gritty.  You just kept pulling and wondering if the damn thing was ever going to release.  I just got it back tonight, and the difference is stunning.  Like night and day, and the turn-around is amazingly short.

In brief, I think you can't go wrong with Kivaari.  I wouldn't own an SKS without a trigger job by him.

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