identifying a Rem 700 trigger

[bummer7]

I'm appealing to the collective wisdom here.
I'm wondering if there is a way to identify which Rem 700 trigger I have? I have a Rem 700 SA that has been in the safe since '81. about a year ago, I decided I should finish off the rifle and started collecting parts for it. Recently, I' have been given a new Rem 700 trigger that was supposedly pulled from a new rifle. I'm wondering if this trigger was from a year Rem issued a recall for it. Is there a way to identify the trigger? Any external parts on the trigger that would identify the year it was made?
Thanks in advance for your help,advice, and info.
-s

 

[LoonWulf]

if there is a screw in the top of the trigger blade and its smooth, thats the newest generation of trigger.
If the trigger is flat and has ridges, and no screw its older.
the oldest versions will have a tab connected to the saftey lever which goes up thru the action to block the bolt. I dont THINK the 81s had the slot for that, i could be wrong tho, im not proficient at remington model history.

 

[LoonWulf]

stole some pictures for reference.

Xmark pro


oldest version with locking tab. this is actually from a 40x i think, but its basically the as the 700.
The second gens do away with the bolt locking tab but look the same otherwise.




Now there was also a recall on the xmark pros, as well as the first/second gens.
The xmarks could have excess sealant from the adjustment screws in the trigger assembly.
Best to clean them before installing.

 

[bummer7]

Thank you for the information. The trigger I have is identical to the trigger in the top picture. As far as i can tell, the trigger is clean and never used. if there is excessive sealant inside it, I haven't seen or found it in the trigger's internal area or parts.

 

[BBBBill]

the oldest versions will have a tab connected to the saftey lever which goes up thru the action to block the bolt

Not sure/don't remember when the bolt lock was eliminated, but I have seen many 700s made after that time that still have the clearance cut in the receiver and the slot in the bolt to accept the locking arm on the safety. In fact I recently replaced a non-locking safety with a locking safety on a friend's son's rifle. His rifle was sans safety, <insert edit> it had a safety, but it did not lock the bolt in the on safe position <close edit>, but still had the receiver clearance cut and bolt slot. They are both lefties and the dad's gun was old enough to still have the locking arm while the son's did not. The son kept having problem with his bolt getting knocked open when walking through undergrowth while hunting. He was frustrated enough that he was beginning to think about getting rid of the rifle. He is now happy and they both think that I am a genius. Needless to say I don't do anything to dissuade that thought.

 

[LoonWulf]

Not sure/don't remember when the bolt lock was eliminated, but I have seen many 700s made after that time that still have the clearance cut in the receiver and the slot in the bolt to accept the locking arm on the safety. In fact I recently replaced a non-locking safety with a locking safety on a friend's son's rifle. His rifle was sans safety, but still had the receiver clearance cut and bolt slot. They are both lefties and the dad's gun was old enough to still have the locking arm while the son's did not. The son kept having problem with his bolt getting knocked open when walking through undergrowth while hunting. He was frustrated enough that he was beginning to think about getting rid of the rifle. He is now happy and they both think that I am a genius. Needless to say I don't do anything to dissuade that thought.

good to know!
Ive only seen a couple that had the slot in the receiver and bolt, and had the locking trigger.

 

[LoonWulf]

Now that i think about it for a bit, wasnt it a remington "FIX" to replace the locking trigger groups with non-lockers, so the bolt could be operated with the safety on?

 

[BBBBill]

Now that i think about it for a bit, wasnt it a remington "FIX" to replace the locking trigger groups with non-lockers, so the bolt could be operated with the safety on?

Yes, but that was separate from the Walker trigger issue or maybe an attempt to get around replacing it. At any rate it does make the bolt susceptible to getting easily bumped opened when you encounter underbrush or similar. Nothing like pulling your gun up for a quick shot only to find that your bolt is open and your chambered round is somewhere off in the weeds. For that reason I prefer a Winchester 70 style safety, but those are pricey at $140.

 

[LoonWulf]

Yes, but that was separate from the Walker trigger issue or maybe an attempt to get around replacing it. At any rate it does make the bolt susceptible to getting easily bumped opened when you encounter underbrush or similar. Nothing like pulling your gun up for a quick shot only to find that your bolt is open and your chambered round is somewhere off in the weeds. For that reason I prefer a Winchester 70 style safety, but those are pricey at $140.

Ive never had that issue with a 700, but ive recently had it happen with an American.