Author Topic: Adjusting Timney triggers (Read 1253 times)

CzaRon · « **on:** June 29, 2004, 02:11:05 PM »

I have an 03 Springfield sporter with a Timney trigger installed. I need to make it a bit heavier for my grandson to use. It's much to light for someone of his experience level. Don't have any experience adjusting them and don't have any instructions.The trigger housing is red if that means anything. All help is appreciated. Don't want to fiddle with it and break something.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2004, 08:16:35 PM »

It's been a while but I give it a try. There are 3 screws on the face of the trigger housing. They are locked by very small jam nuts to keep adjustments from changing after set. The top screw(closest to the action) sets the trigger's overtravel. turning clockwise will redice the overtravel counter clockwise will allow move travel after the sear has released. The bottom screw adjusts sear engagement and most likely should be left alone. Turning it clockwise will REDUCE the amount of sear engagement. Unless the trigger is very creepy I'd advise strongly that this be left alone. The center adjustment is the spring tension applied to the trigger return.. Turning this screw CLOCKWISE will increase the pull weight of the trigger. About 3 pounds is a good setting... Remember to hold the screw steady as the jam nut is tightened to lock that particular adjustment into position. After reassembly bounce the rifle on a firm surface such as aa carpeted floor to be certain the sear won't release. Also work the bolt vigorously(hard and fast). The weapon must stay cocked...through all tests. An email to timney's website should bring you an official set of instructions.. as usual any use of these suggested techniques is purely the responsibility of the person making the changes.. An accruate trigger pull guage should be used to set the trigger's pull weight.

Iowegan · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2004, 08:30:24 PM »

I would recommend you give Timney a call or email and they will send you instructions: email at service@timneymfg.com or by phone at 602-274-2999. Their address is 3940 W. Clarendon Av, Phoenix, AZ 85019.

The trigger is adjustable from 2 to 4 lbs. The high side is still too light for most beginners. The trigger tension spring can be replaced with a heavier one to bring the pull over 4 lbs.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 29, 2004, 09:25:48 PM »

I disagree heartily with Iowegan. Why would we want handicap a beginner with a trigger pull so heavy.. Kids smaller hands and lesser stregths do not lend themselves to controlling a heavy trigger pull... Practice is the key. Allow enough trigger time in advance to allow the child to gain confidence.. Start them with a 22 rimfire and always wear hearing protection..3 to 3 1/2 pounds is a good pull for anyone.. Good luck and best wishes to the new hunter!!

Iowegan · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2004, 11:03:33 AM »

Gunnut69, Isn't that what czarninakid asked for? I think it is more a safety issue than a marksmanship issue.

CzaRon · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2004, 02:59:39 PM »

Thanks to all for the advice and instruction. Yes,it is more a safety issue than anything else.As it is right now, it's even too light for me. Feels more like a set trigger than anything.First time I used it I touched off at least four shots prematurely.I thank the Lord that I was the only one using the range that morning.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2004, 06:59:48 PM »

As I have said before and will again, 3 pounds pull and a clean release is light enough to be controlable but not to lite to control. Pull weights heavier than 3 1/2 or so just hamper control.. A youngster needs good equipment and success to keep him(or her) interested. Good luck!

Iowegan · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2004, 07:00:11 AM »

Gunnut69, nothing wrong with your logic, just a different way to train enexperienced shooters. I like to train with a heavier pull. That way the new shooter learns about breath control, trigger control, and safety. When they can demonstrate good marksmanship and safety procedures, then I'll move them up to a target grade trigger. Lots of different techniques, none are perfect.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2004, 08:09:21 AM »

Iowegan-not that logic I can agree with..to a degree. I don't mind letting an inexperienced shooter use a poor trigger as a way to teach but before the hunt and anytime they are shooting at a live creature they and the game deserve the best trigger pull we can give. Please note I said the best pull. That's often not the lightest. My daughter learned to shoot with an SKS. Cheap ammo and possible the longest grityest trigger with the most lash I have ever seen. She did pretty well with and ammo was so cheap she got to shoot a lot... When I switched her to the M700 243 a couple months before the season she HAD learned to squeeze and breath control.. She's one of the best shots I've ever seen.. Has never had to shoot an animal the 2nd time. I don't believe in handicapping a youngster in the field. I breaks their will to cripple and animal and a poor trigger is a sure recipe for cripples. Good luck with the budding hunter. May we all bring new hunters to the woods, it's the only way to guarantee the future of the sport.