Jewell Trigger troubles (Poor metallurgy???)

[Ont0001]

I returned from the range having "broken" my second new Jewell trigger in the last 6 months .The first was a BR and this one is the HVR . In both instances the triggers were subjected to a "soft" primer piercing causing gases to flow back throw the bolt. (Neither were from excessive charges as loads were well below max.)

I opened this latest one just as I did on the first thinking it may have debris in it, and found the "pivot pin" (#13 on schematic) had broken it half.Much like the lever #7 on the BR trigger had snapped at the pivot hole on the previous failure.
The metallurgy of these parts seem much less robust (actually fragile) than any of my earlier version Jewell triggers.
I have NEVER had any other triggers break and fail like this,even my "older" Jewells.
Has Jewell started to shop parts out from the Chinese and using poor quality metals???
The first one that broke I sucked it up as the dealer here in Canada told me it would be more expensive to send back to Jewell for repair than a new trigger.This second trigger failure is just too much of a coincidence as both were purchased about the same time.
I would like to talk to a live voice at Jewell to explain the issues and try to get replacement parts.
Does anyone have a name and number I can call? The number in Texas continues to answer recording "the mailbox is full".
My Match season is starting up and I need some answers. Are Jewell's now too fragile to be dependable and need to find
something else? My "older" Jewell triggers always worked. What's with the "new " ones?
Please,if you have a contact name and number at Jewell,let me know.
Thanks
Gord

 

[Lapua40X]

JEWELL TRIGGERS, Inc.
3620 HWY 123
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: (512) 353-2999
Fax: (512) 392-0543

Have you tried a FAX?

 

[Ont0001]

Thanks Lapua40X,
This is the number I've been calling and getting recorded full message.I do not have a fax,but could email them if they had a contact.
Regards
Gord

 

[Lapua40X]

... could email them if they had a contact.
Regards
Gord

I've looked high and low for an email connection for Jewell and have never been able to find one. Next time I have to call I'll try to make it a point to raise that question.
Best of luck finding a solution to your problem. I've come to the conclusion that some of the lighter Jewell triggers (BR etc.) have such a narrow margin from cocked to fire position that the slightest mechanical disturbance can render them temporarily useless. I have developed a standard practice or replacing the Jewell trigger with a stock trigger when testing loads and re-installing the Jewell after I've fine tuned my loads.

 

[Ont0001]

Lapua,
I can understand the "fine" sensitivity requiring some very precision aspects of this trigger. Having had my "older" ones stand up to everything I've thrown at them,with only a flush and go after use.It just seems these NEWER ones are over fragile subsequently my concern in what I describe as "Chinese Metallurgy".
It's been shown to me in other products ,the use of "offshore" parts that lead to premature failure and breakage.
I'll keep trying that number as I'm hoping sometime they'll clear their voicemail or actually have a live voice answer the phone.
I have a couple of Harts and even a newer Kelbly trigger I'll use for the moment by robbing from another rifle,but I cringe at the 500 plus dollars I've got in these two Jewell's.
Drop me a line if you ever get an email address.
Thanks
G

 

[jonbearman]

Why not a 2 ounce shilen,at least you can call them.

 

[Steve Blair]

I recently bought and mounted on my .284 Shehane a Bix'n'Andy trigger from Austria. They are available from the U.S. distributor at the link below. They are twice the price of a Jewell. Very well made and easy to adjust. They claim trigger break consistency within 1/30 ounce. Mine is set at 2.0 ounces and is the most consistent trigger I've ever used. May have to get more despite the price. I'll shoot it in the AZ Mid Range this weekend in it's first match. I went to South Bay Rod & Gun to check my 300 yard zero and shot a 200-17X on a breezy spring day, without flags. So, at least it doesn't hurt accuracy. [br]
http://www.bulletcentral.com/