There is now another alternative to Rifle Basix for replacing the AccuTrigger on a Savage MKII. It’s called the Appachee Trigger kit. I just installed one today on a Savage FVT and here is my experience:
With the original AccuTrigger parts the pull weight (as measured by a Lyman Digital Gauge) was 2.6 lbs. After installing the Appachee kit it is now a crisp 1.25 lbs. It could be adjusted somewhat lower, but it feels good to me at that weight and functions perfectly (safety works, no slamfires, etc.) so I left it at that.
The kit consists of only four small parts – a spring, two pins and a ball bearing. It also includes a nail with the point removed and some cut up squares of playing cards. These turn out to be useful and ingenious tools to help with the installation. The kit retains the original Savage trigger and safety blade. Weight adjustment is also the same as before – with the little tool Savage provides.
Appachee includes detailed instructions and a page of pictures illustrating the steps. They are a bit grainy, but adequate. It took me about three hours to do the job, but I was being extremely cautious and careful. I suspect anyone accustomed to working with very small gun parts could do it in 20 minutes.
If, like me, you are nervous about taking apart trigger assemblies, here are a few tips that might help:
1. Read the instructions 2 or 3 times before starting. Then you’ll have the concept of what it’s all about.
2. Be organized. Spread a towel or soft cloth over the work bench so things don’t roll around. Place the original and kit parts in separate areas. I use a magnet to keep small bits from getting lost.
3. Take digital pictures before and during disassembly of the trigger. Then you’ll know for sure how things are supposed to go back together (especially the trigger spring and safety spring.)
4. When removing the E clips, push the pin towards you a little bit from the other side. This gives you some room to insert something under the E clip to help pry. Pry gently. (As an aside, I will opine that the inventor of E clips should be boiled in oil.)
5. Inserting the trigger pin during the final phase of reassembly is the trickiest part. The holes in the trigger, trigger blade and trigger housing all have to be lined up while maintaining some pressure on the trigger assembly. It helps to insert the old trigger pin from the other side (for some reason it goes in easier that way), then push it out with the new pin.
This kit is more complicated to install than a Rifle Basix SAV-RAT, but I would say definitely worth the effort. It’s also cheaper – about $60.
Dale Seibert, the owner (inventor?) ships to Canada no problem. It is sent in a small padded envelope. He is also very prompt in responding to questions.
If you want one, Google Appachee Trigger. There is also a lot of talk about this kit on Rimfire Central under Savage/Stevens.
With the original AccuTrigger parts the pull weight (as measured by a Lyman Digital Gauge) was 2.6 lbs. After installing the Appachee kit it is now a crisp 1.25 lbs. It could be adjusted somewhat lower, but it feels good to me at that weight and functions perfectly (safety works, no slamfires, etc.) so I left it at that.
The kit consists of only four small parts – a spring, two pins and a ball bearing. It also includes a nail with the point removed and some cut up squares of playing cards. These turn out to be useful and ingenious tools to help with the installation. The kit retains the original Savage trigger and safety blade. Weight adjustment is also the same as before – with the little tool Savage provides.
Appachee includes detailed instructions and a page of pictures illustrating the steps. They are a bit grainy, but adequate. It took me about three hours to do the job, but I was being extremely cautious and careful. I suspect anyone accustomed to working with very small gun parts could do it in 20 minutes.
If, like me, you are nervous about taking apart trigger assemblies, here are a few tips that might help:
1. Read the instructions 2 or 3 times before starting. Then you’ll have the concept of what it’s all about.
2. Be organized. Spread a towel or soft cloth over the work bench so things don’t roll around. Place the original and kit parts in separate areas. I use a magnet to keep small bits from getting lost.
3. Take digital pictures before and during disassembly of the trigger. Then you’ll know for sure how things are supposed to go back together (especially the trigger spring and safety spring.)
4. When removing the E clips, push the pin towards you a little bit from the other side. This gives you some room to insert something under the E clip to help pry. Pry gently. (As an aside, I will opine that the inventor of E clips should be boiled in oil.)
5. Inserting the trigger pin during the final phase of reassembly is the trickiest part. The holes in the trigger, trigger blade and trigger housing all have to be lined up while maintaining some pressure on the trigger assembly. It helps to insert the old trigger pin from the other side (for some reason it goes in easier that way), then push it out with the new pin.
This kit is more complicated to install than a Rifle Basix SAV-RAT, but I would say definitely worth the effort. It’s also cheaper – about $60.
Dale Seibert, the owner (inventor?) ships to Canada no problem. It is sent in a small padded envelope. He is also very prompt in responding to questions.
If you want one, Google Appachee Trigger. There is also a lot of talk about this kit on Rimfire Central under Savage/Stevens.
