• JARD Savage Centerfire Trigger System

    It's been quite a few years since we last saw a new aftermarket trigger introduced for the Savage 110 series rifles, and a few long-standing aftermarket triggers for Savage 110's have even disappeared from the market in recent years due to a significant drop in demand and sales. This is mainly due to the popularity and ease of adjustment of the AccuTrigger being standard on the 110-series rifles. The AccuTrigger is offered in three different versions depending on the specific rifle model. The standard or "hunting" AccuTrigger is adjustable down to around 3.5-lbs, the Varmint AccuTrigger is adjustable down to around 1.5-lbs, and the Target AccuTrigger adjusts down to less than a pound.

    Some shooters however dislike the feel/function of the integral safety blade in the AccuTrigger and thus choose to swap it out for an aftermarket unit. JARD Inc. out of Sheldon, IA has offered their Centerfire Rifle Trigger Kit for the Savage 110 for a number of years now that replaces the original trigger and sear, but retains the factory trigger bracket. The Centerfire Trigger Kit is designed to replace standard (non-AccuTrigger) triggers on older Savage 110's, and will not work with 110's with a bottom bolt release.

    Recently Jard Inc. launched a new Centerfire Trigger System for the Savage 110 that is a self-contained unit using a 3-lever design which replaces all of the factory trigger components. This new trigger system is compatible with all Savage Model 110's and variants from 1966 to present with versions available for both top and bottom bolt release models. It should be noted that if you have an older 110 (pre-AccuTrigger) with a 2-position safety you will also need to purchase their replacement 3-position safety (#4660) which is an additional $49.75.

    One major difference between the two Jard Savage centerfire options for the 110-series rifles is that they come with a new sear. In speaking with Dean Van Marel, the owner of Jard, Inc., I was told that they chose to do this to eliminate the inconsistency that is present in the stamped OEM sears. All of the components within the Trigger System are CNC machined to exacting tolerances as well rather than being cast like some of their competitors triggers. This allows Jard to better control the engagement between the sear and sear lever to ensure the advertised pull weight ranges. Naturally other tolerance factors within the action itself will still result in some slight variation, but that's the crux of a mass production action.

    Jard's new Centerfire Trigger System is available with two trigger pull weight ranges, 13-18-oz. and 7-12-oz. respectively. MSRP is the same at $220.00 for both trigger weights and top or bottom bolt release versions.

    Installation of the trigger is very straight forward and easy as outlined in the instructions. The first order of business is to remove the factory trigger assembly which is accomplished by removing the sear pin that retains the front of the trigger mounting bracket, sear and sear return spring. The only OEM part that is reused is the sear pin. Take care when removing the pin not to lose the sear return spring. While it is not reused with the new trigger system, you will need it if you ever decide to revert back to the factory trigger. With the pin removed the sear will drop free and the front of the trigger assembly can be lowered to disengage the tab that engages the tang of the receiver.

    The version of the new Centerfire Trigger System I received is a 7-12oz. top bolt release version to match my action and thus the installation instructions that follow will apply to it. For those with a bottom bolt release version, see the provided instructions that come with the trigger for specific installation instructions for that iteration.

    With the safety in the Fire position, push the sear into the cocked position and hold the bolt release lever down as if you intend to remove the bolt from the action. This will help ensure the cocking arm is in the up position to help align it with the slot in the bottom of the action. With the sear held in this position, and the sear lever pushed back fulling behind the side plates, insert the tab at the rear of the trigger system into the notch located in the rear tang of the action. Rotate the front of the trigger system up into place. If you get any resistance here, it is because the cocking arm isn't aligned with the slot in the receiver. Align the sear pin holes in the trigger system with the action and reinstall the sear pin from the left side of the action. That's it!

    Like with most aftermarket triggers, the fun starts when it comes time to start adjusting the various screws provided. In the case of Jard's new trigger system there are four screws to make the following adjustments: Sear Engagement, Overtravel, Safety and Pull Weight.

    Just as with other aftermarket triggers I have played with in the past, making changes to the adjustment on one screw may require you to make minor adjustments to other screws after that adjustment. I first followed the adjustment order outlined in the instructions but found doing so resulted in a non-functioning safety (safety screw too tight), and when adjusted out to allow the safety to function the sear would not stay set. I then started experimenting with adjusting the screws in different orders to see if there was a "best" way, but in the end I found the Jard is just like any other aftermarket trigger and you have to jump back and forth making small tweaks to get everything just right. It can be a little tedious, but that's just the nature of aftermarket triggers with such adjustability.

    One thing to check before you call it all good is the ability to remove the bolt from the action. If you get everything where you like it and can't remove the bolt you will have to back off the over travel screw slightly.

    Last but not least with any trigger adjustment or modification is to ensure that the trigger is safe before taking it to the field. One should work the action vigorously, and do a few bump tests to ensure the safety is functioning properly in all three positions and that the sear will not release resulting in an accidental discharge. If it does you will need to make some more adjustments. Such safety checks are imperative with an aftermarket trigger such as this since they do not incorporate a safety mechanism to prevent the sear from dropping when the trigger isn't pulled like the AccuTrigger and similar OEM designs do.

    So with the trigger installed and adjusted to my liking I'm sure you are wondering what my thoughts are.

    Out of the box and prior to making any adjustments the trigger pull measured approximately 12 ounces per my Lyman Digital Trigger Pull Gauge with a bone stock Savage action. After making adjustments to the sear engagement, over travel and safety screws I was able to get it down to a ten pull average of 8.5 ounces. All ten of those pulls fell within 0.4oz. of the final average making for a very consistent trigger from pull to pull. In my experience the consistency from pull-to-pull hasn't been a trademark of any variation of the stock AccuTrigger over the years.

    The trigger has a little bit of overtravel with my final settings, but I did have to back the overtravel screw off about 1/4 turn after I had it originally set to allow the bolt to be removed. The overtravel is still very minimal so it's nothing I'm too worried about. I may try to tweak the adjustments a bit more in the future to eliminate it, but at this point I'm very happy with how things are.

    In the near future I will likely have this action trued and timed by Sharp Shooter Supply so it will be interesting to see what kind of affect that has with this trigger. I will be sure to update this article accordingly with the results at that time if warranted.

    The big question most of you readers will have regarding this new trigger system from Jard is probably going to be, "Is it worth it?" That's a hard nut that I don't even want to attempt to crack as everyone's individual needs, desires and expectations are going to vary. The $220 price is a little steep for a Savage trigger compared to other options on the market, but you do get the benefit of the Jard including a new CNC machined sear. The craftsmanship is first rate using quality materials so I don't have any reservations there.

    The only complaint I have is that Jard does not include the two allen wrenches need to make adjustments to the trigger. Three of the screws use a 0.050" allen wrench and the fourth uses a 1/16" allen wrench. Most people likely have the 1/16" wrench as that's a common size included in most basic allen wrench sets, but the 0.050" wrench is not and most probably don't have one.

    The main market for this trigger system is going to be the more serious shooters who are shooting competitively in formats such as Benchrest, F-Class and PRS where the pull-to-pull consistency can make a significant difference in scores and group size. This trigger would also be a great option for the serious varmint hunter who lives for those longer shots on prairie dogs and woodchucks. With the heaviest pull weight option being just 18-ounces it really isn't a trigger you would want to install in your medium or big game hunting rifle.

    Jard Inc. also offers replacement triggers for the Savage A17/A22 series, the Savage Axis series, and the Savage Model 25 series. Additionally, Jard offers replacement triggers for many other pistols and rifles from different manufacturers so be sure to visit their website (link below) to check out their full line of triggers and other firearm accessories.

    Special thanks to Dean Van Marel at Jard Inc. for sending out this product for us to review.


    JARD, Inc.
    3149 Nest Ave.
    Sheldon, IA 51201Phone: 712-324-7409
    Email: jardusa@live.com
    www.jardinc.com




    Comments 7 Comments
    1. GrenGuy's Avatar
      GrenGuy -
      Thanks for a great review Jim. Looking forward to Your evaluation when You shoot it. I’m dry firing mine a good bit, trying to get used to it. It has over travel, and the safety bar has up and down movement. With the stock trigger, this movement is removed by adjusting the installed screw. The safety bar provided by Jard has no such screw. I may look into drilling, tapping, and installing one. I’m shooting in a match next week, and right now I don’t know if I’ll use the Jard. I think at this point I’m more comfortable with My SSS trigger. It has zero over travel. I agree with everything You said in the review, and am looking forward to hear from others.

      Thanks, GrenGuy
    1. J.Baker's Avatar
      J.Baker -
      I've been shooting it quite a bit over the last two months and have no complaints. I have a modified AccuTrigger in my Axis with a pull weight of just under 1-lb, two of the old SSS Competition triggers in other Savage rifles adjusted to around 12-13oz., and a Trigger Tech Special set to 1-lb on my ARC Nucleus based rifle so I'm accustomed to a fairly light trigger. I may actually adjust the Jard up to 12oz. just so it's the same as my other triggers for continuity from gun to gun.
    1. nksmfamjp's Avatar
      nksmfamjp -
      I really like mine. My rifle is at SSS right now, so this is from memory. Jard triggers in general (my 2) have a certain slick break. This is fine, but will take me more time to fine tune the feel I want. I had none of the safety issue. The safety is something I really like. With my stock Savage safety, I can dial in complete lock.

      As a side note, how are folks testing if it is safe from jarring off?
    1. GrenGuy's Avatar
      GrenGuy -
      I check it by closing the bolt forcefully and bouncing the butt on the floor. I’ve had no problems with bump firing.

      If You don’t mind my asking, what do You mean by “a certain slick break”?

      Thanks GG
    1. nksmfamjp's Avatar
      nksmfamjp -
      Quote Originally Posted by GrenGuy View Post

      If You don’t mind my asking, what do You mean by “a certain slick break”?

      Thanks GG
      When I get it set perfect for me, it is not super crisp like breaking an icicle. It has a bit of creep. I cannot seem to get that all out.
    1. varget204's Avatar
      varget204 -
      Got # 1,Bottom Bolt Release Trigger in july of 2019, the Jard has no creep, no slack, a Better Trigger than the Sharp Shooter Supply, Trigger or the Rifle Basic II Trigger, a Must for Savage shooters that want a Great Trigger for their Top, or Bottom Bolt Release Rifle
    1. backwoods blacksmith's Avatar
      backwoods blacksmith -
      After careful consideration I ordered the 18 oz version. It was not in stock at this time due to parts being in heat treat. If I had not wreaked the old trigger I could still be shooting, but alas, I must wait for who knows how long.
      The ground hog population of Oregon just got a little safer. No one to blame but myself. Bummer.
      Great review.