Timney trigger in Springfield 1903

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NORTEXED

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I love my old Sporterized 03 and wouldn't take for it. It's so handy with it's
20" bbl, and it shoots several weights into 3/4" (although it does slightly prefer heavier Sierra MK's). I do want to do something with the trigger though, and was wondering if a gunsmith was required to install a Timney, and if anyone had one they would comment on. thx

Springfield.jpg
 
I'm in the process of building a .35 Whelen on an older 03 action. Down at Fords in Florida right now for bluing. The stock trigger is soo good I decided to stay with it instead of going to a Timney? '03 triggers are easily tuned.

Whelen.jpg
 
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First of all, what's the problem with the trigger?

I am going to assume that you can live with a two stage trigger if the final stage provides a clean release.

I may be wrong about this.

The first thing to do is purchase a new 20 pound Wolff mainspring.

http://www.gunsprings.com/RifleShotgun/Springfield_RsNF.html

Your factory mainspring is over 60 years old, and maybe it was 16 pounds then, but it most certaintly is not 16 pounds now.

Just replacing a worn out mainspring with a new mainspring will often bring back a crisp second stage release.

I do have a bias. I like military two stage triggers. I believe that they are the most reliable and shockproof of any trigger mechanism. Shoot enough rapid fire stages and you get quite used to taking up the first stage without noticing.

If the mainspring does not fix a creepy trigger problem, replacing the old one is still a good idea as it will speed up the firing pin.

If you have to have a single stage trigger, a Timney is as good as any other.

It is not difficult to install. If you do not have the mechanical competence to remove the old trigger and install a Timney, and lets be honest about this, then ask for assistance. The installation of a single stage override trigger sometimes is simple, and sometimes takes tweaking. Tweaking is best done by someone who has a high mechanical aptitude.
 
A Timney is a drop-in trigger -- if you propose to continue to use the original safety. The version with it's own safety will require a little minor inletting to clear the safety lever.
 
I have one that I installed with no problems and no special tools. The only downside is that you can adjust the trigger to be dangerously light.
 
I'm not looking for dangerously light at all, just a nice crisp let-off. Current trigger has to be 12-13 pounds and kinda rough. I would just like a good, crisp 4-5 lbs.

ps: it was converted to a side swing by the smith that mounted the scope, and put the turned bolt handle on it (Lou Williams).
 
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