Problem with Mod 700 action........

[4given]

I have a mod 700 .223 VL SF varmint rifle. (SEE picture below)

I think it has the first generation x-mark trigger. It is not externally adjustable.

The problem is that when I close the bolt the gun decocks.  I bought this gun used. when I first got it I ran 20 rounds through it and it worked fine. I went back to the range a couple of weeks later and It decocked on me when I closed the bolt twice.  I pulled the rifle out last night to take a look at it and now it does it 89 times out of ten.

What is wrong with this thing? Is it the trigger?

Thanks for any help.

[Graybeard]

I'm no gunsmith tho likely one will come along shortly.

Still I'd say yes it's a trigger problem. More specifically some amatuer smith who thought he knew what he was doing turned screws he really shouldn't have.

There are three screws to the trigger. We have full adjustment instructions stickied at the top of the Remington Forum I believe. I only adjust the trigger pull screw and doing so can generally get the weight down to 3 pounds some times less safely.

But most such instructions tell folks to adjust the sear engagement screw and that's grossly bad advice unless you are a gunsmith or a very knowledgeable shade tree smith. What is most likely wrong is the sear engagement has been taken down to a point it can't hold the rifle in a cocked position. That it has gotten worse on you tells me they also most likely didn't restake the screws with clear nail polish and they are still moving on you.

Read over the instructions and if you feel comfortable it likely can be fixed by you but if you don't then take it to a real gunsmith to adjust it properly for you. Make sure to stake the screws back after adjustment. I use clear finger nail polish.

[ScoutMan]

While you have the rifle out of the stock, flood the trigger group with brake pad cleaner to remove any crud that has gotten into the mechanism. Flood out with compressed air. Above all: Do not lubricate!!

[4given]

Turns out the trigger was out of adjustment just like you thought Greybeard. Somebody had adjusted the weight of pull screw and did not stake it down with nail polish.

After going to the mod 700 trigger adjusting sticky post on the Remington forum & doing my research I thought I would give it a try yesterday evening.

I went ahead and heated up the screws with a bic lighter and melted the sealent out of the other two screws. I followed the adjustment protocol from the http://www.quarterbore.com/library/articles/rem700trigger.html  link. It didnt work. I tryed the procedure EXACTLY as written over & over to no avail. I was frustrated & it was late so I put it away.

I figured there was something wrong with the trigger so I got on line today & priced Timney & Jewel triggers figuring I would just replace it.

I decided that before I spent any money on fancy trigger I would try one more time tonight. This time I used the instructions from the  http://www.theoutdoorwriter.com/shooting/r700_trigger_2.htm
link & TA DA!!!! it WORKED!!   Having no nail pollish handy I staked the screws with "Hard as Hull" fly tying head cement.

The problem is solved & I have a[im nice crisp trigger with zero creep, no over travel and breaks nicely. I don't have a guage but I'll bet it isn't over 2 lbs.

I may still spring for a Timney for this gun someday but this trigger feels pretty darn good the way it is right now.

Thanks for the advice. BTW here is a picture of the rifle...

[D Humbarger]

There is not enough sear engagement.  Increase it & you should be fine.