I need to adjust a Remington model 700 trigger. I haven’t measured its pull weight yet, but it’s probably at least 6 pounds and feels like twice that. I’d like to get it into the 3 to 3.5 pound range.

I’ve researched the question on the Internet and it seems like a straightforward process. I installed a somewhat similar aftermarket trigger in a Ruger recently and had no problems.

Setting aside any issues relating to factory warranties and legal liabilities, is there anything I should be concerned about from a gunsmithing or reliability standpoint?

Close the bolt with safety on and off, tap the butt on the floor as hard as you feel comfortable doing, basically just make sure you have enough sear engagement to prevent an accidental discharge. I've safely adjusted several model 700 triggers (including the new x-mark pro) down to around 2 lbs or so safely.

I've seen more Remington triggers made unsafe than any other rifle. You probably can get to the 3 to 3.5lb range as it is but to get much lower with a newer model Remington trigger you'll need to respring it. The newer models have heavier springs that don't always have enough travel to work at lower poundages and still properly reset the sear and hold it in engagement.

If you can make the trigger go off by working the bolt harshly or by tapping the butt on a carpeted floor it's definately unsafe! Be careful there are a lot of unsafe 700's out there!.........................DJ

The one I'll be working with is at least 10 years old; does that fit into the "newer model" category?

My gunsmith took mine to 4 lbs, and said that was about the limit for a quality, "safe", hunting trigger. If it's a bench gun, I'd say go for it, as long as the factory trigger is still safe at that weight. Whether the Rem trigger can go there safely is a question I can't answer. But I'd be careful with that buddy, you don't want accidental discharges with any gun, but particularly with a high power centerfire.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
The one I'll be working with is at least 10 years old; does that fit into the "newer model" category?

The current high-zoot Remington trigger, the X-Mark Pro, was introduced in 2007, so you are probably OK "newer-model"-wise.

I should have been clearer in my earlier post. I was referring to the older non "X-Mark Pro" triggers. The older ones say 20 years or so ago were better made and could be lowered to lighter poundages than later versions that had lawyer induced heavy springs.
A ten year old rifle may or may not have the heavier ones I saw in some of the later pre X-Mark triggers.
Wrightd I think has a pretty smart gunsmith.
Even Shilen replacement triggers can be had with different sets of springs depending on which pull weight range you are looking for.

Pre X-Mark triggers CAN be safely worked into excellent, safe triggers, it's just that they quite often aren't..........................DJ

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
I need to adjust a Remington model 700 trigger. I haven’t measured its pull weight yet, but it’s probably at least 6 pounds and feels like twice that. I’d like to get it into the 3 to 3.5 pound range.

I’ve researched the question on the Internet and it seems like a straightforward process. I installed a somewhat similar aftermarket trigger in a Ruger recently and had no problems.

Setting aside any issues relating to factory warranties and legal liabilities, is there anything I should be concerned about from a gunsmithing or reliability standpoint?

Sigfreund,

The answer to your questions are yes and yes. For the old style trigger which you have, the following is a good introduction:

http://www.theoutdoorwriter.co...g/r700_trigger_3.htm

The more advanced course is here:

http://www.snipercountry.com/A...emingtontriggers.asp

Adjust the pull weight screw (in front) before adjusting the back screw. Be careful breaking the seal on the screws. Easy to strip the head. Apply locktite or nail polish to the head, not thread, to stop any changes when reassembled. You should have no problems. Good luck.

Thanks for all the responses.
It's certainly not the least expensive option, but I just decided that installing a Timney trigger would be the best way to go with this.

I should have suggested exactly that. I assumed, incorrectly, that you had passed on what may be a very good option. That said, many are very happy with the Remington triggers properly adjusted. Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by hawk in wy:
That said, many are very happy with the Remington triggers properly adjusted.

Which makes it all the more unfortunate that so many are not properly adjusted from the factory.

This is exactly what I did to adjust the trigger on my 700 and I love the results. The procedure is pretty simple and straight forward. My trigger is down to 2 lbs and it feels better than the trigger on my Browning X-Bolt!