I am new here...have been studying the forum for a couple weeks and have been impressed with the character of depth of a lot of the posts. I am hoping some of you can offer me some of your experience for a couple of things. I have a Pre '82 Rem 700 ADL in .270 Win and am debating whether to have Remington rework the Trigger/bolt lock under their safety recall so the bolt can be operated with the safety on, or use it as an excuse with the Missus to install a Jewell trigger with safety. According to the Rem website I have until the end of the month to have them do it for a nominal fee. The trigger has about a 4lb pull presently. I have never had any trouble with this weapon's safety since I've owned it (bought it used in 83 or 84), but with all the discussion about it since the CBS story broke I have wondered some about whether an upgrade might be a good idea anyways. Aside from the advantage of the Jewell's legendary trigger performance at lower pull weights, are there any advantages from a safety usage standpoint over the Remington trigger? What would a safe minimum pull weight generally be considered for a hunting application?

One additional question...the original owner put some nasty scratches on the bolt shroud (I'm guessing he didn't know how to remove it properly for cleaning) and I have always thought I'd get around to replacing it one day. Anyway, while browsing MidwayUSA's web site I saw a Taylor firing pin assembly for Rem 700 that is supposed to be a drop in upgrade. Any concerns or issues out there with this unit? I appreciate your time and thoughts...

I think you are asking about whether or not to change to a safety that does not lock the bolt, correct? If that be the case, it is a simple matter to modify the existing lever by cutting that portion which extends upward into the action and engages a notch in the bolt. Personally, I don't think there is anything wrong with the Rem triggers and have done a trigger job on more than I can count. I would have to say, about 3 to 3 1/2 Lbs on a trigger pull is satisfactory for a hunting rifle. Be careful, If you send in your rifle to Remington, they may put in one of their new and improved firing pins with the "J" lock in it. Big mistake on Rem's part. I may have a replacement bolt shroud laying around somewhere.

[ 12-09-2003, 04:10: Message edited by: Jim Kobe ]

Yes, I am talking about defeating the bolt safety lock "feature" of the pre '82 trigger assembly. I thought about trimming the lock arm down as you mention...do you know whether that is all Remington does? Agree with you on the J lock unit...I am not interested in it. Have you any experince with the Taylor firing pin assembly? I believe they claim a faster lock time because of the lower weight.

The titanium units are a bit faster but not as durable as the factory steel fireingpins. They are not worth the cost on a hunting weapon.. perhaps not even on a target piece. The remington upfrade involves replaing the safety plate.. That's all. The current safety arm doesn't have the lock extension.. Just cut the existing locking tab off and the result will be the same. The shipping and their nominal fee will cost in the neighborhood of $60 amd several weeks. Also there is always the 'lost in shipping' problem.. This is something a local smith can easily fix for a very few bucks..