TRIGGERS,  Short Throw vs. Hair Trigger

There is a vast difference between a "hair trigger" and a trigger that has a short throw or small amount of travel before it fires.  Though a hair trigger general travels only a short distance before the trigger is actuated, the connotation includes a trigger that is also touchy, very sensitive to any movement that could set it off.  It could be actual trigger contact or merely jarring the trap itself.   This type of setting is one that can easily misfire.  A slight bump to the trap, without even touching the trigger can cause the trap to fire.  A hair trigger is generally not what is required as the traps are often found sprung and without a catch.

However, some traps, like the Comstock Cage Traps can be set with a short travel to fire the trigger.  The triggers on these traps can be made to fire with only a fraction of travel and yet will remain stable.  With a hair trigger, usually the trigger is not seated properly, but partially engaged at the contact points.  In any trigger position the amount of pressure require to fire a Comstock Cage is exactly the same, no touchy areas or uncertainty associated with a hair trigger.  When trying to set a hair trigger on other traps, they often fire.  If you are lucky enough to get one set, just how hair trigger is it?  It's always an unknown.

The trigger on the Comstock Trap can be moved from center contact to either end of the short contact bar on the swing bar or U bar depending on the trap.  In any case, if you place the trigger so that it will travel only a short distance you can rest assured that the trap is no more or less sensitive than it would be in any position, very stable.  The amount of pressure required to fire the trap can be altered by where the door hook rests on the short trip rod posts or dog bar on the beaver traps.