How To Adjust An Old Remington 700 Trigger

How to Adjust an Old Remington 700 Trigger: A Comprehensive Guide

The Remington 700 is a legendary rifle, known for its accuracy and reliability. However, many older models come equipped with triggers that are heavy and clunky, hindering precision and overall shooting experience. Fortunately, adjusting the trigger on an older Remington 700 is often a relatively straightforward process, allowing you to significantly improve your rifle's performance. This guide will walk you through the process, but always prioritize safety. Improper adjustments can lead to dangerous malfunctions.

Safety First: Essential Precautions

Before you begin any work on your firearm, take the following precautions:

• Unloaded Rifle: Ensure the rifle is completely unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine to confirm no ammunition is present.
• Point Downrange: Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, preferably downrange at a designated backstop.
• Use Proper Tools: Use the correct tools for the job. Improper tools can damage your rifle.
• Consult a Professional: If you're uncomfortable working on your firearm, consult a qualified gunsmith.

Understanding Your Remington 700 Trigger

Remington 700 triggers vary slightly depending on the model and year of manufacture. However, the basic principles of adjustment remain the same. You'll typically find adjustment screws for:

• Trigger Pull Weight: This screw controls how much pressure is needed to pull the trigger.
• Overtravel: This screw limits how far the trigger travels after the shot breaks. Reducing overtravel can improve trigger feel and crispness.
• Creep: This refers to the slight movement of the trigger before the shot breaks. While you can't completely eliminate creep, you can minimize it with careful adjustment.

Adjusting Your Remington 700 Trigger: A Step-by-Step Guide

Note: The specific location and appearance of the adjustment screws may vary slightly depending on your rifle's model. Consult your owner's manual or a detailed diagram if necessary.

1. Access the Trigger Group: You'll likely need to remove the stock to access the trigger assembly. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on stock removal.

2. Locate the Adjustment Screws: Once the trigger group is exposed, identify the adjustment screws. They are typically small screws located on the trigger itself or the trigger mechanism.

3. Adjusting Trigger Pull Weight: Carefully turn the trigger pull weight screw to adjust the pull weight. Small adjustments are key. Turning the screw clockwise typically increases the pull weight, while counter-clockwise decreases it.

4. Adjusting Overtravel: Locate the overtravel screw. Adjusting this screw limits how far the trigger travels rearward after the shot breaks. Again, small adjustments are recommended.

5. Minimizing Creep: Creep is often more difficult to address and might require more experience. Fine adjustments to the trigger pull weight and overtravel screws can sometimes indirectly reduce creep.

6. Reassemble: Carefully reassemble the trigger group and stock, ensuring all parts are correctly seated.

7. Test Fire: Only after carefully reassembling your rifle and ensuring it's unloaded, take it to a shooting range and test the trigger. Make further adjustments as needed to achieve your desired trigger pull weight, overtravel, and minimal creep.

Beyond Basic Adjustments

If you encounter significant difficulties, or if your trigger exhibits serious issues, it may be necessary to consider other options. These include:

• Trigger Job: A professional gunsmith can perform a full trigger job, which often involves polishing internal parts and making more extensive modifications for improved trigger feel and performance.
• Aftermarket Triggers: Replacing the factory trigger with an aftermarket trigger is another option. Several reputable manufacturers offer drop-in triggers designed to enhance the Remington 700's trigger performance.

Remember, safety is paramount. If you're unsure about any step in the process, seek help from a qualified gunsmith. Improperly adjusted triggers can lead to malfunctions, and even serious injuries. By following these steps carefully and prioritizing safety, you can significantly improve your shooting experience with your Remington 700.