EGW 1911 .404 Radius Hard Sear | Rolling Trigger

EGW 1911 .404 Radius Hard Sear

Create a Smooth, Rolling 1911 Trigger

The EGW 1911 .404 Radius Hard Sear gives gunsmiths and 1911 builders a different way to tune trigger feel. Instead of using a traditional flat sear engagement surface, this sear uses a .404″ radius at the hammer-engagement surface.

As a result, the sear can produce a smooth, progressive trigger release. Rather than building pressure against a hard wall and then breaking suddenly, the trigger moves through the release in a controlled, rolling motion.

This design is commonly called a rolling trigger or roll release.

Precision-Machined .404″ Radius

Radius Built Into the Sear

EGW machines the .404″ radius directly into the sear nose. Therefore, the working geometry comes built into the part from the start.

After machining, EGW polishes the radiused engagement surface. This process removes machining marks while maintaining the intended .404″ geometry. The result is a smooth, matte-polished working surface.

Importantly, the surface is not mirror polished. Instead, EGW focuses on creating a smooth working surface that preserves the designed radius.

What Does .404″ Mean?

The .404″ measurement refers to the radius of the curved hammer-engagement surface at the tip of the sear.

It does not refer to the overall sear length. Likewise, it does not measure the distance from the center of the sear pin hole to the tip of the sear.

In other words, the .404″ specification describes the curve at the point where the sear engages the hammer hooks.

Change the Character of Your Trigger Pull

Traditional Crisp Break

A traditional 1911 trigger often uses a defined wall. As you press the trigger, pressure builds until the sear clears the hammer hooks. The hammer then releases with a distinct, crisp break.

Progressive Rolling Release

The EGW .404 Radius Hard Sear provides a different trigger sensation. As you press the trigger, the curved sear nose moves progressively through its engagement with the hammer hooks.

Therefore, instead of feeling one sharp release point, you can feel controlled movement through the final portion of the trigger press.

This design can provide the smooth, progressive feel associated with a rolling trigger.

Built for Custom 1911 Trigger Systems

Trigger feel is highly personal. Some shooters prefer a short, crisp break, while others prefer continuous movement through the release.

Because of this, the .404 Radius Hard Sear offers another option for custom 1911 builds. Gunsmiths can use the purpose-built radius when developing a trigger system around a progressive release.

Most importantly, this sear is designed to change the character of the trigger pull, rather than simply reduce trigger pull weight.

The final trigger feel still depends on the complete fire-control system, including the hammer, hammer hooks, springs, component tolerances, and gunsmith fitting.

Established 1911 Trigger Geometry

Radiused sear geometry is not a new concept in the 1911 world. Gunsmiths, competitors, tooling manufacturers, and component makers have used this approach for years.

EGW builds on that established concept with a purpose-built sear that incorporates the .404″ radius directly into the working surface.

As a result, gunsmiths can start with a component specifically manufactured around this trigger geometry.

Key Features

Precision .404″ Radius

• .404″ radius built directly into the sear nose
• Designed for the hammer-engagement surface
• Supports a progressive, rolling trigger release

Smooth Working Surface

• Radiused surface is polished after machining
• Machining marks are removed
• Matte-polished finish maintains the intended geometry

Custom 1911 Application

• Designed for custom 1911 trigger systems
• Suitable for competition, precision, and custom builds
• Manufactured by Evolution Gun Works
• Made in the USA

Professional Gunsmith Fitting Required

The EGW .404 Radius Hard Sear is not a drop-in component. Proper installation requires professional fitting and careful inspection of the complete 1911 fire-control system.

The gunsmith must evaluate the sear and hammer engagement. In addition, the gunsmith must check the complete safety system and confirm proper operation.

The final trigger pull weight and amount of perceived roll can vary from one pistol to another. Factors such as hammer geometry, hammer-hook dimensions, springs, component tolerances, and final fitting all affect the finished trigger.

After installation, a qualified gunsmith should verify:

• Sear and hammer engagement
• Trigger reset
• Disconnector operation
• Thumb safety operation
• Grip safety operation
• Hammer retention
• Overall safe firearm function

Incorrect sear or hammer engagement can create an unsafe firearm condition. Professional fitting and safety checks are required before use.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details	Platform	1911	Component	Hard Sear	Sear Nose Geometry	.404″ Radius	Radius Location	Hammer-engagement surface at sear tip	Trigger Characteristic	Progressive / Rolling Release	Engagement Surface	Matte Polished	Construction	Radius manufactured directly into the sear	Application	Custom 1911 trigger systems	Installation	Professional gunsmith fitting required	Manufacturer	Evolution Gun Works	Made In	USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What does .404″ refer to?

The .404″ specification refers to the radius of the curved working surface at the tip of the sear where it engages the hammer hooks.

Is .404″ measured from the sear pin hole?

No. The .404″ measurement describes the radius of the hammer-engagement surface. It does not describe the distance from the sear pin hole to the tip of the sear.

How does this sear change trigger feel?

The radiused engagement surface is designed to create a smooth, progressive release. Instead of stopping at a defined wall and then breaking sharply, the trigger moves progressively through the release.

What is a rolling trigger?

A rolling trigger allows the shooter to feel controlled movement through the final portion of the trigger press before the hammer releases. Therefore, the trigger can feel more progressive than a traditional wall-and-break trigger.

Why is the engagement surface polished?

EGW polishes the radiused surface after machining to remove machining marks while maintaining the intended .404″ geometry. This creates a smooth, matte-polished working surface.

Is the engagement surface mirror polished?

No. The engagement surface uses a matte-polished finish. The goal is to remove machining marks and smooth the working surface without creating a bright cosmetic polish.

Is a radius sear a new concept?

No. Radiused sear geometry and rolling trigger systems have been used in custom 1911 trigger work for many years. EGW manufactures this version with the .404″ radius built directly into the sear.

Is this sear designed to make the trigger lighter?

Not specifically. The primary purpose of the .404 Radius Hard Sear is to change the character of the trigger release. The final pull weight depends on the complete fire-control system and gunsmith fitting.

Will every pistol have the same amount of roll?

No. Trigger feel can vary based on the hammer, hammer hooks, springs, component tolerances, and how the complete fire-control system is fitted.

Is this a drop-in part?

No. The sear requires professional fitting. A qualified gunsmith should inspect and verify the complete fire-control and safety system before the firearm is used.

Change Your 1911 Trigger Feel

If you want a smooth, controlled rolling release instead of the traditional crisp 1911 break, the EGW .404 Radius Hard Sear provides a purpose-built option for custom trigger systems.

With its .404″ radius machined directly into the sear nose, followed by a matte-polished engagement surface, this sear gives gunsmiths a purpose-built component for developing a progressive 1911 trigger system.