Hi all, the wife has a nice Ruger M77 mkII stainless laminate 270. It shoots pretty good, but the trigger pull is way too heavy. I haven't pulled it out of the stock to look at yet, but I want to lighten the trigger to somewhere in the 3lb range. Is there anything I should know before I start?

I am in the same situation you are in with a .300 Winchester. My understanding is that the trigger is not adjustable and you either need to take it to a smith (who will use a file) or replace it with a Timney trigger.

Buy a Timney. You can install it in about 20 minutes. Love mine.

I have a Ruger Express Rifle in 270 Winchester. I love the rifle, but hate the trigger. I agree with crowrifle, buy a Timney. That's what I did for mine...

You know, it seems a shame to spend that many $$$$ on a gun, and have to REPLACE the trigger.

[ 10-13-2003, 23:27: Message edited by: Cherokee ]

If you search you will find a site on the web (Model 77 Trigger) that tells you how to do it yourself. I did mine and the trigger is now at 3 lbs or so - it took about twenty minutes to do it - you need to file and a vice - some metal needs to be removed so do it carefully, follow the instructions(includes diagram) and do it in increments - the trigger is easy to remove and reinstall so you can check your work. If you scew up then buy the Timney, which many have had to file on for the safety to engage properly. I like to tinker but I found this job to be pretty easy. If you can remove the existing trigger and install a Timney chances are you can do this too.

It's not too difficult of a project if you like to tinker. Try this link. I did mine and it came out very well. Saves you the cost of a custom trigger.

http://www.centerfirecentral.com/77trigger.html

It depends on how far you want to go. If you do a tuneup on the Ruger trigger, you'll need to read up and follow directions carefully. The pic below gives you the general idea.
I recommend you install a Timney if you can/want to spend a few bucks. No matter what you do to the factory trigger, it won't come close to a Timney's adjustability. I have three and they are super.
If you do decide to work on the trigger, be sure you know what's going on, becasue the safety of the gun needs to be fitted correctly, your responsibility if you undertake this.


[ 10-14-2003, 04:05: Message edited by: Bobby ]

To all,

After looking at the last post and diagram provided, I have to add my two sense worth here.

The Ruger M77MkII trigger can easily be tuned to a very nice trigger pull. I tune them to 3 lbs in my shop but will go no lighter for liability reasons. If carefully done, they can be lightened much less then that.

I would have to really recommend taking your Ruger to a qualified smith unless you are educated on all the matters that make a trigger SAFE, not crisp and light, SAFE.

It is a simple matter to make a trigger pull lighter and most often the average Joe also creates an unsafe firearm.

The diagram provided deals with complicated compound angles that without the use of very keen eyes of the correct tools, are almost imposible for the novice to get right.

I have had several rifles come into the shop that had home grown trigger jobs and I would bet 90% of them fail my trigger safety test. That being taking a small plastic hammer and rapping the side of the action just ahead of the trigger mount smartly ten times.

The trigger had better not release in those ten hit, if it does the trigger/sear relationship is negative and the rifle is unsafe to care in any situation.

Take it to your local smith and have it done correctly, spend the $40.00 and get some peace of mind. If your qualified to do trigger work by all means go for it.

Good Shooting!!!

50

I agree with fiftydriver, if you're not absolutely sure of what you're doing, then do yourself a big favor and take it to someone who does. Very good advise, indeed.

[ 10-15-2003, 02:09: Message edited by: Bobby ]

Hey Lar45. I'll throw in my vote for the Timney. I purchased the entire trigger "kit" but installed the sear only. Makes a world of difference (night vs. day.) This was my kids .308 compact. Hard to teach 'em how to shoot with a 6+ lb trigger. Had to take a file to make the safety. This is standard for this job. Most guys with any mechanical aptitude can do the job in 20 minutes - it took me about 30. Probably breaks at 3+ lbs now.

Installing the sear only on a Timney kit is not a real good idea. The engagement changes the position of the trigger when the gun is cocked and the safety might not work properly. If there is too much room between the trigger and safety it will go off with the safety on. You want to check it real carefully.
It's possible that the engagement is the same, but if that were the case the trigger would be no better than stock.
Just a heads up.

[ 11-02-2003, 07:09: Message edited by: Bobby ]

Thanks for the heads up Bobby (I think.) I don't see any safety issues after I installed the sear only.

If you are interested in the product reviews, go the www.midwayusa.com. Do a search on Timney triggers. Look for the Ruger MK II trigger. Read the product reviews. Lots of good info on how folks dealt with the installation an how they were satisfied with the results.

Lars

I've installed several Timneys in Rugers and currently have three. I think they are the best that the Ruger can be. I really like them and wouldn't have a Ruger without one.

[ 10-15-2003, 09:21: Message edited by: Bobby ]