Ruger Standard VQ Upgrade
Moderators: Bullseye, Moderators
Ruger Standard VQ Upgrade
Old eyes and klutz time.
Just replaced the trigger and sear with VQ parts in my 1973 Ruger standard. The old, original(?) trigger seemed sloppy on the pivot pin. The VQ trigger has less lateral slop. The trigger and sear, as expected, make a big improvement.
I did more than my usual 10-thumb work. Seems like I had to do everything a couple times. But I only had to do the floor search for a small part once. The trigger pin is held on by a lock washer, which didn't want to be seen, no matter how much light I put on it. I think I may invest in a big magnifying glass.
I had previously used two pop can blast shields/shims to tighten a very loose grip frame-receiver fit. After the upgrade the fit with two shims was tighter. Also, the bolt track wouldn't insert into the posts with two shims, so the bolt would only go in to the receiver. Everything worked with one shim. I don't understand what would have changed that.
edit: This is the sixth Ruger I've replaced at least trigger and sear with VQ parts. I pretty much know the process, but I still refer to Bullseye's detail strip page as a reminder. Well-written instructions are always good to have.
Just replaced the trigger and sear with VQ parts in my 1973 Ruger standard. The old, original(?) trigger seemed sloppy on the pivot pin. The VQ trigger has less lateral slop. The trigger and sear, as expected, make a big improvement.
I did more than my usual 10-thumb work. Seems like I had to do everything a couple times. But I only had to do the floor search for a small part once. The trigger pin is held on by a lock washer, which didn't want to be seen, no matter how much light I put on it. I think I may invest in a big magnifying glass.
I had previously used two pop can blast shields/shims to tighten a very loose grip frame-receiver fit. After the upgrade the fit with two shims was tighter. Also, the bolt track wouldn't insert into the posts with two shims, so the bolt would only go in to the receiver. Everything worked with one shim. I don't understand what would have changed that.
edit: This is the sixth Ruger I've replaced at least trigger and sear with VQ parts. I pretty much know the process, but I still refer to Bullseye's detail strip page as a reminder. Well-written instructions are always good to have.
- blue68f100
- Master contributor
- Posts: 1997
- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 10:31 pm
- Location: Piney Woods of East Texas
If you install the Clark Bushing it would eliminate 1 rotating plane on the hammer giving you a better trigger yet. One the excess play is gone you will get a very crisp clean trigger.
I have a pair of glasses to help me do close work. It consist of just bi & tri focal Rx. It sure makes it easier without having to try to break your neck leaning backwards.
Yes to Bullseye Detail guide, they are Priceless. I printed the guide out with some of the detail photos and put it in the lid of my carrying case, so I will have them with me when ever I take my MKIII out for a spin.
I have a pair of glasses to help me do close work. It consist of just bi & tri focal Rx. It sure makes it easier without having to try to break your neck leaning backwards.
Yes to Bullseye Detail guide, they are Priceless. I printed the guide out with some of the detail photos and put it in the lid of my carrying case, so I will have them with me when ever I take my MKIII out for a spin.
David
SS MKIII 6 7/8" Fluted Hunter. Mueller Quick Shot, Bushnell 2x Scope, Hogue Rubber Grips
Custom Built 1911
SS MKIII 6 7/8" Fluted Hunter. Mueller Quick Shot, Bushnell 2x Scope, Hogue Rubber Grips
Custom Built 1911
- bearandoldman
- Ye Loquacious Olde Pharte
- Posts: 4194
- Joined: Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:30 am
- Location: Mid Michigan
Re: Ruger Standard VQ Upgrade
I've goot one of those 4 inch magnifiers wwith a light mounted on my workbench. Thw wat that things moves around on the arms sure does mke it handy anf helpful for old and even younger eyes like yours.greener wrote:Old eyes and klutz time.
I think I may invest in a big magnifying glass.
You have great day and shoot straight and may the Good Lord smile on you.


- 22_plinker
- New member
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:42 am
- Location: West Virginia
I too have installed the VQ Trigger and VQ Sear and I'm very happy with the results. I guess I will order the Clark bushing next and then the extractor, I get a kick out of knowing that though this gun is 30+ years old and looks a little rough, it will shoot like a pro along with the rest of em. Man that is some tedious work to say the least though.
22_Plinker
22_Plinker
The tedious part was pushing the lock washer I couldn't see very well off the hammer pin. Think I've found a need for a small articulating vise and a lighted magnifier like oldman.22_plinker wrote:I too have installed the VQ Trigger and VQ Sear and I'm very happy with the results. I guess I will order the Clark bushing next and then the extractor, I get a kick out of knowing that though this gun is 30+ years old and looks a little rough, it will shoot like a pro along with the rest of em. Man that is some tedious work to say the least though.
22_Plinker
The VQ trigger and sear definitely improved the way the pistol feels shooting.
- bearandoldman
- Ye Loquacious Olde Pharte
- Posts: 4194
- Joined: Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:30 am
- Location: Mid Michigan
I got one of those small vises that tilts and swivetls and has a vaccum cup mount too.greener wrote:The tedious part was pushing the lock washer I couldn't see very well off the hammer pin. Think I've found a need for a small articulating vise and a lighted magnifier like oldman.22_plinker wrote:I too have installed the VQ Trigger and VQ Sear and I'm very happy with the results. I guess I will order the Clark bushing next and then the extractor, I get a kick out of knowing that though this gun is 30+ years old and looks a little rough, it will shoot like a pro along with the rest of em. Man that is some tedious work to say the least though.
22_Plinker
The VQ trigger and sear definitely improved the way the pistol feels shooting.
You have great day and shoot straight and may the Good Lord smile on you.

