I remember talking rifles with someone I worked with a couple of years back and this very subject came up. I never figured it would take this long to settle. I’ve long since swapped out “Katie’s” factory trigger for a Timney.
The basics of gun safety would help reduce the number of accidents to a bare minimum.
I got a new trigger put in my 700 a couple of years ago.
I’ve had a model 700 for the last 43 years. Never had a problem with it.
I have an old Remington mode 582 .22 bolt action. It is odd for a .22LR in that it has six locking lugs.
The trigger on mine went bad several years ago. It was probably intended to be a better than average trigger as it has absolutely no take up. Unfortunately it eventually got to where it needed just a little more as no matter how hard you pulled it, the gun would not fire.
I took it apart and soaked it with penetrating fluid then sprayed it with molybdenum spray. It began to work again but after a couple of years it sometimes does it again. I might check to see but since it was made in the early 70s, probably not on the list.
I think they’ve had at least 2 recalls on that rifle. But accidents can also be caused by carelessness.
I have two Remington 700s, and there is nothing wrong with the trigger in either of them.
The model 700 is a superb rifle.
What is it about not pointing your weapon towards the ground whenever you fiddle with it .....???
Way back in the 1980’s a friend brought his M700 in 7mm mag over to my place telling me “there’s something wrong with the trigger.” I took it outside, aimed it in a safe direction, loaded the chamber, and activated the trigger. Nothing happened. I held it to my shoulder for a few more seconds and BOOM! I told him don’t even load the gun - take it to a smith and have it repaired. Since then I’ve never tried to fire another M700. All my bolt actions are Rugers and I’ve never had an issue with any of them.
I don’t think there is anything “wrong” with the 700 trigger. I’ve owned several for over 30 years. I’ve also used about 100 other bolt action trigger mechanisms, and some are safer than others.
A safety that locks the striker is safer than one that just locks the trigger or disengages sear actuation, but safe handling is the primary factor in safety.
The 700 was introduced by Remington in 1962. In 40 years of experience with the 700 I have never experienced trigger defectiveness.