© Ernie Paull
GUNSMITHING ODDS AND ENDS:#9 - M-700 X-MARK PRO ADJUSTABLE - INSTALL A LIGHT TRIGGER SPRING
Lighten and smooth the NEW M-700 X-Mark Pro Adjustable trigger,
Introduced by Remington in 2009
PICTURE #1
This New X-Mark Pro Adjustable trigger assembly, introduced in 2009, has two trigger weight of pull springs.
When the trigger is pulled, both of these springs are compressed.
Either one of these springs, by itself, is capable of creating a heavier weight of pull than most of us would prefer.
The starting weight of pull for this particular trigger, with factory springs and adjustments is 4 lbs. 10 oz.
This picture shows an allen wrench inserted into each of the two trigger spring adjusting screws.
Both of these screws will be utilized during the installation of this spring, and in the adjustment of this trigger's weight of pull.
This picture also illustrates a third allen wrench inserted into the sear engagement adjustment screw.
This third wrench's only purpose is to make clear the physical location of this screw.
The final trigger pull weight of 2¾ lbs. was achieved without making any adjustments to this sear engagement screw.
PICTURE #2
I'll call this trigger spring #1, simply because it is located in the same place as the single spring in the original, or "old style" triggers.
This is the only spring you will need to replace.
PICTURE #3
This is the new spring, ready to install.
Turn the adjusting screw in until its head is flush with the trigger housing.
Use some type of sealant to prevent further movement of this screw.
In my effort to shift as much "work" as possible to trigger spring #2, I have made this new spring very light.
PICTURE #4
Trigger spring #2 is located under this new trigger's weight of pull adjustment screw, but cannot be easily removed or changed.
Given the type of parts, and the amount of disassembly required, I believe the best solution is to leave this spring in place.
When the adjustment screw is removed as seen in Picture #4, the second trigger spring under this screw, remains loosely captured within the trigger housing.
In other words, when this adjustment screw is removed, the second trigger spring is still inside the trigger housing, but it is placing no pressure at all on the trigger.
PICTURE #5
In this picture, the weight of pull adjustment screw has been re-installed, and turned all the way "IN".
The weight of pull for this sample trigger at this point is 3 lbs. 10oz.
This is 1 lb. lighter than the starting weight of pull.
PICTURE #6
With the weight of pull screw backed out 1/2 turn, the new weight of pull is 3 lbs. 0 oz.
PICTURE #7
By backing the weight of pull screw out a total of 3/4 turn, this trigger now has a pull weight of 2 lbs. 12 oz.
My strong recommendation is that you NOT back this screw out any more than this 3/4 turn.
The most consistent weight of pull results are achieved when the trigger spring remains compressed within its normal operating range throughout the entire movement of the trigger.When the weight of pull screw is backed out more than 3/4 turn, the trigger spring is allowed to extend past its normal operating length, and shot to shot weight of pull consistency is lost.
These X-Mark Pro series triggers respond well to use.
All of the pull weights previously listed in this description were achieved after the addition of a tiny dab of Loctite Moly Paste #51048 to the trigger and sear contact surfaces, and then a sufficient amount of dry firing to eliminate any scratchy feel that may exist.
This process will smooth the trigger pull, it will lighten the trigger pull, and most important of all, it will make the weight of pull more uniform.
If you occasionally lubricate the nose of the striker, the cocking cam, and the back side of the bolt's locking lugs, as you dry fire the rifle, you will smooth up more than just the trigger.
If your rifle is new, or nearly new, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much smoother and easier your rifle's bolt lift, and overall bolt operation will become.With the simple installation of a spring, plus the break-in process described above, you will have a great hunting rifle trigger.And remember, this 2¾ lb. weight of pull was achieved with no reduction in the factory set sear engagement.
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Remember Ernie's Rule:For the least amount of stress in your action, build your action's foundation while using the least amount of force!