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Yep; I was typin' and not thinkin'. Here's a better overview from a highly respected gunsmith, Bob Londrigan.

AndyC wrote:

austinrealtor wrote:...he complained mightily about the "creep" in the trigger.

A lotta folk who complain about the "creep" in a 1911 trigger are usually referring to the slight amount of take-up or pre-travel before the rear of the trigger-stirrup touches the disconnector-pad (this is where you start feeling the resistance) which in turn makes the sear start to move in order to release the hammer....

Back when I knew even less than I do now I thought it would be cool to have zero pre-travel in my trigger; fortunately an old and wise 'smith showed me why this is "A Really Bad Idea" - full-auto can easily happen and could be considered seriously inconvenient to friendlies.

+1

To continue the thought just a bit for some Trigger 101...

I've also often heard "pre-travel" referred to as "trigger slack" and "take-up."

IMHO, I think a workable definition of "trigger creep" is rearward movement of the trigger after the sear has been engaged, but before the hammer falls." It has the most affect on what's referred to as a "clean" or "crisp" trigger break (barring "grittiness," a different matter).

I think the distinction is sometimes lost nowadays due to the number of folks who have used only striker-fired handguns. Since striker-fired guns like Glocks and XDs don't have a sear, there technically can be no trigger creep...although it isn't difficult to find striker guns that feel as if trigger creep is happening because trigger resistance is felt for a short distance of trigger movement before the shot actually breaks. But what's being felt is the increasing of tension (pull) on the striker spring prior to the striker being released.

A good example of "pre-travel" is a 92FS in single-action mode. There's a honkin' lot of pre-travel in the trigger before the sear is engaged, but generally very little (if any) perceptible creep because the trigger has to move only a fraction of a millimeter before the hammer drops. BTW, in double-action mode, that long trigger stroke as the hammer is simultaneously cocked is also not, technically, trigger creep.

In 1911s, some pre-travel is normal...and a good thing. If anyone has an adjustable trigger on his 1911 (a little screw in a well in the middle of the trigger) take Andy's sage advice and do not try to tighten it up until you feel no pre-travel. It can be adjusted a bit based on personal preference, but leave some travel in there (some people like a good deal of pre-travel, some not).

Back on topic: I really wasn't expecting much from the new Ruger. But after reading this and considering the price, I may just need me a new 1911. Darnit; I gotta quit reading these topics 'cause my wish list has already grown well into 2012...