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GENERAL => CZ Gunsmithing => Topic started by: Rmach on August 24, 2021, 02:30:46 PM

Title: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: Rmach on August 24, 2021, 02:30:46 PM
I would like to get some accurate trigger pull readings on all my handguns. I was using a digital luggage scale, and I know a digital trigger pull scale is more appropriate for this measurement. Anyway, there are two that I'm looking at, the Lyman digital and the Wheeler digital. Any comments from actual users would be appreciated.  They both read up to 12lbs.
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: cracker57 on August 24, 2021, 02:48:09 PM
A friend has the Lyman, we use it everytime we do anything to a trigger or if a new gun should show up. not sure how exact it is, but it give consistent readings.
 I think we both would give it 5 stars, never used a wheeler so can't compare.
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: Rmach on August 24, 2021, 04:39:27 PM
I just found this Youtube video that compares each model through actual testing. The video gives the edge to Wheeler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-3rRAsDv0U
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: tdogg on August 24, 2021, 05:20:53 PM
I've had a Lyman gen 1 for a long time (>10yrs?).  It works well, provides consistent results,  and is easy to use.   I've used it on everything from hunting rigs, cz builds,  ar builds, etc...

In that video,  he states he doesn't feel it is as accurate as the wheeler gauge?  I'm not sure how he can make a statement like that without data to support it?  Seems fishy to me.

There is a learning curve to proper use of the trigger gauge.  I've learned that you are better off going slow to avoid pulling past the trigger break which will inflate your reading.  Especially when measuring a short SA CZ trigger like the TSO or conversely a heavy DA trigger pull where it is easy to pull past the break.

Additionally,  when using the Lyman,  make sure the test hook is clear of the trigger when you press the ready button before you take the measurement.  It zeros the load cell,  so if it is already in contact with the hook it will subtract out that amount of preload in the output.

I'm guessing that was the reason for his statements around being not as accurate or indicating a lighter trigger pull using the Lyman.

I have no experience with the wheeler so I cannot comment.

The Lyman is good to go in my book.

Cheers,
Toby

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: david s on August 24, 2021, 06:28:06 PM
I've the Lyman an older one (10+ years not sure what gen) and it seems to work well. As mentioned there is a learning curve. I mostly use it for rifles. If your not care full you can get miss readings. When the trigger releases there is a tendency to give the gauge a bit of a jerk and get a miss reading. Mounting the gun in a gun vise and carefully pulling the gauge tends to eliminate most of these. Being careful where you place the trigger hook also can effect the pull weight. If you pull from the bottom of the trigger you'll get one reading and then if you pull from the top of the trigger a different reading. Place the hook in the same trigger spot each time will eliminate these variations.
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: Fuzzy Sights on August 24, 2021, 07:23:13 PM
Have the new generation Lyman.  Works well and gives consistent results if you do your part.  Quite happy. 

JW
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: George16 on August 24, 2021, 07:31:37 PM
Had both and the Lyman is way better and more accurate compared to the Wheeler. I kept the Lyman and sold the wheeler to a friend for cheap.
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: Rmach on August 24, 2021, 07:46:19 PM
Interesting, not one vote for the Wheeler even though there are several posts outside of this forum that think the Wheeler is better and more accurate.
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: George16 on August 24, 2021, 08:51:14 PM
Interesting, not one vote for the Wheeler even though there are several posts outside of this forum that think the Wheeler is better and more accurate.
Not even close in my experience. The Lyman is more user-friendly and simpler to use too.
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: Steve Menegon on August 25, 2021, 06:10:43 AM
I went with the Wheeler when I bought one. I found reviews for both Lyman and Wheeler to be about the same after reading all I could find on both models I was interested in. It proved accurate with a known standard. Personally I like the thing. I like the option choices on the display for various choices such as high/low or as shown, current pull, number of pulls, and average for pulls stored. If you think you screwed up a pull, you don't have to count it. Sensitive transducer in this little guy. The same techniques for use mentioned in previous posts apply. I never used a Lyman.

One Wheeler vote. [emoji41](https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210825/93552bc8134177c77337c8f49e4ee2c4.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: DJK11 on August 25, 2021, 07:40:08 AM
Wheeler for me.  Sticking button so Wheeler sent a replacement without returning the original.  So it made a gift for a shooting bud.  Great customer service.
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: Rmach on August 25, 2021, 08:09:29 PM
I decided to go with the Wheeler, so thanks for the postings!
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: eastman on August 27, 2021, 09:49:07 PM
When I wanted to buy, the Wheeler was the only local option, so that's what I bought. Neither one goes high enough to cover the DA pull on Polish P-64 (maybe if I used 2 of them?).
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: Rmach on August 28, 2021, 10:12:47 AM
What's unique about the Wheeler is that the pressure sensor is located in the trigger pad and not further down in the body like the Lyman.  If the trigger guard opening is large enough, you can use your finger to press against the sensor on the guns trigger, or you can use it the old fashioned way.  I watched a few more videos yesterday, and those users really preferred the Wheeler.  If I don't like it, I can easily return it.
Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: Rmach on August 28, 2021, 06:20:29 PM
I received the Wheeler gauge this afternoon, and so far I like it. Being able to put your trigger finger on the sensor and gun trigger at the same time is a big plus IMO. I did a couple hundred readings today on nine different handguns, some of them are stock and a few have spring kits. All readings are a 10 pull average.

stock Shadow 2............ SA 3#2.5oz DA 8#13.2oz
stock Shadow 2 Orange SA 2#13.7oz DA 8#7.4oz
WW2 Walther P38 SA 6#11.7oz DA too high to measure

Mcarbo kits:
2016 standard full size CZ75b SA 2#13.2oz  DA 6#12.2oz
2018 polished stainless 75b    SA 3#0.00oz.  DA 6#13.8oz
2019 polished stainless 75b    SA 2#15.6oz   DA 7#1.7oz
2019 polished stainless 75b    SA 3# 5.6oz    DA 7#7.0oz  (this one has the factory sear spring)



Title: Re: Anyone using the Wheeler or Lyman digital trigger pull gauge?
Post by: mrcabinet on August 29, 2021, 02:46:42 PM
After 20 years of using the basic Wheeler spring gauge, I finally broke down and bought a digital unit. I compared the pros and cons of the Wheeler and Lyman and came to the conclusion that either one would meet my needs. I'm cheap, so I waited until I could find a deal. Ended up scoring a like new Lyman gen. 1 for 30 bucks shipped on flea bay. Gotta say, this thing is fun! The wife is getting irritated with me going around the house and measuring the resistance of just about anything that moves, lol.