Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix Review

Is the Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix Worth It? Let’s Find Out

As an experienced gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of putting tools through their paces in everything from dusty workshops to muddy fields, I approach any product with a critical eye. The Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix is one such product that piqued my interest. My initial thought process for acquiring this trigger sear replacement was driven by a desire to improve the user experience of a classic, workhorse firearm – the Remington 870. While often considered “just a shotgun,” the reality is that its trigger can significantly impact accuracy and overall enjoyment. I was particularly intrigued by the concept of a precision-machined sear, a seemingly minor component that can make a world of difference. The build quality right out of the box was immediately apparent; the Carbo Nitride coating gleamed, and the machining was exceptionally precise, hinting at superior performance. While I briefly considered simply living with the factory trigger or exploring more complex trigger group replacements, this Timney solution offered a more targeted and potentially simpler upgrade. My first impression was one of confident anticipation – this felt like a genuine enhancement rather than a mere cosmetic change.

Real-World Testing: Putting Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place in a familiar setting: my personal gunsmithing bench, followed by the shooting range. The primary objective was to assess the installation process and the immediate impact on the trigger pull of a well-used Remington 870 Express. The instructions provided by Timney were clear and concise, and I found myself consulting their YouTube installation videos, which are invaluable resources. The actual installation was surprisingly straightforward, though I admit my own fumbling with the tiny sear springs added a bit of time. I opted to start with the lighter blue spring, and upon reassembling the action, the difference was immediately palpable. The trigger pull felt significantly lighter and, most importantly, much cleaner with a crisp, decisive break. There was a noticeable reduction in creep, a common complaint with factory 870 triggers. The reset, while still a characteristic of the 870 action, felt more defined. No real issues or surprises presented themselves during this initial phase; it was a smooth and rewarding experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and hundreds of rounds through multiple shotguns, including an 870 Tac 14 and a 2007 11-87 Police gun, the Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix has proven its mettle. The Carbo Nitride finish continues to look immaculate, showing no signs of wear despite repeated cycling and cleaning. I’ve found that swapping the included springs to adjust pull weight is a simple, albeit occasional, task. Cleaning the trigger area is as straightforward as any other part of the shotgun’s disassembly, requiring minimal attention beyond a light wipe-down and reapplication of lubricant to the action itself. Compared to other trigger upgrades I’ve implemented on various firearms over the years, this Timney component stands out for its significant improvement to a commonly criticized aspect of these otherwise excellent platforms. The improvement is so profound that it makes even budget-friendly shotguns feel like premium offerings.

Breaking Down the Features of Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix

Specifications

The Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix is essentially a replacement sear, precision-machined from high-quality steel and coated with a durable Carbo Nitride finish. This thermochemical treatment is a standout feature, providing a surface that is substantially harder than hardened tool steel. This translates directly into increased long-term wear resistance and exceptional corrosion resistance, far surpassing even military salt water standards. Furthermore, the Carbo Nitride coating enhances lubricity, contributing to a smoother feel. The core functionality revolves around its ability to offer full pull weight adjustability through the inclusion of three different-colored springs: blue (lightest), white (medium), and red (heaviest). This adjustability is crucial for shooters who have specific preferences for trigger pull weight, allowing customization from approximately 2.5 lbs to over 3 lbs depending on the spring used. The product is made in the USA, a testament to its quality craftsmanship. The finish is typically black, offering a subtle yet functional aesthetic. This unit is designed to replace the factory sear in a wide array of Remington firearms, including the popular Remington Model 870, as well as the 1100 and 11-87 series shotguns and various Remington pump-action and semi-automatic rifles.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix is to dramatically improve the trigger pull of the firearms it’s designed for, and it excels at this task. The most significant improvement is the elimination or substantial reduction of trigger creep, that gritty, uneven travel found in many factory Remington triggers. The result is a crisp, clean break that is both predictable and satisfying. The reduction in pull weight, customizable via the included springs, makes for a much more manageable trigger, especially for precision shooting or during long hunting days where fatigue can set in. While the reset length remains consistent with the original shotgun’s action mechanics, the feel of the reset is more pronounced and less mushy. Accuracy demonstrably improves because a cleaner trigger pull allows the shooter to maintain a more stable sight picture until the shot breaks, reducing involuntary flinching. For instance, in my testing on a 20-gauge 870 slug gun, the ability to place saboted slugs into a 2-inch group at 100 yards was significantly aided by this trigger upgrade. This is a night-and-day difference compared to the stock trigger.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix is one of functional elegance. It’s not about aesthetics in the traditional sense but about pure performance enhancement. The Carbo Nitride coating is not only functional but also presents a professional, hard-wearing finish that complements the internal components of the firearm. The precision machining ensures that the sear fits perfectly within the firearm’s action, integrating seamlessly with existing parts. This precision is key to its ergonomic success; it feels like a natural extension of the gun rather than an aftermarket add-on. The ease with which one can swap the included springs highlights the user-centric design. There’s no complex adjustment mechanism; simply select the desired spring, install it, and you’re done. This simplicity avoids potential issues and makes the customization process accessible even to those with limited mechanical experience. The overall feel is one of robust engineering and meticulous attention to detail, which is precisely what you’d expect from a company with Timney Triggers’ reputation.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its Carbo Nitride coating, the Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix is built for longevity. This advanced coating provides a surface hardness that far exceeds standard hardened steel, making it highly resistant to wear, even under heavy use. I’ve seen no indication of premature wear, pitting, or degradation on the sear surfaces even after repeated installations and removals across different firearms. Maintenance is minimal, primarily consisting of ensuring the firearm’s action is clean and properly lubricated. The trigger itself doesn’t require special lubricants or cleaning agents beyond what you’d use for the rest of the firearm. The robust nature of the component means that it’s unlikely to become a failure point in the shotgun’s operation. For users who maintain their firearms reasonably well, this trigger fix should provide a lifetime of smooth operation. Potential concerns are few, but as with any firearm component, proper installation is paramount to ensure both safety and durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix comes as a complete package for trigger enhancement, with its main “accessory” being the set of three different-weight springs. These springs (blue, white, and red) are the key to its customization. They allow the user to tailor the trigger pull weight to their personal preference, offering a range from a light, crisp pull of around 2.5 lbs to a slightly heavier, more substantial pull of over 3 lbs. This is a significant advantage over fixed-weight triggers. There are no other physical accessories included, as the product is designed to integrate directly into the existing firearm’s fire control group. However, the concept of customization extends to its compatibility. The fact that this single product is designed to work across a broad spectrum of Remington 870, 1100, 11-87, and 760-series firearms is a testament to its versatile design. This broad compatibility is a form of customization in itself, allowing a single purchase to benefit multiple firearms.

Pros and Cons of Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix

Who Should Buy Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix?

This trigger fix is an excellent choice for any Remington 870, 1100, 11-87, or 760-series rifle owner who is dissatisfied with the factory trigger pull. If you find your current trigger gritty, heavy, or prone to creep, and you’re looking for a tangible improvement without a full custom trigger job, this product is for you. It’s particularly beneficial for hunters, sport shooters, and home defense users who can benefit from a more precise and predictable trigger. Those who appreciate the mechanical aspect of firearms and enjoy making meaningful upgrades will also find satisfaction here.

You should probably skip this product if you are looking for a complete trigger group replacement that fundamentally alters the feel of the entire mechanism, including a significantly shorter reset. If your budget is extremely tight and you are perfectly content with the factory trigger’s performance, the cost might be a barrier. For users who have absolutely no experience with disassembling or working on firearms, a professional gunsmith might be a safer route for installation, though the learning curve is manageable. Essential complementary items would be a good set of punches, a small vise, and potentially a trigger pull gauge to accurately measure the results of your spring choices.

Conclusion on Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix

The Timney Triggers Remington 870 Trigger Fix is a truly exceptional upgrade for anyone looking to elevate the performance of their compatible Remington firearm. It addresses a common and frustrating issue—a gritty, heavy trigger pull—with precision engineering and durable materials. The Carbo Nitride coating alone speaks to the longevity and robust nature of this component, promising a lifetime of improved function. The ability to adjust the pull weight with the included springs adds a layer of personalization that significantly enhances the shooting experience. While the price point might seem high for a single replacement part, the transformative impact it has on accuracy, control, and overall enjoyment of shooting makes it an investment that is unequivocally worth the cost. For Remington 870 and similar platform owners who demand better performance from their trusted firearms, I wholeheartedly recommend this trigger fix. It’s not just an upgrade; it’s a revelation for these classic actions.