• Timney Axis Replacement Trigger Install/Review

    One of the two key areas in need of improvement on the Savage Axis is the trigger (the other being the stock in case you were wondering). At present there are two aftermarket options available to replace the rather heavy and non-adjustable factory trigger - one from Rifle Basix and the other from Timney Triggers. This review is for the latter.

    As with most aftermarket trigger offerings the Timney replacement trigger for the Axis really isn't anything special to look at. It's a trigger with a couple adjustment screws - nothing less, nothing more. Packaged with the trigger are some basic but sufficient instructions, a 5/64 hex wrench, and an extra e-clip just in case the original goes flying when removing it from the trigger pivot pin. Timney also includes a sticker for those who like stickers.

    Rather than doing a step-by-step tutorial on the installation, I'm just going to say that if you follow the provided instructions the installation should only take you 10 minutes - maybe 15 minutes if you're extra finicky on tweaking out that last ounce of pull weight. In a nut shell, the installation consists of removing the e-clip from the pivot pin, pushing out the pivot pin, removing the stock trigger and spring, placing the new trigger and spring in place, reinserting the pivot pin, and finally reinstalling the e-clop on the pivot pin. From there it's just a matter of adjusting the three screws on the trigger in the correct order to set the sear engagement, pull weight and safety.

    One thing to watch out for is the sear engagement which is the first screw to be adjusted and set. I had to re-adjust mine four times as what initially appeared to be the minimum engagement turned into not enough engagement after cycling the bolt and pulling the trigger a few dozen times. This was before making any adjustments to the pull weight screw mind you, so make sure you thoroughly test your sear engagement setting before moving on to the other two screws.

    Once the sear engagement is set you can adjust the pull weight. I'm not sure how the screw is set from the factory, but eye-balling it it appeared to be roughly in the middle of it's adjustment range. I ended up backing it out about 1.25 turns to get it as low as safely possible before the sear would trip when closing the bolt. On my example the screw was extremely stiff to adjust either in or out.

    Last but not least is the adjustment of the safety screw, which basically ensures the safety functions as it should. Here you will need to turn the screw in (with the action cocked) until it stops. With the safety engaged and the bolt cocked you should not be able to pull the trigger. If you can, you need to adjust the screw in a little more (1/4 turn at a time). Once you get it to where you can't pull the trigger and release the sear with the safety engaged, make sure it will not drop the sear/fire when you disengage the safety after trying to pull the trigger with it on safe. On mind I found I needed an additional 1/4 turn to prevent this from happening.

    All said and done my Axis now has a nice crisp 1.75-lb trigger that is worlds better than the 6 or so pound stock trigger. Not only is it a huge improvement over stock, the lower pull weight also makes the flimsy wrist of the Axis stock less of an issue as your not having to exert as much pressure on the trigger that can cause it to flex. At just over $100 an aftermarket trigger is probably the best modification one can make to their Axis, and the replacement Axis trigger from Timney Triggers fits the bill perfectly.

    Contents of the package include the trigger, instructions, hex wrench and a spare e-clip. Timney replacement trigger in place in factory trigger hanger.
    Two rear screws for pull weight and safety adjustment. Timney replacement trigger in place on rifle, original trigger and spring on desk.

    Contact Information
    Timney Triggers. LLC
    2020 W. Quail
    Phoenix, AZ 85027
    www.TimneyTriggers.com





    Comments 1 Comment
    1. Axtell3's Avatar
      Axtell3 -
      I installed one a year or so ago, and can't say enough about how much better the trigger feels and shoots. My 243 went from decent to outstanding, punching 1 hole groups at 100 yards.