Mauser Trigger, 98 problem!!!

[litman252]

I'm confused and need a hand guys.

My cousin let me use his '98, I have used often through the years and shot my first deer with it. I took it up to the farm, dry fired it a couple of times and then sighted it in. First shot was normal, second had some creep,not normal then it got worse from there. This is a custom gun built 15+ years ago with a few hundred rounds at most through it. Has a Timney Sportsman trigger.
I took the action out of the stock when I was home again and looked it over. Trigger houseing still tight to action. You can watch what I assume is the sear move and clear to realease the firing pin. There is some delay as if it's sticky or something.
This never had any creep, very little take up and no more than 2.5lbs pull. now it has lotts of creep, unable to tell when it will go off.

What the heck happened and what can I do, deer season in 5 days. Yeah I know I have other rifles but this one used to be sweet...........

Thanks much,
Tony

 

[jjk308]

All I could find on the trigger are the installation/adjustment instructions. Check for binding in the stock, dirt, proper adjustment and tightness of the screws.

http://www.timneytriggers.com/InstallInstructions/SP Mauser.pdf

 

[Slamfire]

Something has changed.

Maybe the sear adjustment screw has backed out.

Maybe you need to blow carb cleaner into the trigger mechanism, followed up by a blast of compressed air to remove the carb cleaner and the gunk it dissolved.

 

[Chawbaccer]

On the front of the trigger there are three screws. The middle one is the over travel adjustment. If it is set too tight it may interfere with the firing pin.

The top screw is the trigger pull and the bottom screw is the sear engagement, don't mess with them now unless you are positive you know what you are doing.

 

[Jim K]

Also check the bolt itself to be sure there is no dirt or old grease slowing the firing pin.

Jim

 

[litman252]

Heading out for a cleaning, I'll check the bolt as well. Did not think of that.

Thanks guys.

Tony

 

[litman252]

I removed the trigger and cleaned the heck out of it, a couple of times. Blew dry w/ compressed air.
Removed bolt and disassembled, what a treat with a short throw safety .

Reassembled unit, same thing. All screws and nuts are tight. The trigger simply has to go a long way to release. You can view through the hole on the side and is a LONG pull now. Is it junk, needs adjustment or what do you guys think??

Thanks much,
Tony

 

[iceisasolid]

it probably just needs adjustment. if you are not comfortable doing it, then take it to a gunsmith or put in a military trigger as a quick fix and practice with it.

 

[litman252]

http://www.timneytriggers.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_images&p=31

Well here is my problem, if you look at the above pic the part of the trigger that is under the cocking piece (sear?) moves a lot before it releases. You can move the trigger forward and back to the original spot without the sear releasing. I'm going to look at it and read the directions above with the rifle in my hand and look for any problems.

Is this an adjustment issue or more than that??

One "gunsmith" said it is fine, I don't think 1/16", or more of trigger movement is "fine" could even be near an 1/8".

Thanks for your help.

Tony