Gunsmithing Rem 700 Slam Fire Issue

[ajohns45]

Im new to the world of smithig/custom guns, but I recently dropped a Shilen trigger in my 700. The trigger is fantastic. However, when I shut the bolt with force the gun fires. Increasing sear engagement leaves me with some extra travel/creep that shouldn't be there. I contacted Shilen and after some discussion was told the problem is related to the base of the sear making contact with part of the trigger mechanism (that it shouldn't) when the bolt is closed. This was visible through the window on the side of the trigger housing. Therefore, the solution to the problem is to decrease the angle on the cocking piece or lug on the bottom of the bolt. Is this something I could carefully do myself? Is this a correct solution? Are there other options? Or should I just punt and take it to a smith?

Thanks

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: Rem 700 Slam Fire Issue

I would take it to a pro. I have the same trigger and have never been able to get it as crisp as it should be and still be safe. It's kind of bogus for being another "drop-in" trigger compared to others on the market.

 

[ajohns45]

Re: Rem 700 Slam Fire Issue

Well, after talking to every single person I could think I discovered two things: 1) no one has apparently ever had this problem before, and 2) apparently no one I know actually tries to fix anything, they just buy a new one.

Long story short, I spent about 90 minutes polishing on the cocking piece where it contacts the sear. I laid the angle back just a little near the top then polished the entire front surface to match. Obviously, doing this by hand I had some unevenness, but I simply kept checking it and trying to focus on working those places out. With a bright desk lamp it was very easy to see where I was doing more/less good. Also, and probably more importantly was that after about every 100-150 'touches' I put the bolt back in and checked to see if anything had changed. Slowly but surely I got it to where I no longer have a slam fire issue and have a wonderfully crisp trigger pull with 1.5-2 lbs pull.

fngmike...I don't know if this is a possible solution to help sure yours up or not. Shilen apparently had great advice and may be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[WindDoper]

Re: Rem 700 Slam Fire Issue

I would have just used a jewell. Shilen triggers are just so so. You may have it tuned now but their hardening process is UGH! I can guarantee it will erode and you will have the problem again.

 

[farrier]

Re: Rem 700 Slam Fire Issue

just a question. You modified the cocking piece to match the sear rather than modifying the sear to match the cocking piece. So if you drop another trigger in you will have it acting on a modified cocking piece. Why would you do this, it seems counter-intuitive?
Mike

 

[Ring]

Re: Rem 700 Slam Fire Issue

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WindDoper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would have just used a jewell. Shilen triggers are just so so. You may have it tuned now but their hardening process is UGH! I can guarantee it will erode and you will have the problem again.</div></div>

should have just used a timmney, jewell's have a tendency to stop working if they get dirty...

 

[xs hedspace]

Re: Rem 700 Slam Fire Issue

The problem might be related to vertical slop in the bolt or shroud threads, letting the firing pin override the trigger. Or, not enough engagement in the trigger. Go for more creep by putting more engagement in the trigger. The force on that little corner of the mechanism is extreme, even without slamming the bolt.