Remington 700 Triggers

The Remington 700 is among the best modern sporting rifles. Offered by Remington in many different variations since 1962 and available at the major sporting chains, the Remington 700 is an accurate, reliable, good looking rifle. Just the same, you will see quite a few in the shop. During the previous year I worked with two rifles that were improved by careful trigger adjustment and such good results are the norm.

While hard practice and attention to detail are the primary details in marksmanship, a good crisp and controllable trigger is an aid to the trained shooter. Trigger pull weight depends upon the individual. Some are capable of managing a light trigger well, finding 3.5 pound triggers useful. I’d never go below this for a sporting gun. A custom trigger is the answer for those willing and able to master a lighter trigger, but that is suited for target and varmint rifles and beyond our scope here.

Before beginning to work with the trigger I always take a trigger compression reading. While some use weights and that is good, I use either a Lyman or RCBS trigger pull gauge. A safety function check is All in a day’s work. Top: The classic and popular Remington 700. also important and I conduct this before and after any work. The Remington 700 rifle lends itself well to trigger adjustment as the safety does not ride on the bolt. While the Mauser system has merit, Remington’s modifications allow a simpler rifle.

To adjust the trigger, clear and disassemble the rifle by removing the action and trigger guard screws holding the action and stock together and the box magazine from the receiver. The magazine will interfere with your leverage in adjusting the trigger screws. Place the barreled action in a padded vice. Two adjustment screws are part of the trigger assembly and located toward the barrel end of the receiver. The upper unit adjusts over travel.

It should normally be left at the factory setting in a rifle intended for field use. The lower screw adjust trigger pull/compression weight. At the end of the action near the bottom of the trigger assembly is a screw controlling sear engagement. This screw is factory set and should never be adjusted. The screws are set with a thin coat of paint or a type of shrink wrapped plastic from the factory depending upon the generation of the rifle. A previous adjustment would be a dead giveaway.

Usually the settings are resealed with some type of light paint. Nail polish works well. To adjust the trigger, clean the paint or plastic away from the screws. During this operation I open the bolt but do not remove it. There is no set rule for where to begin adjusting the trigger screw but I think a quarter turn is a good place. Adjust and recheck the weight until the trigger breaks at just under four

They are not the same. Above center: The Remington action is compact, simple, and reliable. pounds or so. Reassemble, recheck the weight, and do the safety check again. When certain the adjustment is complete, I disassemble, reseal the screws with light paint, and reassemble the rifle. Over travel adjustment is possible but I don’t recommend this in afield gun. A hunting rifle used against dangerous game should never have the factory over travel adjustment reset.

A precision rifle for institutional use is in the same critical category. A benchrest or varmint rifle is another matter. To adjust the over travel, rotate the screw one complete Below center: This Remington features slot head screws, though I’ve heard of hex head screws in the Remington. This may be factory sealant. turn. The striker will not fall when the trigger is pressed. Recock the action and try again. Turn the screw while pressing the trigger.

At about a half turn of the trigger adjustment screw the trigger should break the sear. If the trigger repeatedly breaks cleanly at this point, turn the trigger over travel screw about one quarter turn counter clockwise. This should be the perfect adjustment, yielding the cleanest possible break with a factory trigger. Remember the tension of pull weight increases as the screw is turned in and lightened as the screw is backed out. Safety Check Rack the bolt and be certain the rifle cocks properly.

Dry fire the rifle with both the trigger compression gauge and the finger. Rack the bolt with the safety on. Press and release the trigger to be certain the safety works properly. The striker should not release. Repeat the test several times to be certain the safety works. If the striker releases during this test, back out the sear engagement screw another quarter turn and repeat the test. With the safety off work the bolt forcefully and bring it to a hard stop. This is a test of sear engagement.

The striker should not release. The final test is to rack the bolt and place the safety lever in the safe position and then press the trigger. The striker must not release. The Remington 700 rifle has reached classic status and remains a personal favorite. These instructions will allow a good crisp trigger press without the need for an aftermarket trigger for most common uses. AG