After working on a Rem 700 trigger, stoning and honing the contacts, then setting it up to 2 pound pull, it will vary between 38 and 32 oz according to my spring scale. I will get 4 or 5 right on 32, then a heavy one of nearly 40, then back to 33 - 31. Is this acceptable? What variations should be expected? Will it improve as the honed surfaces mate better with use?

Hello,
It could be the spring apparatus you are using to measure the trigger. Springs are notorious for being not exact each and every time and one of the reasons a dead actual weight is used at registered matches to weigh triggers of a specified weight. Even if the weight is a trigger variance, not a major problem the way you describe it. Can you actully tell the difference with the trigger finger?? Would not be concerned.
Favor Center!!
dsiteman

I have to agree that the problem is probably the spring type scale used to measure the trigger pull rather than the trigger.

I own the Lyman digital trigger pull scale and find it a big improvement over what I used to use.

On the other hand, the types of variance you describe are certainly possible with factory triggers.

Just try pulling the trigger 5-10 times without the scale. If you notice a big difference from time to time, then you have a problem. My guess is you will not.

Remington triggers are not perfect, but they are pretty good.

If you want the absolute best replacement trigger for Remington rifles get a Jewell. They are terribly expensive, but they give repeatable trigger pulls EVERY TIME.

Too bad the lawyers are running most businesses these days.

R F