The Remington 700 is a legendary rifle platform, renowned for its accuracy and reliability. However, many shooters find the factory trigger leaves something to be desired. That's where aftermarket triggers, like the popular Timney Remington 700 trigger, come in. This guide will delve into the intricacies of installing and tuning a Timney trigger for your Remington 700, helping you achieve a crisp, clean break for improved accuracy and a more enjoyable shooting experience.
Understanding the Timney Remington 700 Trigger
Timney triggers are celebrated for their exceptional quality, adjustability, and reliability. They are designed to significantly improve upon the factory Remington 700 trigger, offering a lighter, crisper pull with less creep and overtravel. This results in improved shot placement, particularly crucial for long-range precision shooting. Several models cater to different preferences and budgets, offering varying levels of adjustability.
Key Features and Benefits of Timney Triggers:
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Reduced Trigger Pull Weight: Timney triggers allow for significantly lighter trigger pulls than the factory trigger, often adjustable down to impressively low weights. This reduces the chance of flinching and improves accuracy.
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Crisp, Clean Break: The hallmark of a quality trigger is a clean, crisp break, free from creep (gradual pull before the break) and overtravel (excessive movement after the break). Timney triggers deliver this precisely.
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Adjustability: Many Timney models offer adjustable pull weight, overtravel, and pre-travel, allowing shooters to customize the trigger to their exact preferences and shooting style.
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Enhanced Accuracy: By eliminating creep and overtravel, and allowing for a lighter pull weight, Timney triggers contribute to improved shot placement and overall accuracy.
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Superior Reliability: Timney triggers are renowned for their robust construction and reliability, ensuring consistent performance under demanding conditions.
Installing Your Timney Remington 700 Trigger: A Step-by-Step Guide
Disclaimer: Working on firearms requires caution and proper training. If you are uncomfortable performing this task, seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
While the specific steps might vary slightly depending on the exact Timney model and your Remington 700 variant, the general process remains consistent:
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Safety First: Begin by completely unloading your rifle and verifying it's clear of ammunition. Double-check! Triple-check!
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Gather Tools: You'll need a gunsmithing screwdriver set, potentially a punch, and a torque wrench. Check the Timney instructions for your specific model for a complete list.
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Remove the Factory Trigger Group: This involves removing the action from the stock, carefully disassembling the factory trigger group according to the Remington 700's instructions.
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Install the Timney Trigger Group: Follow the detailed instructions provided by Timney. This typically involves installing the new sear, hammer, and trigger components. Pay close attention to the orientation and proper seating of each part.
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Reassembly: Carefully reassemble the action and install it back into the stock.
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Initial Trigger Adjustment: Adjust the trigger pull weight, overtravel, and pre-travel according to your preferences and within the manufacturer's recommended ranges.
Tuning Your Timney Trigger for Optimal Performance
Once installed, fine-tuning your Timney trigger is crucial to optimize its performance. This involves adjusting the various settings to find the "sweet spot" that best suits your shooting style and needs.
Adjusting Trigger Pull Weight:
This is often the most important adjustment. Too light, and you risk accidental discharges; too heavy, and it can negatively impact accuracy. Start with the manufacturer's suggested middle ground and adjust from there.
Adjusting Overtravel:
Overtravel refers to the distance the trigger travels after the shot breaks. Reducing overtravel provides a crisper, more responsive trigger feel. However, reducing it too much might negatively affect reliability.
Adjusting Pre-travel:
Pre-travel is the amount of slack before the trigger begins to break. Adjusting pre-travel allows you to remove any unwanted slack, resulting in a smoother and more consistent trigger pull.
Conclusion: Precision and Performance
The Timney Remington 700 trigger is a worthwhile upgrade for any serious shooter. By following these guidelines and taking the time to fine-tune the settings, you can dramatically improve your rifle's accuracy and your shooting experience. Remember, safety and precision are paramount throughout the process. If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified gunsmith.
