The Remington 700 is a classic American rifle, loved by every class of shooters. However, the trigger mechanism of the REM 700 has always been surrounded by controversies from its inception.
In this article, we’ll be talking about the Remington 700 trigger mechanism and you’ll learn about the basic qualities to consider when buying a REM 700 replacement trigger mechanism.
To make things easier, we’ve handpicked and reviewed the best mechanism options to help you with your buying decision.
Comparison of the Best Remington 700 Triggers
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The Trigger: Possibly the Weakest Link in a Great Rifle
The Remington 700 trigger mechanism has been under a lot of controversy since its creation. The original trigger was invented by Merle “Mike” Walker in 1948, and was hence, called the “Walker Trigger”. Its focus is the trigger connector, which according to Walker’s patent - not only smooths the action of the trigger, but also prevents the trigger from bouncing back.
The revolutionary trigger design of the Remington 700 made it a success and popular among hunters and expert shooters. The Walker trigger was robust, smooth, and had an apt pull weight.
But the fame of the trigger was quite short lived. Reports and claims of people getting injured due to the malfunctioning trigger bashed the reputation of the Remington 700. Thousands of injuries and a couple dozen deaths due to the faulty trigger have been reported. Today, Remington is facing 150 lawsuits due to the faulty OEM trigger.
Remington officially replied that these accidents happened because people meddled with the trigger mechanism beyond OEM specifications and limits or the rifles were not properly cleaned and maintained.
In October, 2010, CNBC televised an investigative series: “Remington Under Fire: a CNBC Investigation”. Following which, the original inventor of the Walker Trigger told CNBC that his original design had a flaw which he immediately corrected in 1948. However, the improvement was dropped by Remington due to a mere increase of 5.5 cents in the price of the rifle.
Following these series of events, on December 6, 2014, Remington decided to recall all existing Remington 700 rifles to replace the Walker trigger.
From this, Remington launched the X-Mark Pro trigger which is an upgrade to the existing connector-type triggers. According to CNBC reports, Remington removed the connector because it was "the focus of too many lawsuits”.
Key Qualities to Look For in a Trigger
A faulty trigger is a futile and dangerous component of a rifle. It can lead to a misfire, even when the safety is on. It may fire prior or later than your estimated pull weight, causing your game to flee and/or leading to serious injury and death.
There are three very basic factors you must consider before choosing a trigger: durability, pull weight, and handling. Let’s take a deeper look at each.
Durability
A good trigger assembly must be durable and corrosion-resistant. Most trigger assemblies (and all of those reviewed on our list) are CNC-machined from stainless steel. The sears, levers, and other accessories are made out of steel alloys, which are heat-treated for corrosion resistance.
Check whether your trigger is aluminum or steel. A trigger made up of good, corrosion-resistant material protects against any malfunctions of the internal assembly, preventing accidents.
Pull Weight
The term weight here refers to the pull-weight of a trigger. It is the amount of force you need to apply when pulling the trigger to fire a round. Aftermarket triggers generally have adjustable pull weights, meaning you can adjust them according to your desired use and preference.
Hunters generally go for 2.5 to 4 lbs. of pull weight, whereas long-range shooters aim for reduced pull weights. It depends entirely upon your individual preference and style of shooting.
It’s important to note that you must not meddle with the trigger mechanism to adjust pull weight if you don’t know the right method. This could end up creating a faulty trigger and make it prone to accidents.
Handling
Most aftermarket triggers are drop-ins, which means you only need to pull out the existing trigger and drop in the new one. Simply tighten the screws and you’re ready to fire.
If you’re familiar with assembling and disassembling the Remington 700, using a drop-in assembly will save you a lot of time and a gunsmith’s fee. But if you are not, it’s critical that you find a good gunsmith for installation.
Additional Feature: Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage
A single-stage trigger breaks right away when you apply the intended pull weight. Whereas in a two-stage trigger, you feel a ‘crank’ upon applying the larger initial weight. This is the first stage. The pull weight of the second stage is almost negligible.
Two-stage triggers are useful for long-range shooting where you need to make micro-adjustments every second before firing the round. These are extremely useful for hunting and long-range shooting, especially with the Remington 700.
Reviews of the Best Triggers for the Remington 700
Pertaining to the above information, we have outlined the best aftermarket Remington 700 replacement triggers on the market. These triggers feature all the above-mentioned qualities and offer unmatched quality to improve your shooting.
Best Overall:
Jewel HVR
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This trigger was a hit with most new users. They were incredibly impressed with the ability to adjust their triggers to a lighter or heavier pull weight that they were more comfortable with. Also, they were quite impressed with the trigger quality, as well as usability. One user said he was able to get quick shots off this trigger compared to his previous factory default.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This trigger is fully assembled and ready to drop in. So you won’t have to waste time putting every little part together. Just drop this sucker in and be ready to go for whatever application you see fit. Of course, we cannot forget the trigger pull weight. You can make such adjustments that will allow you to make it lighter or heavier (depending on how quick you want to take a shot). A completely adjustable trigger definitely makes life a lot easier for the user.
The Jewel RHVR (Remington Hunter Varmint Rifle) is a self-contained, drop-in trigger assembly for your Remington 700. All internal components are CNC-machined from stainless steel making it corrosion-resistant and durable. The adjustment screws are fitted with nylon inserts, eliminating the need for thread locking compounds.
This single-stage trigger is three way externally adjustable to help you adjust the break, pull weight, or over travel. It includes a top safety lever and bottom bolt release. The RHVR trigger suits only right-hand actions. The BR model suits both right and left-hand REM 700 models and can be found in the link. The pull weight of the HVR model is adjustable between 1.5 to 40 oz.
Who Will Use This Most
This trigger will certainly stand out as the best choice for people who want to make on-the-fly adjustments with the trigger pull weight. Is it too light? Change it. Too heavy? Lighten it up a bit. Either way, the decision is entirely up to you on how much weight it takes. If you want a solid and durable trigger assembly that makes adjustments a cinch, this might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
Bottom Line
The Jewel HVR Remington 870 Trigger will certainly be the one you’ll want if ease of use is something you’re looking to get out of it. Not to mention, the pull weight on this puppy can vary depending on your preferences and needs. This trigger will definitely make it easier for you from the get-go.
In short, the trigger has a clean break, no pre-travel, and no over travel. It is perfect for hunting and benchrest shooting.
Runner-up:
Timney Calvin Elite Trigger
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were pretty happy with the overall durability of the trigger. And once again, they managed to install this on their rifles in a matter of minutes because it was already assembled. Once intact, they fired off about ten shots to make the determination that it was indeed a great investment on their part. One user said the break-in period is a bit shorter than expected, which is a huge plus for him (and probably many other buyers).
Why it Stands Out to Us
This drop-in trigger assembly is solid, sturdy, and every little part comes pre-assembled. So they will stay intact for a long time, despite dealing with the heavy-hitting recoil of the Remington 700. So you’re not going to have to take it out and replace any pins or small parts.
They are secured nice and tight and won’t loosen up. On top of that, this also has an adjustable feature for adjustments to the pull weight. Once again, this is a huge plus if you hate the idea of heavy (or super-light) trigger pulls.
This masterpiece from Timney is a self-contained, drop-in trigger featuring a lightweight 6061-T6 CNC-Machined aluminum golden elite-colored housing. The trigger has a double sear design and has its own safety with two-position side safety. The best part is that it works with many other rifles that resemble a Remington 700 chasis such as the Bergara B14R.
The trigger and sears are made from stainless steel to provide durability. The sear engagement is fully adjustable for over travel and pull weight. The pull weight can be adjusted between 8 oz. to 2.5 lbs. Additionally, the sears are Teflon nickel-coated for added life of the assembly.
Who Will Use This Most
This will certainly be a trigger a lot of hunters and competitive shooters can depend on, especially those who make quick adjustments to the pull weight to make quicker shots in the shortest amount of time possible. You don’t want to take this trigger for granted. So if you want something that will make your shooting ability a lot easier, this might be the trigger your rifle needs.
Bottom Line
The Timney Remington 700 Calvin Elite Trigger is easy to install and easy to use for just about any rifle application you can think of. Even better, you have complete control over how much pull weight your trigger has and four different shoe options to choose from. If you want a trigger that is pretty much the closest thing you can get to perfection, why not invest your hard-earned money into this model?
The trigger is aesthetically pleasing and offers good value for your money. It is perfect for competitive shooting, hunting, and tactical use.
Best for the Money:
Timney W/Safety Curved Shoe
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new users found this trigger to be ergonomically comfortable. On top of that, a good handful of them were left-handed shooters that chose the left-handed model for better shooting. One left-handed shooter even says it is one of the most comfortable triggers he’s ever pulled without getting some kind of awkward feeling out of it. Most users were also satisfied with the solid quality and easy ability to adjust the trigger pull weight.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This trigger has two designs that are beneficial to each dominant-hand shooter. Timney certainly took it a step further to accommodate the left-handed Remington 700 users. What they also did was make the trigger more ergonomic so you can use it to your advantage without having to worry about discomfort or fatigue later on. The trigger’s design is probably where it will make its money, alongside its ability to adjust pull weight.
This Timney trigger features an aluminum housing, stainless steel trigger shoe, and a safety lever. With this, it’s available in a choice of matte nickel and blued steel finish. The .375” shoe is serrated to provide a better grip for your finger.
The new safety design blocks the trigger and not the sear, thus eliminating the risk of any accidental discharge. The mechanism is fully adjustable for pull weight and over travel. The pull weight is adjustable between 1 ½ to 4 lbs. This is a drop-in model and also has a bolt release.
Who Will Use This Most
This will, in all likelihood, end up becoming the general, all-purpose trigger for many purposes. So if you hunt, shoot targets at the range, or use it to go the distance in competitions, you’ll know that this trigger will be good enough to handle any application. And you can make pull weight adjustments when you need to, so that’s a plus.
Bottom Line
This version of the Timney trigger will certainly hold its own in almost any given application. It’s built solidly and is easy to adjust whenever you need to lighten or make the pull weight a little heavier. Regardless, this trigger will be useful to you in so many ways. If you want a trigger that’s built to last and ready to get any job done, this might be right up your alley.
Overall, it’s an aesthetically pleasing, easy to install, good product with a decent price. It fits the 700, 721, and 722 models. It is perfect for hunting, self-defense, and long-range shooting.
4. Shilen Adjustable Trigger
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a lot of new users were pretty happy with the trigger for a few reasons. They were quite happy with the finish, which made it a bit aesthetically sharp for those who wanted their rifles to look their best. Performance-wise, it was easy to pull and allowed for quick shooting in situations where timing was a factor (i.e.--hunting, competition shooting, etc.).
Why it Stands Out to Us
This trigger is not as bulky as some trigger assemblies. But it’s at the perfect size for you drop into your rifle and get it in working order within minutes. The trigger pull was pretty darn light (given that you can adjust it between 1 to 3 pounds). So regardless of what setting it’s on, you’ll be able to shoot quickly and make follow-up shots a breeze. This trigger will certainly be a no-brainer choice if you are looking for something that will make your hunting or target shooting experience more enjoyable.
This trigger features a carbon steel housing and blued steel components with a brushed finish. The serrated 4.5 mm wide shoe is of perfect size. The sear adjustment, over travel, and pull weight are all adjustable.
The trigger has a crisp break and is perfect for long-range shooting. The polished inner components provide a reduced drag and a smoother pull. The simple drop-in design replaces the original factory assembly.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be an excellent trigger for hunters who don’t want to waste any time with missed opportunities. If you want to shoot quickly, this is the trigger that will get the job done. So if you want something that is lightweight, easy to adjust, and gives you a quicker opportunity to knock down your hunting target, this trigger will definitely be perfect for you.
Bottom Line
The Shilen Remington 700 Adjustable Trigger is lightweight, slim in design, and pretty dang useful in most applications. This might be the best upgrade accessory you can find in your Remington 700 rifle. You’d be a fool to pass up the opportunity to give this trigger a closer look.
When it comes down to it, for models with the latest X Mark Pro Trigger, the user will need a new safety, as the factory Remington safety will not fit. The standard trigger model is adjustable between 1 ½ to 3 lbs. of pull weight, whereas the competition model is good for 2 to 6 oz. pull weight. The trigger is good for hunting, competitive shooting, self-defense, and practice.
Installing Your Trigger
Pertaining to all the aforementioned concerns regarding the Remington factory trigger, replacing it is the only viable option left to have an accurate rifle. Although Remington is calling all its rifles back for replacing their OEM trigger, the problem is that you have to submit your entire rifle and wait for some time to get it upgraded. Therefore, changing the trigger yourself is a good option.
Changing the Rem 700 trigger assembly is not very tough. It will take around 15-20 minutes, depending upon your skill and the model you are using. For example, the BDL version has a floor plate secured with two screws which is easier to open.
Before replacing the trigger, you must also check into which type of trigger assembly will fit your rifle. For example, the Rem 700 model with top-mounted safety requires a HVR (hunting/varmint) model trigger, as it features top-mounted safety, contrary to the BR (Benchrest) models.
**Note: Before performing this installation, please make sure your weapon is clear and the safety is on. Also remember to point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times. Safety is the top priority with firearms.
Tools Needed
For the sake of simplicity, we are detailing how to change the trigger in the Remington 700 BDL (Better Deluxe) Version with top-mounted safety. You will need:
- 5/32” Screwdriver
- 3/32” Punch
- 3/16” Punch
- #4 Roll Pin Starter
- Brass/Nylon Hammer
The very first thing will be to turn the rifle upside down and find the two 5/32” screws securing the floor plate. Take out these screws using your screwdriver/Allen wrench and separate the action from the stock. Set the floorplate, magazine box, and stock aside.
The next step is to remove the trigger pins from the action so the trigger assembly gets separated. First, remove the rear pin using the 3/32” punch to release the bolt stop, bolt stop pin, stock sear, and sear spring. Ensure that the stock sear and sear spring do not get lost. Now, remove the front pin using the punch and your trigger is now separated from the action.
Now, take the new trigger assembly and align it with the action. Further push in the front trigger pin (shorter pin) using the 3/16” punch.
Installing the bolt stop and bolt stop spring is a very tedious and hectic task. To save yourself from trouble, you must assemble the rear trigger pin (longer pin), bolt stop, and bolt stop spring separately. Drop this unit inside the trigger, further pushing it into the action and floating the rear trigger pin into its final position.
Now, cycle the weapon to check if the trigger is working properly. If so, assemble the remaining parts in the reverse order as they were disassembled. Congratulations! You have successfully changed your trigger.
Conclusion
The Remington 700 original Walker-trigger faced some serious allegations about safety. To the extent that Remington decided to call back and replace the trigger mechanism on 7.85 million Remington 700 rifles. When upgrading your trigger, be sure to keep in mind a few things.
A good aftermarket trigger must be durable, have an apt pull weight, and be easy to install. Single-stage or two-stage is a matter of personal discretion. A good trigger delivers accuracy to the shooter, whereas a faulty one can result in fatal accidents. We hope this has been helpful and contributed toward the purchase of your new trigger!
