Understanding the Savage 93R17’s Original Trigger
The Factory Trigger Mechanism and Its Limitations
At the heart of any rifle’s accuracy lies its trigger mechanism. The trigger is the interface between the shooter and the firing sequence, and its characteristics significantly influence how a shot is released. The standard factory trigger on the Savage 93R17, including those equipped with the AccuTrigger system, is a functional piece of engineering. It’s designed to be safe and prevent accidental discharges. The AccuTrigger, introduced by Savage, is often touted for its adjustable pull weight and safety features. It includes a blade-like trigger within the trigger itself, requiring both the main trigger and the blade to be depressed for the rifle to fire. This design enhances safety, but it doesn’t always translate to the best feel or break for optimal accuracy.
Despite its safety features, the original trigger can often exhibit certain limitations. A common concern is the “creep,” the slight movement of the trigger before it engages the sear and releases the firing pin. This creep, combined with the factory pull weight, which is often heavier than desired, can lead to inconsistencies in shot placement. Heavy triggers necessitate increased effort to fire the rifle, potentially causing the shooter to apply more force during the process. This additional force can lead to movement and influence the precise shot placement. The trigger pull is not always crisp, meaning the break can be somewhat unpredictable, making it more challenging to anticipate the shot accurately. These factors, while not making the rifle inaccurate, can be significant factors in restricting the rifle’s inherent potential.
The importance of a quality trigger on a rifle cannot be overstated. A superior trigger provides a more consistent, predictable, and ultimately more precise shooting experience. A trigger with minimal creep, a clean break, and a lighter pull weight allows for more focused shot placement, reducing the shooter’s influence on the shot. By reducing the amount of effort required to fire the rifle, a quality trigger can help prevent those small, unintentional movements that can throw off a shot. Whether you’re a seasoned target shooter striving for a smaller group size or a hunter making a crucial shot on a game animal, a well-tuned trigger can make a profound difference in your results.
Exploring the Realm of Enhanced Trigger Options
Aftermarket Trigger Choices
The world of firearms aftermarket parts provides numerous avenues for improving the trigger performance of your Savage 93R17. A simple Savage 93R17 trigger upgrade can dramatically transform the way the rifle feels, allowing the shooter to realize the rifle’s potential. There’s a comprehensive range of aftermarket triggers to choose from, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Several well-regarded brands specialize in producing high-quality aftermarket triggers. These brands often offer a variety of options, including complete trigger replacement units, and trigger adjustment kits. Popular brands such as Timney and Rifle Basix have established themselves as reliable manufacturers of quality triggers, each with their own strengths and specialties.
Aftermarket triggers commonly come in a couple of main varieties. Drop-in triggers are complete replacement units that typically involve minimal installation and are often a popular choice due to their ease of setup. These units are typically designed to fit directly into the rifle’s action without needing extensive modification. Adjustable triggers offer the shooter a degree of customization, allowing them to fine-tune the trigger pull weight, overtravel, and sometimes even the pre-travel. These adjustable models provide a versatile solution for shooters who want to tailor their trigger to their specific needs and shooting styles.
Beyond complete trigger replacements, adjustments and spring upgrades offer more affordable ways to enhance the trigger. In some circumstances, the original AccuTrigger can be improved. Be mindful when making adjustments, always understanding the mechanism and safety requirements. Trigger spring upgrades are another relatively inexpensive modification. Replacing the stock trigger spring with a lighter-weight aftermarket spring can often reduce pull weight, offering a quicker and more responsive feel.
Making the Right Choice: Selecting the Perfect Trigger
Factors Influencing the Decision
Choosing the appropriate Savage 93R17 trigger upgrade demands careful consideration of several key elements. Taking these factors into consideration will help the shooter select the correct trigger.
Budget is a fundamental aspect. Aftermarket triggers range in price, and it’s essential to set a realistic budget before beginning your search. Determine how much you’re willing to invest in the upgrade, and then explore options within that range. Fortunately, there are excellent trigger upgrade options available at various price points, allowing you to find the best value.
Shooting style and intended use must be carefully considered. Are you primarily a target shooter, seeking to achieve the smallest groups possible, or are you primarily a hunter? For target shooting, a trigger with a lighter pull weight and a crisp break might be preferred. For hunting, a slightly heavier trigger with a more robust feel might be more suitable, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions.
Desired features also play a crucial role in the selection process. Look for features like adjustable pull weight, which gives you the flexibility to tailor the trigger to your preference. A trigger with minimal creep and a clean, crisp break will provide a more consistent and predictable shooting experience. Adjustable overtravel and pre-travel can also be significant, allowing for fine-tuning of the trigger’s feel and performance.
The ease of installation is a vital factor. Some aftermarket triggers are designed as drop-in replacements, requiring minimal modification to your rifle. Others may require a more involved installation process. Assess your level of mechanical aptitude and consider whether you’re comfortable performing the installation yourself or if you would prefer to have a gunsmith do it for you.
It’s also beneficial to read reviews and seek recommendations from other Savage 93R17 owners and experienced shooters. Online forums, shooting groups, and gunsmiths can provide invaluable insights into the performance and reliability of various trigger upgrade options.
Finally, always confirm the compatibility of the chosen trigger with your specific Savage 93R17 model. Rifle configurations can vary, so ensuring the trigger is designed to fit your rifle will prevent issues during installation and ensure its proper function. This often means double-checking part numbers and product descriptions to ensure a perfect fit.
The Installation Journey: A Practical Guide (with Safety as the Priority)
Step-by-Step Guide
Before beginning the installation of a Savage 93R17 trigger upgrade, safety is paramount. Always clear the rifle, ensuring that the magazine is removed and the chamber is empty. Verify the absence of ammunition in the firearm and in the surrounding workspace. Always handle firearms with respect, and follow all standard safety procedures.
The first step in most trigger installations is disassembling the existing trigger assembly. Remove the action from the stock. Most Savage 93R17 models have a simple action removal process that involves removing the screws that secure the action to the stock. Disconnect the bolt from the action. The trigger assembly is typically located within the rifle’s action. Refer to your rifle’s manual or online resources for specific instructions.
Once the action is removed, remove the trigger assembly. Using the correct tools, like appropriately sized allen wrenches or screwdrivers, carefully remove any pins, screws, or springs that hold the trigger assembly in place. Take care to keep track of all the parts, as you will need them. Carefully remove the factory trigger from the action. Pay close attention to how each component interacts and where it sits within the action, so you can properly install the new trigger. It is always a good idea to take photos of the existing trigger mechanism before you remove it. This can make it easier to reference how the components assemble.
Installing the new trigger often involves reverse engineering the disassembly process. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the new trigger. Ensure that all the parts are installed correctly, and that the trigger is seated securely within the action. If your trigger is adjustable, set the adjustments to your desired pull weight, overtravel, and pre-travel settings. It is a good idea to begin with a lighter pull weight and then increase as needed.
Once the trigger is installed and the rifle is reassembled, it’s crucial to test its functionality. Carefully cycle the bolt and ensure the trigger engages the firing pin and breaks consistently. Perform a dry-fire test to verify the trigger’s pull weight and feel. This helps ensure the trigger functions safely and effectively.
Evaluating Performance: Testing and Improvement
Assessing Results
The installation of the Savage 93R17 trigger upgrade is only the beginning. The next step is testing the new trigger and evaluating its performance.
Range testing provides an opportunity to assess the trigger’s influence on accuracy. Start by shooting at a known distance, using a stable platform such as a bench rest. Compare shot groups before and after the upgrade. Measuring the group sizes can give a quantitative assessment of the improvement.
A better trigger can significantly improve the accuracy of a rifle. By eliminating creep and reducing pull weight, the trigger allows for more consistent and predictable shot release. This ultimately translates to smaller groups and tighter shot patterns.
When comparing shooting results before and after the upgrade, it’s essential to assess the overall impact. Evaluate how the trigger feels. Is the pull weight more comfortable? Does the break feel cleaner and more consistent? Are your shot groups smaller? Take into account the subjective experience of shooting the rifle with the new trigger.
Maintaining Your Upgrade: Care and Longevity
Ensuring Long-Term Performance
Once the Savage 93R17 trigger upgrade is complete, maintaining the trigger will preserve its performance and extend its service life.
Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining the smooth operation of the trigger mechanism. Use a gun cleaning solvent and lubricant to remove any dirt, debris, or buildup. Apply a small amount of high-quality gun oil to the trigger components, ensuring proper lubrication.
Regular checks and inspections will ensure the trigger’s components are working properly. Check for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Inspect the pins, springs, and other moving parts for any issues. Ensure the trigger pull weight and other settings are maintained.
Conclusion: The Path to Precision
A Savage 93R17 trigger upgrade represents a valuable investment in the accuracy and shooting experience of your rifle. By addressing the common limitations of the factory trigger, you can unlock the full potential of this accurate rimfire platform. A crisp, clean, and well-tuned trigger can provide greater consistency, enhance shot placement, and significantly improve the overall enjoyment of shooting your Savage 93R17.
If you want to elevate your Savage 93R17’s precision and create a more enjoyable shooting experience, consider a trigger upgrade. Explore the range of available options, carefully consider your needs, and take the steps to unlock the true potential of your rifle.
