Panda Pin fall

[308BAR]

I've got a panda action with an adjustable trigger mount. What is the best way to measure pin fall? Or is it pin protrusion that I'm measuring? How can you tell is the isn't enough pinfall? Will it actually show up as poor groups on target? Thanks in advance.

 

[BoydAllen]

The purpose of the adjustable trigger hanger is to deal with variations in triggers that effect the hand off of the cocking piece from to the trigger as you close the bolt after cocking. If the trigger is too far back, you get cock on close, too far forward and the pin and firing pin drop as you close the bolt after cocking. With a perfect adjustment you get the smoothest operation. Pandas tend to have enough pin fall so that you are not on the edge of poor function. You might want to study how the firing pin is stopped at the end of its fall (when dry firing on an empty chamber) and understand that what you will be adjusting has no effect on pin protrusion.

 

[tmwinds]

To determine the firing pin fall measure the firing pin protrusion from the shroud when the action is cocked. Pull the trigger and measure the amount the firing pin is recessed into the shroud. Add the amounts together and you will have the firing pin fall. According to Kelbly you need at least .240 fall for proper ignition. I had one with less than .200 fall. Kelbly sent me a hanger with .045 offset which gave me the proper fall. This did cause a little more cock on close but it's not a problem. Out of spec firing pin fall is not normally a problem with the action. It is caused by variations in the trigger assembly.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Pandas are designed to have cock on close. If you eliminate it with the adjustable trigger hanger you will have about .200" of pin fall. I have seen accuracy fall off in the high .220"s of pin fall in the Panda. I agree 100% with Kelbly's that .240 and above is a safe number. The only way to get around cock on close and get the pin fall you need is to have the action timed properly.

 

[308BAR]

Thanks all for the info very helpful.

 

[G7BC]

Just to make sure I am understanding correctly, I have a Panda F-class and a Flavio Faré Trigger. Not seeing any issues but also don't want the chance of any. When I measure the back of the cocking piece when cocked I'm getting .010. After dry firing the measurement is .201. So, a total of .191 pin fall and I need to be closer to .240 total pin fall? This is for consistent ignition? Also, I willed to re-barrel soon and want to replace my spring. Is there a preferred go-to spring for these pandas. Thanks in advance.

 

[LVLAaron]

I’m not the panda expert like some of the other guys here but I’ve worked on a few of them.

Your cocked position…. Something looks wrong…. And maybe it’s just the photo

Is the bolt assembled correctly? Is the trigger hanger on backwards?

 

[AlNyhus]

The notch on the hanger is at the back.

 

[WSnyder]

So, a total of .191 pin fall and I need to be closer to .240 total pin fall? This is for consistent ignition?

Yes, .240” or more. You need to figure out which hanger you have. You may need a different hanger.

Is there a preferred go-to spring for these pandas.

Yes, Kelbly’s will be happy to sell you spares. They are cheap.

 

[LVLAaron]

new barrel = new spring.

 

[jimmymac]

new barrel = new spring.

I have too many barrels to do that. I seldom burn one up, then move on to the next barrel. I swap barrels all the time.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Call Kelbly's get a spring and a +.050 trigger hanger. I have never seen one as low as yours. My only guess is someone "timed" it, but did not do it correctly.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Kelbly prides themselves in making sure that their actions have the correct pin travel and static spring pressure that meets their specs.

Yours is not right. Call them. They are GREAT people to work with.

 

[G7BC]

I’m not the panda expert like some of the other guys here but I’ve worked on a few of them.

Your cocked position…. Something looks wrong…. And maybe it’s just the photo

Is the bolt assembled correctly? Is the trigger hanger on backwards?

I will check. The cocking piece is recessed .010 when cocked. I did not mount it. The action was purchased new and smith who chambered the barrel mounted the trigger.For what it’s worth I have won 2 of my last 3 matches and finished second yesterday with a 597-31X . Tied the winner on points but he beat me on x-count. Just watched Eriks interview with Peter Johns and he mentioned the panda and .240 pin fall is only reason I checked.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

You cant put a Panda trigger hander on backwards.

 

[LVLAaron]

Check the hanger... my money is on it being backwards.

 

[G7BC]

You cant put a Panda trigger hander on backwards.

One side of the trigger hanger is notched , assuming for the cocking piece to slide past. So, looks like it’s correct.

 

[G7BC]

 

[LVLAaron]

Call'em

 

[G7BC]

Ian already responded by email and said to give them a call on Tuesday and they’ll get me fixed up. Something else I noticed this morning, I have a new magnum bolt for a future PRC-W barrel and the cocking piece is longer. Maybe this is normal for magnum bolts? Both of these were purchased new and no work done to them.