FAQ: What is Marlin Trigger Creep?

The Ranger Point Marlin trigger reduces trigger weight via one side of the sear engagement equation, i.e. the sear itself. The sear mates with the hammer (like a handshake) at a small shelf referred to as the "hammer hook." It is the height of this hammer hook--typically around 0.030"-- that determines trigger travel prior to break. The RP sear improves pull weight by reducing the engagement angle and improving the sear surface, but no matter what we do to the sear, it must still slide all the way off that 0.030" hammer hook before trigger break occurs. 

Unfortunately, reducing pull weight sometimes reveals imperfections in the hammer hook. With a heavy factory pull, so much pressure is required to move the trigger that the break occurs like a dry branch snapping--all at once. Once force is reduced it is easier to feel the whole sliding motion of the sear and hook passing each other.

While these imperfections can sometimes be seen under a magnifier, there is no consistent way to dress them down. The only sure fix would be to provide a new hammer with our kit, greatly increasing the price.

To improve this, consider engaging a gunsmith to dress down the height of the hammer hook to 0.015 to 0.020". This will typically remove a lot of creepy or gritty feel from the trigger system.