1 Attachment(s)
Zastava M85 223 - trigger options
Howdy. I have one of the little Mauser style mini-action Zastavas in 223 Rem. Actually I also have one in 7.62x39.
The 223 has the adjustable factory set trigger arrangement. It came adjusted so the set trigger did not work. I did a bit of google research and found that:
- Some folk hate set triggers and remove or disable them
- the Zasty 223 factory trigger can be good and not so good depending who assembled it on which Friday arvo and how much lubricant of the alcoholic kind was applied.
- if the Main trigger function is gritty, creepy or otherwise undesirable in function, a common fix is to adjust it to the point the set trigger function is gone at which point the Main trigger function is at its best.
In the absence of a manual or any instructions specific to the M85 I studied the M98 (Interarms Mark X) instructions and played with the screws accordingly. Trial and error got the set trigger firing reliably, until I tightened the barreled action back into the wood. Then out of a group of 3 shots it might fire 3 or it might fire none or somewhere in between. If the Set did not fire the Main trigger action did.
At 200m, the only group I got three clean firings with the set trigger, prone off my pack, I had 2 holes overlapping and the third a tad to the right. Like a once in a lifetime hole-in-one that gave me hope. Any other firing combination with a mix of Set and Main firings sucked. Three shots off the Main trigger function was not a lot better - gritty creep.
So before anything else I'm suspecting interference with the trigger group as the barreled action retention screws are tightened to the stock. Maybe some careful relief inletting is required.
Before I went down the dangerous (for me) path of disassembly, polishing, cleaning and checking of the trigger group in the hope of smoothing the grittiness out of the main trigger function, if not sorting the creep, I thought to check availability of a Timney replacement. A Google search suggested the Timney Remington 799/Mini Mauser Featherweight Deluxe unit could be fitted.
Delta Mike have one in stock but could not say if it would fit the Zastava. So I emailed Timney. A fast response back said "we don't make a trigger for the Zastava M85". However, a thread I found dated 2011 had folk stating anything that would work on an M98 action would work on a M85. Including a Timney.
Well, at $395 a pop, this is not something I'm keen on exploring via trial and error.
I suspect there are those in this forum with experience of Timney triggers in standard M98 actions. Also those who have experience of the Zastava iteration of the "Mini-Mauser" action. Maybe even someone who has fettled a Zastava mini trigger group or replaced it with an aftermarket - Timney or otherwise.
If so all info and suggestions are welcome. The little Zastava might not be in the league of the $1700-$3000 competition but its a lovely little unit to handle and for want of a better trigger, likely has the potential for superb accuracy. Or maybe I'm dreaming...Anyway have at it. Let us know what you know....
Attachment 270135
