Rem. 700 ADL Syn. new/trigger headaches

[Mike in Ct]

I just bought this rifle in 22-250 .the trgger is terrible & the gunsmith wants $65 for a trigger job..I opened the action & found it is a real 3 screw adjustable trigger..I cleaned everything including the bolt & applied some high tech lube to the insides..It helped..I backed out the 2 screws in front of the trigger something like 3/4 turn left on the upper & a turn & a quarter out to the left on the lower..no adjustment to the rear screw...Reassembled & can lift a 2&1/2 lb. hammer (improvised trigger scale) with no problems..even tappng it gently no surprises..Is This gun still safe ? That lower screw adjustment is bothering me..I wish I knew what each one does to the trigger..I have been dry firing it & all seems ok I would just like some reassurance from those who know about this trigger...& If you want to throw in some advice about bedding this action into this crummy stock or ordering a replacement laminate stock ...Any opinion on using it as is or free floating the barrel ...The best group it has shot so far (first & only time out) was just under an inch with verticle dispersion..I was using some very old hand loads from my bull barrel ruger..I think this gun will shoot well enough but I really wanted a bull barrel..Any experiences or advice on this model 700 rem.adl would be appreciated..Mike in Ct..

[yankee]

Not trying to be cruel but it is probably not safe.  Adjusting the screws on a trigger are like messing with the throttle linkage and brakes on a automobile.  If you do not know what the screws do or can not figure out what they do you probably should not be screwing with them.  Thinking of your safety and your friends and every one within a couple miles of you.

[flintlock]

Mike...I can help you with this....Not a big problem...I just sent a PM to Graybeard, just to make sure I can send as a general post....just to make sure I'm not liable....as soon as I get the OK from him, I'll explain what has worked for me....I've made this adjustment on 6 different 700 rifles for family and friends...
By the way...all of these shot well with the factory stocks...with no changes made...So I would wait until you have a few sessions with properly adjusted trigger before making those changes....Thanks...flintlock

[Mike in Ct]

Just tell us what the top & bottom screws do to the trigger...I already varnished over those settings because I'm reasonably certain they are safe..I'll let the gunsmith weigh it & knock it around like I did...I've done many double action & SA pistols..couple of auto loaders too..I've just never been inside that kind of unit & I'd feel better knowing.Real target triggers come with instructions Remington says keep out!!!..mike

[Iowegan]

Mike,  There is a sear viewing hole in the trigger assembly. With an empty gun, safety off, release the bolt. While locking the bolt, look in the hole and watch the two sear sections.

The rear screw adjusts the sear engagement. This critical adjustment should be set where the edges of the sear safely overlap. If the sear is set on the edge, a bump to the gun could set it off.  

The top front screw is set for trigger over travel. Again, release the bolt and lock it. Squeeze the trigger and set the top screw to a point where there is minimal trigger movement after the trigger releases.

The front lower screw is for trigger pressure. Unscrewing it makes the trigger lighter. This is a critical adjustment, a fraction of a turn will make a big difference.  I normally set the trigger tension for 3.5 to 4 lbs. Anything lighter is dangerous with the stock trigger assembly. If you find the trigger tension is still to harsh after backing this screw out, then there is something wrong with the trigger assembly (not unusual).

[flintlock]

Mike...Iowagan has it right, in my opinion....I usually leave the front top screw alone....and work on the bottom....most of my buddies want it at about 3-3 1/2  lbs....how you handle a gun, your hunting style and personal perference should determine where you want it set...(disclaimer)
I use a digital fish scale to measure where the trigger breaks at....hope this helps....Good luck....flintlock

[gunnut69]

Mike in Ct-
If you adjust a trigger you are responsible for that triggers safety.  Period!.  First- Don't adjust the sear engagement.  It is more than likely OK but a VERY slight misadjustment can make the trigger terribly unsafe..  The over travel screw-top front- is fairly easy to set.  Adjust until a pull of the trigger will NOT release the striker.  Then adjust the scfrew out(counter clockwise) while keeping pressure on the trigger until the striker releases.  Give it about 1/2 more turn counter clockwise.  This ensures the sears will release regardless of changes in the tempurature.  The trigger return can usually be safely set at 3 pounds or slightly more.  The test is that the trigger will never release if the butt is bounced on the floor hard several tinmes.  If it releases the sear even once it is unsafe and most be set heavier.  The rifle should also never drop the sear regardless of how hard or fast the bolt is cycled.  Never lube the trigger.  I have used  verious types of lubes over the years and there is NO liquid lube that is safe on triggers.  I you wish to lube the trigger assembly graphite of Moly powder or something like 'Lock-Eze' can be used which is graphite in a volatile solvent.  The solvent evaporates and leaves a thin film of dry lube..  that will not attract dirt and grime.  ANYTHING else will eventually collect enough crud to inhibit the trigger action and an accidental discharge becomes quite likely.  Of all the adjustable triggers made today the Remington design is the least safe.  It is not inherantly a dangerous design but a design that can allow a seruious fault.  If the trigger is poorly adjusted or dirty,it is possible for the gun to fire when the safety is released if the trigger was pulled while the dafety was engaged..  The best recoursde is a reliable gunsmith.  Unfortunately I've seen examples from a smiths that would fire with alarming regularity when bumped or the bolt slammed.  This came from a smith that most certainly new better..and is certain to cause him grief in the future and perhaps others as well.  Be very careful!! and good luck!

[Mike in Ct]

Many thanks for all the attention to my ignorance with remington triggers..I will have the gunsmith look over my work & test it with a real trigger scale....thanks again, mike