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Gunsmithing Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

JoshcBoucher

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 22, 2011
897
42
Northern Delaware.
Just got a bought a used 308 5R, with a custom bolt and a jewel trigger. Cycled the bolt , a few times, and the trigger lets go, during the "cycle", half the time, and the gun "goes off"{dry, of course}. I found the manual, for the trigger, on line, and adjusted for "more sear engagement", and for stronger pull. Now it "goes off during the cycle" at 1 in 100 cycles. Any clues, or is it bound for the Gunsmith? I won't even try to use the gun, in this state.
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

Couple things:

If its an older/high mileage remmy you may have a rear bridge with excessive clearance.

-this is an extreme possibility, but not likely. (although I have seen it)

It may just require more sear engagement and/or an increase in perceived trigger weight in order to make it right.

Just to cover the bases:

cock the gun and rotate the sear engagement screw clockwise until the striker falls. Then back off 1/4 of a rotation. If it's working properly, then this is all you should need for overlap.

If it still slam fires, flush the snot out of the trigger with naptha (zippo fluid) and blow it out with high pressure air.

If it still does it, it's prolly time to consider taking it somewhere VERY familiar with Jewel triggers.


NOTE: Historically I've always rapped on the cocking piece with a soft mallet to evaluate whether the fire control is working properly. (resistant to slam firing) DO NOT do this with a Jewel. There's a little wedge shaped piece in certain models/variants of these triggers that will split in half if you do this. (lessons rarely come cheap)

Good luck and hope this helped.

C.
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

Try cleaning it first with lighter fluid, do your safety checks again, if it fails a decent gunsmith should be able to fix it in less than 5 minutes if you don't feel comfortable with DIY.
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

Might have the trigger poundage turned to low. A heavy trigger pull with little creep can feel like a 1 lb trigger. Because it has less metal to metal friction on shear.
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

Thanks for the input. The gun is "supposed" to only have 150 rounds through it. It's a newer 5R, stainless barrel, with this Jewel trigger. I swear,this thing scared me. When I pulled it out of the shipping box, I put the bolt in it, and put her down. I was standing over the gun, talking to a guy, and the gun fired{dry}, on its own. Just like the "stories" ya hear, about the "old" triggers on 700s. I'm puttin this gun together for my nephew, and it has to be right.
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

If you would be so kind,read my post again,please. I adjusted. Maybe I should adjust more? I did 2 full turns, on the screw, for "sear engagement", and 2 turns for the pull, and it still "slam fires",at about 1/100. On reading your post again, I think the "best" option, is the gunsmith. I'll pull it apart, and clean it, as you suggested, and see if that does it. If I were keeping the gun, I could "live" with a known problem, but this is goin to a kid, for hunting. It's got to be right. Thanks.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C. Dixon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Couple things:

If its an older/high mileage remmy you may have a rear bridge with excessive clearance.

-this is an extreme possibility, but not likely. (although I have seen it)

It may just require more sear engagement and/or an increase in perceived trigger weight in order to make it right.

Just to cover the bases:

cock the gun and rotate the sear engagement screw clockwise until the striker falls. Then back off 1/4 of a rotation. If it's working properly, then this is all you should need for overlap.

If it still slam fires, flush the snot out of the trigger with naptha (zippo fluid) and blow it out with high pressure air.

If it still does it, it's prolly time to consider taking it somewhere VERY familiar with Jewel triggers.


NOTE: Historically I've always rapped on the cocking piece with a soft mallet to evaluate whether the fire control is working properly. (resistant to slam firing) DO NOT do this with a Jewel. There's a little wedge shaped piece in certain models/variants of these triggers that will split in half if you do this. (lessons rarely come cheap)

Good luck and hope this helped.

C. </div></div>
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

if you just got this possibly previous during owners possesion someone may have backed it off to far!try tightening trigger pull untill max then try backing off till correct pull>
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: doc gordon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if you just got this possibly previous during owners possesion someone may have backed it off to far!try tightening trigger pull untill max then try backing off till correct pull> </div></div>

+1

I adjusted my trigger on my Sendero, the exact same thing happened to me. I just tightened it up and turned it back down, paying much closer attention. Problem solved.
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

More input. Thanks guys! I love this site, and it's members. I'll try the suggestions, and let ya'll know what happens. One thought keeps coming back to me. I've never had a jewel trigger. Is this a good/acceptable "hunting trigger", or are they too sensitive for hunting, and maybe better saved for the "bench/target" shooting?
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

i suggest that the jewel be reserved for a more exp shooter. i would replace it with a timney or other quality brand trigger set to about 4.5 to 5 pounds for a kids hunting rifle. the timney can be ordered with whatever poundage you want and it would be much better for the child to develop correct form on a stock poundage trigger than a highly advanced, adjusted one. once he is perfect on a heavier trigger, he will be even better on a lighter one. plus you can probably sell the Jewel and buy a Timney plus ammo for him to practice. just my .02 cents
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

Sniper307 is right, would be better to have a heavy trigger, dead kids are not cool! Had the same problem with a trigger, was fine with my slam fire checks but went off when at the range(thank the almighty!). Was all a trigger pull problem, it was scary light, should have trusted my initial instinct that was too light.
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

As stated, sell that Jewel and get a 3.5lb Timney or Shilen for half the price.
Or put an Xmark in if you want it heavier. I think I have a spare Xmark I'll give you if ya pay shipping.

Xmarks aren't bad triggers for a kid just starting out(if a heavier pull is desired).

Call or PM if you want that Xmark by chance.
 
Re: Jewell Trigger just "goes off"

The Jewell comes with 3 different trigger springs. If you don,t have them you might want to contact Jewell and have them send you some. Put the heaviest spring in and run the set screw in fairly tight. Also make sure your sear engagement is set correctly and the over travel. I use the medium trigger spring and my trigger is pretty light but I have had zero issues with it. I would use the heavy spring for hunting. You might also send it in to Jewell and have them check it out. IMO, you have the best trigger on the market. Don't sell it, fix it.