Remington Rifle Trigger Timeline / History

Are you an owner of a Remington rifle who cannot determine which trigger system yours includes? If so, you are not alone. Let’s see if we can help you out with the following timeline.

Trying to determine which trigger your Remington Rifle uses? Maybe you are trying to order a replacement, make some adjustments, or worried the recent recalls include your firearm. Whatever the reason being confused is nothing to be ashamed of. Remington has utilized several trigger systems throughout the years, and it is easy to misunderstand which is which.

To be honest, some of this confusion is Remington’s fault. They have modified their triggers several times in a short period and used similar names for each consecutive design. Some are the confusion of users themselves who use names interchangeably even when not appropriate. We are going to try and clear the air, explain the different triggers used over the years, and help you determine which your firearm utilizes.

Walker Trigger (1947 – 2006)

* Also referenced as Remington 700 Trigger

The original trigger was invented by Merle Walker in 1947 and soon became the standard factory trigger system in Remington’s Model 721. This over-ride trigger system was like Winchester’s over-ride Sako Trigger, although it utilized twin sears. Almost immediately the Walker Trigger revolutionized hunting rifles. The trigger provided a smooth action without the dreaded bounce back many earlier triggers experience. Hunters could now enjoy a match grade style trigger in a recreational rifle.

Almost immediately potential problems were reported, including the possibility the firearm would fire without the trigger being pulled or when the rifle was jarred. Although plagued by such claims, and associated lawsuits, it would be decades before Remington made any significant changes to the Walker Trigger.

In 1982 Remington made changes to the overall fire control but continued to install Walker Triggers. The modification involved redesigning the safety. On earlier models, the firearm had to be placed in “Fire” before being unloaded. The new design allowed it to remain in “Safe”. The entire trigger system was finally redesigned in 2006 and Remington offered a replacement to the owners of the older Model 700, 7, and 710.

Whether the result of an attempt to distance themselves from the controversy, the 1982 modifications, or its popularity in the Model 700 the Walker Trigger is sometimes referred to as the Remington 700 Trigger.

40X Trigger (1955 – Current)

Another point of confusion is the 40X Trigger. Widely used in single fire precision rifles this system was also adapted for use in some Model 700s, primarily match or military/police models. Although it includes an external trigger adjustment and the ability to be set at much lower pull weights (the reason it was so popular with match shooters) internally it utilizes the same connector design as the 700. Is it a different trigger or a variation of the Walker? It depends on who you ask. Some say “yes, it is a different trigger system”. Others claim both are based on the same Walker design and consider both Walker Triggers.

Note, this trigger from our understanding is still available, but comes as original equipment for certain types of target rifles. You can’t buy this trigger individually.

X-Mark Pro (2007 – 2009)

* sometimes referenced as an X-Mark

In 2007 Remington introduced the X-Mark Pro Trigger system. This new design utilized modern technology and manufacturing procedures to what Remington advertised as “unmatched out-of-the-box accuracy”. Features included mirror-like surface finishes for crisper trigger pull, electroless nickel plating for increased corrosion resistance, and tighter overall tolerances. These improvements allowed the X-Mark Pro to be factory set at much lower pull weights. Pull weights could also be further adjusted by an authorized gunsmith (because it needed internal adjustments to do so). To address the safety issues that plagued the Walker Trigger the X-Mark Pro included safety that blocked both the trigger and sear.

Unfortunately, Remington continued to be haunted by reports of faulty triggers. Now it was owners of the new and improved X-Mark Pro stating their rifles had fired without the trigger being pulled. In 2015 Remington admitted that rifles produced between May 1, 2006, and April 9, 2014, were subject to recall. All of these rifles were produced using the new X-Mark Pro Trigger system. According to Remington, the problem was not the trigger itself but instead the result of faulty installation. Specifically, they claimed excessive bonding agents had been used during assembly and that some of this may have leaked into the trigger mechanism resulting in a possible unintended discharge.

This is where further confusion arose. An owner who returned their rifle for repair received a new X-Mark Pro Trigger system that had been properly assembled and inspected. Some shooters started to refer to the original possibly faulty triggers as the “X-Mark” and the replacement triggers as the “X-Mark Pro”. BOTH were the same X-Mark Pro, which can be confirmed by reviewing Remington’s advertisements for 2006.

X-Mark Pro Adjustable (2009 – Current)

In 2009 Remington did introduce a second version of the X-Mark Pro which could be adjusted via an external set screw. Like the original X-Mark Pro, the adjustable version utilized mirror-like surface finishes, Electroless nickel plating, and tighter tolerances than the Walker Trigger. The only difference was the exterior adjustment screw that allows the owner to adjust pull weight without the assistance of a gunsmith or disassembling the firearm. Each rifle was factory set at 3 ½ lbs. with a 2-pound range of adjustments available (3 to 5 lbs.). The X-Mark Pro Adjustable has been the standard trigger system on all 2009 or later Model 700 or Model Seven bolt-action rifles.

How to Identify Your Trigger

Knowing there are different triggers is only half the battle. You still need to identify which trigger system YOUR firearm uses.

• Firearms manufactured between 1948 and 2006 utilized the Walker Trigger. Those manufactured after 1982 still utilize the Walker Trigger, but with safety modification. The first identifier of the Walker Trigger is the face of the trigger itself. If you see a ridge or serrations you have a Walker. To determine a pre-1982 from a post -1982 remove the bolt and examine the sear. On the older models, you will see 4 stacked parts, the outer housing, and 2 sears. Later models have a one-piece sear.
• The 40X will include an adjustment screw forward of the trigger shoe and between the bolt release tab.
• The X-Mark Pro has a smooth-faced trigger. There is no external adjustment point. If the firearm was manufactured between 2007 & 2009 it will have this trigger. If manufactured between 2009 & 2014 if could be either the S Mark Pro or X Mark Pro Adjustable.
• X-Mark Pro Adjustable is the easiest of the triggers to identify as there will be a pull weight adjustment screw in the face of the trigger, near the top.