Changing Triggers

In 2005, I bought my first Stevens 200. It was a 223 Remington with the grey stock and a staggered column magazine. I played around with the original trigger, but replaced it with a Timney after six months.  It was the best and least expensive option at the time.  Using white box Winchester 45 grain ammunition, the average group size went from a little over an inch at 100 yards to a little less, with this simple modification.

I want to replace the barrel and stock eventually and make it into a varmint rifle.  Obviously, replacing the trigger is an important step in that direction. 

Group size was unaffected by the stock. All the trigger tests were done off the bench. I suppose that it was because it was a 223, but the twisting, limp stock that I had read about was a non-issue.  I don’t crank or tug on the sling, but others do. This rifle has had a straight 10 power Bushnell Elite scope on it since new and it’s only used at the range or in open fields.  I have a 222 for close in, brush hunting.

In 2007, the 243 arrived. The factory trigger adjusted better than the 223 and I kept it original until very recently. Because I made my own 6mm bullets, I wanted something that would shoot 76 grain open tips made with J4 jackets. At the end of 2008, I decided to swap it out with a Rifle Basix to tighten up the groups.  It worked, firing my homemade bullets into .9 inch clusters. I bought the rifle primarily for coyotes, but it also had to be useful for deer.  I’ll carry out some tests with the new trigger and 100 grain bullets in the spring.

In early 2009, I got the 308 and found that the factory trigger was the nicest of the three.  I’ll leave it as is for a while, but eventually it will be replaced with a Rifle Basix as well.  Since this was purchased with moose and deer hunting in mind, having a 3 lb pull wasn’t a priority.  I was more concerned with load development.

This rifle, with the stock trigger, shot the best of the three, out of the box.  It prints a little less than an inch.  The question I’m wrestling with is,

“Do you replace the trigger when it shoots like this?”

As things stand right now, I won’t bother.  Down the road, I’ll probably give in and order a Rifle Basix.

I’ve shot the Timney trigger more than the Rifle Basix, but there doesn’t seem to be any difference in feel.  They are adjusted to 2.5 lb.  Either is fine for hunters or varmint shooters. Both break crisply with no creep.  Combined with other aftermarket options, these triggers will improve your groups.

Can you install the trigger yourself?  If you are competent with simple hand tools, yes.  The triggers come with instructions. If you are worried about properly adjusting the screws or are ham fisted, leave it to a gunsmith.

Here’s a very brief rundown of the most popular triggers. All information is from the manufacturers websites.

1.  Sharp Shooter Competition Trigger - $97 US    www.sharpshootersupply.com

6.  www.mysticprecision.com - For Canadians that need releoading equipment, Savage/Stevens parts, barrels, triggers, etc.