Converting my pre-66 110 to a Timney trigger
When I made the decision to keep, and update, the 1960 110 I found on Black Friday, I new I would probably want to install a new trigger system. The original trigger system is adjustable to some degree (sear engagement), and polishing the sear and trigger surfaces did help bring it from about 7 lbs. to 4 lbs., but it was still pretty inconsistent and the safety was rough and only two positions.
So off I went down the rabbit hole, figuring out 1) is it possible, 2) what parts do I need and 3) do I need to modify any of those parts.
The first thing I did was check and see if the mounting holes were the same (where the rear of the trigger hanger fits into the tang and the pin holes fit through the receiver) as the newer models. They were. I was able to remove the brand new accutrigger assembly from my LW Storm and install it on the old 110 and make it work. At that point, I knew it would be possible.
But there were other considerations. Where to find a sear? Will the new top bolt release sear fit without bending the release lever? Which safety do I need? Which aftermarket trigger? (Rifle Basix, Timney, Sav-1 or Sav-2?). I originally ordered a Rifle Basix trigger because it came with the hanger hardware so that was one less thing I'd have to source. However, when I installed it (using the borrowed bottom bolt release sear from my LW Storm), I realized their hanger interfered with the stock and my stock wasn't inletted to accommodate it.
Not wanting to inlet my stock if I could help it, I called Rifle Basix and they were great. Sent it back and they refunded my money in no time. Then I ordered a Timney Savage 110/Stevens 200 trigger, which has the shorter back end. The Timney "accutrigger" replacement has the longer back end, and it too would require inletting the stock to fit.
The safety was pretty easy. There are plenty of post-66 but pre-accutrigger safetys available on the used market and on FeeBay. I found one with the little spring and screw that holds it on, for about $20. It works really well and is an improvement over the factory safety because it's smoother, holds it's position, and has a 3-position feature that allows me to operate the bolt with the safety still engaged.
Now for the sear... I'm not gonna lie. Sourcing a Savage top bolt release sear has been a real pain in the backside. Neither of my local FFL's (who are usually great to work with) were very motivated to talk to Savage CS, go through the menus, figure out which part number to ask for, and then order a $12 part for me. I eventually gave up on them and found an older top bolt release sear at Hog Island Gun Parts, and it arrived yesterday (after spending a week under the Austin ice cap). I also found a complete post-66 trigger assembly and top bolt release sear for sale on FeeBay, so as a backup I bought it too.
When the Hog Island sear arrived, I realized the post-66 top bolt release sears have a longer lever than the pre-66 sears. The pre-66 actions, like the later ones, have the milled cut-out on the side of the action for the sear bolt release lever, but the milled area is not as long as the post-66 actions. This is probably why everything I've read about converting these old rifles to newer triggers said this isn't "supposed" to be possible. Well, that was nothing my Dremel cutoff wheel, a file and a bluing pen couldn't fix. So in about 10 minutes, I cut about 1/2 the length of the thumb pad off that sear, filed the edges smooth, and shaped the underside of that lever arm to clear the cutout in my stock that lies next to the milled flat area on the receiver. And voila! The sear now works beautifully. I actually like how the shorter thumb lever looks on the rifle too. It's not as obvious as the traditional top bolt release thumb lever.
The last pieces I'm waiting for are the hanger and trigger pin I ordered from Numrich. The shipping from them has been incredibly slow through all this weather. If I get that in today, I'll finish the trigger job and post detailed pictures of everything here.
So far, it's been a fun - if not slightly frustrating -project to keep me busy on these long post-hunting season nights. It's also given me something to do while waiting on the new 7x57 barrel for this rifle.
So with any luck, I'll have a brand new Timney installed in the old girl, breaking at a crisp 3# for hunting. Stay tuned!
