trigger pull

[Nodak72]

I got a second hand rem 700 ( i'm guessing it was made in the early to mid 70's), cleaned up the bore and trigger mechanism real well and went to site it in and the trigger pull is real bad (6.2 #), anyways the gunsmith suggested setting it at 3# I( I have never had A rifle with that lite of trigger pull). All my deer rifles are around 4#, my question is, is 3# too light for A coyote rifle for safety reasons and practicality's, or is A lighter trigger the way to go for accuracy? just wondering what some thought's are on this subject?

[Prairie Ghost]

trigger pull is ALL about the persone pulling it. I have mine about 2 1/2lbs some like them real light (in ounces) it all depends on how YOU use your rifle.

[Tim Anderson]

For hunting in the winter months i like mine at 2-3 pounds..

[Dcoy]

Ditto.

[lyonch]

mine is currently set at 2.5 lbs. Yes it will help your accuracy.

[LeviM]

Mine is currently at 2.5lbs, and I know people that have their coyote guns set at 1lb. Its up to you to decide what fits you and what shoots good

[bucksnbears]

just make sure it's not two light because if you shoot with heavy gloves it may go off when not expecting it trust me

[Prairie Ghost]

Some of the two stage triggers are nice for that. My CZ has a two stage trigger but had some creep so the gunsmith made it a one stage, however his CZ (same model) the trigger was real good at both stages he has the normal trigger set at 2 1/2 lbs then if you push the trigger forward until it clicks it is then set at 8OZ!

[Coyotehunter]

I have found that most guns will jump from pull to pull as much .5 to .75 pounds. the aftermarket triggers I own (shilen, timney..) are more consistant but still vary from pull to pull. I have a couple that are 1.75 and all others range from 2.25-2.5, make sure you dry fire the gun a lot when you first get it lightened up. Make sure for summer months you know the feel and winter months with gloves on check again. The trigger pull is your last chance to get things right so practiceing dry fires is very important. Regardless of the poundage.

[lyonch]

I have several hours of squeezing the trigger at a picture (of a coyote from varmint hunters magazine) that i put on the other end of the hallway and practice sitting, laying pron, and any other scenario i think i can come across in the field. Just like Jamie said that trigger pull is your final chance

[Jerry Hunsley]

Nodak72, Maybe you already know how to adjust the trigger pull on the Rem. 700, but in case you don't there is a site you can go to on the internet that shows you step by step , how to adjust the trigger. There are a combination of three screws you have to adjust. Just type in trigger pull for Rem. 700 and it should come up. Trigger pull is very important and will help your accuracy in varmint hunting. I guess it is a personal preference thing. Like somebody has already said, dry firing will help you get your accuracy down better.

[Pilgrim]

Trigger pull and Remington 700 triggers:

Your comfort level should be based on whether you can feel the trigger break on your fingertip. 2.5# seems to be ideal for most hunting rifles. Less than 2.5# in frigid climates would cause me to be too cautious (distraction being I can't feel the break). If I hunted in warm temps without layered or insulated gloves I'd be OK with a hair under 2.5#.

Triggers by Jewell, Shilen, Timney, ... are superior to Remington manufactured triggers--- Not because Remington triggers aren't brilliantly designed, but because modern Remington 700 triggers are designed and created to operate within a certain pull weight (#4-7). An inexperienced trigger adjustment on a Remington stock trigger under 3 pounds is rolling the dice. Also, don't mess with the sear engagement unless you know what you're doing. The firing pin can actually release by pressing the safety forward (yes, without touching trigger). A few 700 owners have shot horses, kids, friends... but all litigation claims revealed the sears were adjusted.

Keep in mind that the premium aftermarket triggers are offered within a very limited pull weight range. They're also much less likely to re-adjust themselves (see CH's post) and are very adjustment-friendly and there should be no overtravel or creep.

I have a couple Remington triggers that perform very nicely; clean, reliable...I have one that would not hold its weight position under 3.5# no matter what. Regardless, even the best factory triggers are nothing compared to a premium trigger. Jewell tops but Shilen the best value IMHO. Awesome!

Coyotehunter's note on the the poundage changing is right on. When setting the weight, don't settle until you can pull it at least 20 times in a row without the weight adjusting on its own.

[Nodak72]

thank's to everyone who responded to the thread there was A lot of good infomation! I had the gunsmith set the pull for A hair under 3#'s( I didn't want to make A mistake if I tried to set it myself, so I left it to A profesional)! if it ever quits raining and the damned wind quits blowing in the state of N.D. (thats probably asking too much) I will site it in! when you dry fire your gun for practice do you need to use snap caps or just A spent cartridge?

[Coyotehunter]

Niether, this will not hurt the firing pin at all.

[Pilgrim]

ND72,

Smart move.

I also agree with CH. There is no damage to be done by dry firing a bolt rifle. Other action mechanisms should use a cap.

Even so, a quality firing pin for a 700 costs $19 and it's a 30 second, do-it-yourself affair. Considering the age of your rifle you may want to replace the spring and pin with new and better quality. I personally replace the Remington pins and springs on Day 1. A Callahan bolt shroud, pin, spring is decent and $36 or so at Midway. All you need is a penny or a dime coin to replace.