Hal,
It shouldn't take that much pressure to set it,maybe it is adjusted so that it almost doesn't engage.I would try readjusting it and see if that works(note the adjustment screw doesn't have anything to do with the spring tension,only the engagement). I would set it with the thumb of the shooting hand.To unset it, the safest way is to open the gun and pull the trigger with it open.Since the safety doesn't affect the set trigger, it can be left on "safe".