Thread: 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....

I have an early "made in Yugoslavia" marked one it runs rings around a friend's cz accuracy wise. Somewhere I have the trigger adjustment routine, I'll try and dig it out for you. Your correct once that's "on" the only other thing you might want to do is free float and bed it properly. They are pressure bedded and that's not the finest system.

The M98 ones fit and the trigger will work but the safety might be different and require stockwork to fit. I've interchanged them both ways.

"A Google search suggested the Timney Remington 799/Mini Mauser Featherweight Deluxe unit could be fitted".

That's just a re-branded Zastava, so no worries!

Why spend 400 dolleros when with some minor inletting for free you could maybe make that trigger work.
Don't use a chainsaw and go carefully and have a go.
And you might have to do the same thing with a Timney.
Worth a crack Nigel

I knew all the good buggers would come out of the woodwork....
Yeah I won't be rushing into the Timney although the one rifle I do have with a Timney is a sweet shooter.

The thing for me was you saying it was ok till you put it back in the stock.
Possibly why the set trigger had the shit adjusted out of it in the first place.
Gunsmith use a soot from a smoky kero lamp thingy to mark thr action and see where it touches the wood.
Maybe soot from a candle?

Had 2 of them in years past and the trick then was a thin washer under the front action bolt = moa shoota instantly , geoff collings the smith at the time also adjusted primary extraction and made mount 2 piece for big finger loading .

They are also notorious for sear drag on the bolt, if you adjust the height the sear sits at with a shim the bolt will run way smoother. . .

Just going from memory, the set trigger feels like it has to sort of 'cam over' a sprung roller. (Similar to a cupboard door retainer) pushing the trigger forward puts it in front of the roller, as you squeeze the set trigger to fire, it has to overcome the roller to come back and carry through to activate the main trigger. (It might work a different way, so take my blind read of it for what it is)

I think if it adjusted to be too fine, it almost balances on the roller, and when squeezed it doesn't have quite enough run up to get momentum to activate the main trigger, even though it is a set trigger it seems to need a minimum trigger pull weight to operate reliably.

How that translates to what is happening with your stock, I can only guess, given that the above is a bit of an informed stab in the dark, trying to guess why the stock is interfering would be going right out into the weeds.

But in short, I have found that a slightly heavier (and it is still very light relative to the main trigger) set trigger is better overall than very fine.

I’ve got the Timney on my Zastava M85 in .223. It’s a huge improvement. I’ve got it set to just under 2lb


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by MattS

I’ve got the Timney on my Zastava M85 in .223. It’s a huge improvement. I’ve got it set to just under 2lb


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Would you be able to advise what particular model Timney please? Did you fit it yourself? Any tips/advice?

I had the below trigger installed. I used a Gun Plumber to install it as they often need a bit of work to fit and function perfectly.

https://timneytriggers.com/remington...weight-deluxe/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by MattS

I had the below trigger installed. I used a Gun Plumber to install it as they often need a bit of work to fit and function perfectly.

https://timneytriggers.com/remington...weight-deluxe/




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok thks! You had it done in the States?