The Remington 700 is a legendary rifle platform, renowned for its accuracy and reliability. However, many shooters find the factory trigger to be less than ideal. This is where aftermarket triggers, such as the Timney Remington 700 trigger, come into play. This guide delves deep into the Timney trigger for the Remington 700, exploring its features, benefits, installation, and potential drawbacks. We'll cover everything you need to know to decide if a Timney is the right upgrade for your rifle.
Understanding the Timney Advantage: Why Upgrade Your Remington 700 Trigger?
The factory Remington 700 trigger, while functional, often suffers from several shortcomings. It can be heavy, with a long pull and significant creep. These issues can hinder accuracy, especially for precision shooting. A Timney Remington 700 trigger offers a significant upgrade, providing several key advantages:
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Crisp, Clean Break: Timney triggers are known for their incredibly clean break. This means the trigger releases the firing pin without any noticeable creep or overtravel. This results in improved accuracy and shot consistency.
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Adjustable Pull Weight: Many Timney models allow for adjustable pull weight, letting you customize the trigger to your preferences and shooting style. This is crucial for finding the perfect balance between a light, crisp pull and sufficient safety.
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Improved Accuracy: The combination of a lighter, cleaner pull and adjustable weight directly translates to improved accuracy. Shooters often experience a noticeable increase in precision after installing a Timney trigger.
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Enhanced Shooting Experience: The improved feel and responsiveness of a Timney trigger contribute to a more enjoyable and satisfying shooting experience. It simply feels better to shoot a rifle with a high-quality trigger.
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Durable Construction: Timney triggers are built to last, using high-quality materials and precise manufacturing techniques. This ensures long-term reliability and performance.
Timney Remington 700 Trigger Models: A Closer Look
Timney offers several different triggers designed specifically for the Remington 700 platform. The choice depends on individual preferences and budget:
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Timney Calvin Elite: This is Timney's top-of-the-line offering, featuring a fully adjustable trigger pull weight and overtravel, and a supremely crisp break. It represents the pinnacle of Timney's trigger technology.
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Timney 510: This model is a popular choice for its balance of features and price. It offers adjustable trigger pull weight and a very clean break, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting disciplines.
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Timney Featherweight: Designed for those seeking the lightest possible trigger pull, the Featherweight is ideal for benchrest or target shooting where a feather-light trigger is advantageous.
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Timney Trigger Tech: This option offers the possibility of upgrading the trigger's internal components, rather than replacing the entire trigger assembly. This may be more cost-effective if the rest of your trigger is still in good shape.
Installing Your Timney Remington 700 Trigger: A Step-by-Step Guide
Note: Installing a new trigger on a firearm is a significant undertaking requiring mechanical aptitude. If you are not comfortable with gunsmithing, it is strongly recommended that you seek the services of a qualified professional. Improper installation can lead to firearm malfunction and injury.
While specific instructions vary depending on the trigger model, the general steps are:
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Safety First: Always ensure the firearm is unloaded and the action is open before beginning any work.
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Disassembly: Carefully disassemble the Remington 700 action to access the existing trigger group.
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Removal of Old Trigger: Remove the old trigger assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Installation of New Trigger: Install the Timney trigger assembly, following the provided instructions meticulously. Pay close attention to detail, ensuring all parts are properly seated.
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Reassembly: Carefully reassemble the action, ensuring all components are properly aligned.
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Function Check: Once reassembled, perform a thorough function check to ensure the rifle cycles and functions correctly. This should be done in a safe environment with appropriate safety measures.
Warning: Failure to properly install the trigger can result in malfunction and potential injury. If you are not comfortable performing this process, consult a qualified gunsmith.
Potential Drawbacks of Timney Triggers
While generally considered a significant upgrade, Timney triggers are not without their potential drawbacks:
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Cost: Timney triggers are more expensive than the factory Remington 700 trigger.
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Installation Complexity: Installation can be challenging for those without gunsmithing experience.
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Potential for Issues with Certain Actions: While widely compatible, some issues have been reported with certain Remington 700 actions. It's crucial to ensure compatibility before purchasing.
Conclusion: Is a Timney Remington 700 Trigger Right for You?
For shooters seeking to significantly improve the accuracy and feel of their Remington 700, a Timney Remington 700 trigger is often a worthwhile upgrade. The crisp break, adjustable pull weight, and enhanced feel dramatically enhance the shooting experience. However, it's crucial to weigh the cost, installation complexity, and potential compatibility issues before making a purchase. Remember, safety is paramount—always prioritize proper installation and functionality checks.