Let’s Talk About JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger
The JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger promises a significant upgrade to the factory trigger, offering a lighter, crisper, and more adjustable pull. JARD claims to deliver the lightest aftermarket X-Bolt trigger, designed for enhanced accuracy and performance. This trigger aims to eliminate the mushiness often associated with stock triggers, offering a clean break that can dramatically improve a shooter’s consistency.
I had been struggling with the heavy, inconsistent pull of my Browning X-Bolt’s factory trigger, particularly when trying to achieve tight groups at longer ranges. The stock trigger, even after adjustment, felt like a hindrance to my accuracy, making it difficult to maintain a steady hold and predictable shot. This led me to seek a reliable aftermarket option, and the promises of the JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing, the JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger immediately impressed me with its solid construction. The aircraft-grade aluminum housing felt robust and well-machined. The trigger itself felt smooth to the touch, and the overall design exuded quality, contrasting sharply with the somewhat plasticky feel of the factory trigger assembly.
While I considered the Timney trigger, the JARD offering intrigued me with its claims of full adjustability and a lighter pull weight. Several user reviews also swayed my decision, particularly those highlighting the crisp break and ease of installation. The spring kits were never a consideration, given their limited adjustability and potential for inconsistency.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality was undeniable, and the promise of a fully adjustable trigger was exciting. However, I was also mindful of the potential challenges of installing an aftermarket trigger and whether it would truly deliver the claimed improvements in accuracy and consistency.
Real-World Testing: Putting JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger at my local shooting range, focusing on benchrest shooting at 100 and 200 yards. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, offering relatively ideal conditions for evaluating the trigger’s performance. I used my trusted Browning X-Bolt chambered in .308 Winchester, known for its inherent accuracy.
The difference was immediately noticeable. The JARD trigger provided a clean, crisp break, far superior to the mushy, inconsistent pull of the factory trigger. This made it much easier to maintain a steady hold and execute consistent shots, leading to tighter groupings.
Installation was straightforward, as advertised, and the adjustment screws allowed me to fine-tune the trigger to my desired pull weight. I initially set it to around 2 lbs, a significant improvement over the factory trigger’s 4-4.5 lbs. After some adjustments I lowered it to just under 1 pound.
The only initial surprise was the sensitivity of the adjustments. Minor tweaks to the sear engagement and overtravel screws made a substantial difference in the trigger’s feel, requiring a careful and iterative approach to achieve the perfect setting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile upgrade. It has consistently delivered a crisp, clean break, enhancing my accuracy and shooting experience.
The trigger has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite frequent use. The aircraft-grade aluminum housing remains solid and the adjustment screws have not loosened or shifted from their settings.
Maintenance has been minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry brush to remove any accumulated dust or debris. No lubrication has been necessary, and the trigger continues to function flawlessly.
Compared to my previous experiences with the stock trigger, the JARD offering is a night-and-day difference. It has significantly improved my accuracy and consistency, making long-range shooting much more enjoyable and rewarding. It easily outperforms the factory trigger and eliminates the need to constantly fight against a heavy, unpredictable pull.
Breaking Down the Features of JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger
Specifications
The JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger boasts several key specifications that contribute to its enhanced performance. The housing is milled from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring lasting durability and resistance to corrosion. It features a curved trigger shape designed for comfortable and consistent finger placement.
This trigger is ambidextrous, catering to both right- and left-handed shooters. It is specifically designed for Browning X-Bolt rifles and compatible with various X-Bolt models. This is a single-stage trigger, providing a distinct and immediate break.
The pull weight is adjustable within 5 ranges from 6 to 46 oz. The trigger offers full adjustability of sear engagement, overtravel, safety engagement, and pull weight within each range.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures the trigger’s longevity and reliability, even under harsh conditions. The adjustable pull weight allows shooters to customize the trigger to their personal preferences, enhancing accuracy and comfort. The full adjustability features allow fine-tuning for optimal performance.
Performance & Functionality
The JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger performs exceptionally well, delivering on its promises of improved accuracy, reliability, and usability. The crisp, clean break eliminates the mushiness often associated with factory triggers, resulting in more consistent and predictable shots. This trigger noticeably enhances the rifle’s overall accuracy potential.
The primary strength of the JARD trigger is its ability to provide a light, consistent, and predictable trigger pull. However, the sensitivity of the adjustments can be a slight drawback, requiring careful fine-tuning to achieve the desired feel. The safety features work flawlessly and add an extra layer of security when manipulating the rifle.
The JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger exceeds expectations, transforming the shooting experience with its superior performance and adjustability. It significantly enhances accuracy and consistency, making it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters.
Design & Ergonomics
The JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger features a well-thought-out design that emphasizes both durability and ergonomics. The aircraft-grade aluminum housing feels solid and well-made, while the curved trigger provides a comfortable and natural feel. The trigger is relatively lightweight, and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the rifle.
The trigger is user-friendly, with clearly marked adjustment screws that allow for easy fine-tuning. However, there is a slight learning curve associated with understanding the relationship between the different adjustments and how they affect the trigger’s overall feel.
Durability & Maintenance
The JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger is built to last, thanks to its durable materials and robust construction. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove any accumulated dust or debris. No specialized tools or skills are required for routine maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories, but its adjustability allows for a high degree of customization. Shooters can fine-tune the sear engagement, overtravel, safety engagement, and pull weight to achieve their preferred trigger feel.
The JARD trigger is compatible with any accessories or modifications that are compatible with the Browning X-Bolt rifle itself. This includes aftermarket stocks, scopes, and other performance-enhancing components.
Pros and Cons of JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger
Pros
- Significantly lighter and crisper trigger pull compared to the factory trigger, improving accuracy and consistency.
- Full adjustability of sear engagement, overtravel, safety engagement, and pull weight, allowing for a truly custom trigger feel.
- Drop-in installation with no gunsmithing required, making it easy to upgrade the trigger at home.
- Milled aircraft-grade aluminum housing for lasting durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Enhanced shooting experience, making long-range shooting more enjoyable and rewarding.
Cons
- The sensitivity of adjustments requires careful fine-tuning to achieve the desired trigger feel.
- Price point might be higher than some other aftermarket trigger options.
Who Should Buy JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger?
The JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger is perfect for serious hunters and competitive shooters who demand the highest level of accuracy and consistency from their rifles. This trigger will also benefit target shooters who want to improve their groupings.
Anyone struggling with the heavy, inconsistent pull of the factory trigger will find the JARD offering to be a significant upgrade. It is also a great choice for those who appreciate fine-tuning their equipment to achieve optimal performance.
Those who are content with the factory trigger or who are hesitant to install aftermarket components should skip this product. If you’re on a very tight budget, other options might be explored first.
A must-have accessory for this trigger is a set of high-quality gunsmithing screwdrivers, which will ensure that the adjustment screws are not damaged during installation and fine-tuning. A good bore-sighting tool can also be helpful for verifying the rifle’s accuracy after upgrading the trigger.
Conclusion on JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger
The JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to improve the accuracy and consistency of their Browning X-Bolt rifle. Its light, crisp pull, full adjustability, and durable construction make it a superior alternative to the factory trigger.
While the price point may be higher than some other aftermarket options, the performance benefits justify the cost. This is a high-quality product that delivers on its promises, enhancing the shooting experience and making long-range shooting more enjoyable and rewarding.
I would highly recommend the JARD Browning X-Bolt Trigger to any serious shooter looking to upgrade their Browning X-Bolt rifle. Take the leap and experience the difference a quality trigger can make. You will not be disappointed.