Trigger issue on my M1917 Winchester

[97th Signalman]

My Model 1917 (Enfield by Winchester) has a two-stage trigger like almost all Military rifles. The first stage or take up is fairly long but smooth. The second stage is almost startilingly short and vague with very little travel. It is more soft than crisp. It is quite unlike my other military bolt actions in this respect. It might be OK as a target trigger but it borders on the unsafe as a military trigger. On at least two occasions (out of hundreds) I was startled when it fired as I really thought that I was still taking up first stage travel when it went off. What should I look for?

The sear engagement surface on the cocking piece has an edge that is not quite rounded but is certainly not a sharp corner.

The sear itself looks OK but I don't have a dimensional reference to measure it to. It could have be worn altered so that it might not be as tall or fully engaged with the cocking piece as it should be.

When pulling the trigger it seems as though there is so little travel left at the end of the first stage that the sear might be short or the camming surface on the trigger may be altered or worn in its configuration. I suppose that I could just install a new trigger and/or a new cocking piece and or/a sear to see if the operation comes closer to my expectations.

I am seeking diagnostic advice and suggestions as to what to look for or what to try.

[Norton]

My Model 1917 (Enfield by Winchester) has a . The second stage is almost startilingly short and vague with very little travel. It is more soft than crisp. I was startled when it fired as I really thought that I was still taking up first stage travel when it went off.



When pulling the trigger it seems as though there is so little travel left at the end of the first stage that the sear might be short or the camming surface on .

Signal
I checked my Eddystone M 17 this morning and thought it was very soft as you say At least when compared to the M 1903's second stage. Mine also had very little travel in the final trigger pull. I think there a few P 14s owners on this board, I wonder if theirs are any different.

[MicroPilot]

...On at least two occasions (out of hundreds) I was startled when it fired as I really thought that I was still taking up first stage travel when it went off. ...

I thought this was a good thing. Most articles describing trigger pull mechanics describe the ideal moment of hammer fall as suprising the shooter. Prevents the shooter from anticipating the recoil.

[Phirebug]

Without looking at it, I'd have to guess that your trigger group is worn. I "temporarily own" a P14 (see war trophy red tape thread) The first stage is unusually long, and the second stage is lighter than normal, but it is pretty crisp. In fact, it's one of the nicest triggers I've ever encountered. However, this rifle has been used very little. The barrel and action were still packed with cosmoline when we confiscated it.

[97th Signalman]

I ordered a Sear and cocking piece from Numrich and they arrived today. I installed them and I am very pleased with the results. I have a smooth creep in the first stage and a crisp let off in the second stage...Just like my 03A3 and just what I expected. Thanks for your input.