Winchester M70 Heavy Varmint

pdog72

September 05, 2011 19:59

Hey guys,
Has anyone here ever adjusted the trigger on a Winchester M70 Heavy Varmint? Mine is in 22-250 and seems like it shoots fairly well, although I think it would do much better if I could lighten up the trigger pull. Is this something that can be done very easily? I see some lighter springs available online, but I wondered if that would do the trick or if I'm best off to just have a gunsmith work on it. I'd like to get it down around 2 pounds or so.

Also, what is the barrel twist on this gun? Any other comments or suggestions on improving accuracy on this model are certainly welcome.

Gary

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  nononsense

  September 06, 2011 02:00

  pdog72,
  
  According to the manufacturer's list I have, the twist rate in your barrel should be 1:14". However, it's not difficult to ascertain the twist by using a cleaning rod with a tight patch and some tape to mark the start/finish of one turn.
  
  There are no secrets to adjusting triggers. There are suggested techniques found online for the amateur to try his hand with but be aware that thousands are adjusted improperly every year resulting in Negligent Discharges. Read carefully and work slowly. If you have any questions, take the rifle to a gunsmith for the adjusting.
  
  Best.

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  sandwarrior

  September 06, 2011 05:12

  pdog72,
  
  I believe on that trigger you are going to need two 1/4" wrenches and a very small screw driver. the kind of screw driver you find as a set of six or eight in those small plastic boxes. Like jewellers screw drivers.
  
  On the Winchester triggers, you need to loosen the 1/4" nuts from one another. One is the actual tension setting, the other is the jam nut. Once loose you hold the threaded stem that they sit on with the small screwdriver. There is a very small slot on the end for that. Back the tension nut off a turn then test how the trigger feels. (Cock it, and dry fire it). Once you get close you need to back off in much smaller increments. 1/4-18 turn. Once it feels right, gently tighten everything back up. It doesn't hurt to put a dot of blue locktite where the nuts are going to end up on the stem.
  
  The nice thing about Winchesters is you don't need to worry about the safety. That's not on the trigger, it's a completely separate thing on the bolt.
  
  If you need to make the trigger a little smoother, this entails taking the trigger off and taking a stone to the mating surfaces. Only remove burrs and polish. Remember not to change the geometry of either the trigger mating face or the sear mating face. This can create an unsafe situation. What some people do, and I have done it with AR's, is use some very fine polishing compound. Put a dab of it between the mating surfaces of the sear and trigger. Pull the trigger ten or so times, cocking it each time. Thoroughly clean the area (remove the polishing compound, you don't want too much wear) and test to see how it feels. You should only repeat this procedure once at most. This does polish the mating surfaces, but it also does wear more than gently stoning, as the surfaces are under pressure.
  
  I hope that helps. As noted by nn, if you are not comfortable doing any of these, STOP! Take it to a gunsmith. It's a pennies on the dollar investment in safety. And, certainly less than a new Winchester trigger assembly in case you make a mistake.

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  pdog72

  September 06, 2011 19:42

  NN and SW,
  Thanks for the very detailed information. When I have plenty of time to take it apart and work on it slowly, I think I'll give it a shot myself. I've always been very methodical and meticulous when it come to projects like this. I understand that safety comes first so I'll make that first priority. From what you are describing it sounds like I can make some small adjustments without buying any new parts.
  
  Thanks again,
  Gary

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