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Hammer/Sear Kit install advice Ruger/22/45/MKIV

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7.2K views 27 replies 10 participants last post by  triplebike  
#1 ·
Hi all, just purchased the above from Brownell's. Going to try to install myself, but nervous because 1st time and I'm all thumbs. Any advise or comments/tips regarding an install would be greatly appreciated. I recently purchased new a 22/45 lite and 22/45 target. The Lite's stock trigger is quite good, but the target trigger is not nearly as nice. I'm hoping that the kit above will bring the target trigger to the same level as my Lite. I shoot just for fun and am not looking for a competition gun. Thanks in advance for any suggestions and Merry Christmas!
 
#4 ·
Assuming Volquartsen VC4HSK Just did mine. Only problem I had was I did not understand that the small spring attached to the Mag release was extra parts. Getting the pin back in is a bugger but if you follow the directions on the website and use a punch to line up from the opposite side it goes pretty smooth. Took about 30 minutes, could do it again in 5-10. Well worth the effort. Went from 5+ # to just a tad over 3#.
 
#8 ·
Excellent Thanks Ted! I think I'm going to install the hammer as well, since it's included in the kit I purchased. Also since the hammer assembly has to be removed to get to the sear I might as well just replace it. The videos are excellent and greatly appreciated. I'll update this thread with how the install went and benefits gained.
 
#9 ·
Trigger job

Watch video and number the steps 1 2 3 and I used a paper plate with the parts outlined on the paper plate with their respective number. I also have a paper plate for the old parts to keep them separate. Use punches liberally keeping the holes lined up since you do not have 3 hands. Go slow and pay attention even pausing the video for each step. I have to have plenty of time and quiet privacy for the first time. If you watch the video multiple times and pay attention before you start you will be fine. The paper plates were helpful in that it helped me organize. There needs to be some method to the madness. Field strip and note the parts to be replaced. Clear your work area and take your time.
 
#11 ·
Good advice as I have been watching them multiple times. I'm also going to have my 25 yr old son with me, gonna make it a little father son project and it's surly doesn't hurt to have a pair of 25 yrs old eyes (LOL). Being retired I have plenty of time so that won't be a problem. Between the videos, my sons help and the fact that I also have a stock 22/45 lite MKIV which I can also refer to I don't anticipate any major issues. I will post once completed and let everyone know how it went. Parts are expected next week.
 
#13 ·
UPDATE!!

Hi all, installed hammer and sear , put all back together and no trigger! I have done this install 3 times now with the thin spacer , with the thick spacer & with no spacers.
when everything is installed properly with the upper off I get a very nice trigger pull as long as I slightly push and hold the trigger bar slightly towards the hammer the trigger engages. If I leave the trigger bar alone the trigger does not engage. I've read that these kits came with a small black spacer that went between the frame and the sear spring. None of the pictures of the kit show a small black spacer but I can see how that might work since it would push the sear closer to the trigger bar. But needless to say I can't understand why I can't get this done, very frustrated. I have everything uninstalled at this point and will call Voltquartsen tomorrow.
 
#14 ·
Hi all, installed hammer and sear , put all back together and no trigger! I have done this install 3 times now with the thin spacer , with the thick spacer & with no spacers.
when everything is installed properly with the upper off I get a very nice trigger pull as long as I slightly push and hold the trigger bar slightly towards the hammer the trigger engages. If I leave the trigger bar alone the trigger does not engage. I've read that these kits came with a small black spacer that went between the frame and the sear spring. None of the pictures of the kit show a small black spacer but I can see how that might work since it would push the sear closer to the trigger bar. But needless to say I can't understand why I can't get this done, very frustrated. I have everything uninstalled at this point and will call Voltquartsen tomorrow.
TB,

Did you install the VQ Disconnector (trigger bar) and supplied VQ hammer bushing, along with the VQ Sear and Trigger?

When releasing the pulled trigger, does the disconnector "pop-up" indicating a reset, ready for the next trigger pull? If not, you possibly have the trigger's pre-travel screw set too close...may need to back off on this PT screw for a consistent disconnector reset.

However, if the trigger over-travel screw is set too close and a cocked gun won't go "Bang", then you'll need to back off on the OT screw so it has more range to pull on the sear, releasing the hammer...Check this VQ video details!

Ted
 
#15 · (Edited)
Ted, I just replaced the stock hammer, hammer bushing, sear & sear spring with the Volquartsen hammer and sear kit (VC4HSK). Everything else is stock. I spoke to Volquartsen this morning and they said that there should have been a small black washer in the kit (there wasn't) that is placed between the sear spring and the sear. Volquartsen says that is probably the problem. They are sending me one today. It makes sense since the washer will move the sear ever so slightly to the right allowing the trigger bar to engage the sear. If this solves the problem I can't understand why this needed part isn't included in the kit.

From Volquartsen's website,
22/45 users only: there is a small, black spacer included in the kit. This spacer is to be installed between the spring and sear. It is not pictured here.
 
#19 ·
ANOTHER UPDATE!!

VQ contacted me and said the black spacer will not solve the problem. The spacer was for a different sear. They are sending me a disconnector instead. Can't say enough about their customer service, they have bent over backwards to help solve the problem and have been extremely responsive. Even got an email this morning letting me know the disconnector has been shipped with tracking #. Refreshing to deal with a company that seems to "really" care about their customers satisfaction.

From VQ;

We did discontinue the kit as we found variances in the frame that did require our disconnector. I think once you get that installed you will be good to go.
 
#20 ·
Volquartsen's MKIV target sear is only compatible with their disconnector (VC2DN). It will not work with the factory disconnector that came in your 22/45. I found that out the hard way too so you should be good to go once you get it.

Also my kit didn't come with the "small black spacer" either. Apparently some 22/45 frames are ok without it. Mine isn't. Volquartsen sent me a couple free of charge. They're good folks.
 
#21 ·
Volquartsen's MKIV target sear is only compatible with their disconnector (VC2DN). It will not work with the factory disconnector that came in your 22/45. I found that out the hard way too so you should be good to go once you get it.

Thanks for the info! Sounds encouraging. On a high note this will be my fourth time doing this mod so now I can do it blind folded. LOL
 
#22 ·
WilCox said:
Volquartsen's MKIV target sear is only compatible with their disconnector (VC2DN).
This is true, but I have to wonder why. :confused:

My VQ disconnector is paired up with a VQ MKII sear. That sear works fine with either - Ruger or VQ disconnector.

Comparing the disconnectors - the Ruger has a steeper angle on the top/leading portion the bolt pushes down.

Comparing the MKII/MKIV sears - the MKIV sear has a deeper notch cut that the disco tab slips down into.

I'm just wondering if trimming the leading edge of the Ruger disconnector to have a little shallower angle would allow it to work with the MKIV sear?

It would be nice to know, but not that important I guess - since VQ will provide a disconnector that is compatible. Just my curious ramblings.
 
#23 ·
I can get the stock disconnector to engage the sear IF I give it a ever so slight nudge towards the inside of the frame. If I don't give it that nudge the trigger doesn't engage. it's weird and of course my crappy bad luck. I really hope the VQ disconnector works, ive messed with this gun way more than necessary.
 
#25 · (Edited)
TB,

Did you initially remove the mag disconnect and spring (#22 & #25)???

When you remove the trigger (by pressing down on #4-pivot retainer) to install the front of the VQ disconnector into the trigger top hole, make sure and keep the bolt open stop spring (#5) in place...it's small and can easily get lost. The trigger's top plunger and spring (#8 & #7) are much larger and typically, easy to keep track of.

Of course, you have to remove, or at least "back out", the safety lever in order to lift up the hammer+bushing+disconnector window for the new DC swap out. Here, watch out for the safety's detent and spring (#28 & #27), they'll also magically disappear (don't ask how I know all this)! :eek: ;)

Hope it goes smooth...

Ted
 
#26 ·
FINAL UPDATE

Thanks Ted. The disconnector install was no problem and did solve the trigger problem. Put about 300 rds through it yesterday and it ran flawlessly. I really am amazed at how much of a improvement this modification made. So much easier to shoot now. Really happy with the final outcome. I'd like to thank everyone for their tips, advice and info.

PS- Looks like I'm going to have to do the same to my 22/45 MKIV lite.
 
#27 · (Edited)
Thanks Ted. The disconnector install was no problem and did solve the trigger problem. Put about 300 rds through it yesterday and it ran flawlessly. I really am amazed at how much of a improvement this modification made. So much easier to shoot now. Really happy with the final outcome. I'd like to thank everyone for their tips, advice and info.

PS- Looks like I'm going to have to do the same to my 22/45 MKIV lite.
TP,

Great you got your 22/45 working so well! :eek:

I have to whole heartily agree...my mods also made both my Hunter and 22/45 Lite Great Target precision shooting rimfires...now, need to work on the shooter (Me)!!! :rolleyes:

Ted