Remington Model 581: Frozen trigger

[JH1961]

A while back I bought a used Remington Model 581 knowing it had a 'frozen trigger'. IIRC, the triggers in the 580-series rifle had 'sealed trigger groups that were packed with Lithium grease. Over several decades of nonuse this grease solidifies. I suspect that is what happened to mine. I plan on soaking the trigger group in acetone for several days, flushing it with brake parts cleaner, followed by a liberal hosing of RemOil. Any other recommendations are appreciated.

 

[painter]

Applying heat cautiously with a heat gun or hair dryer may loosen the hardened grease and speed up the cleaning procedure.

 

[1lessdog]

I would put it in a pot of boiling water. And boil the grease out of it. It will not hurt the trigger at all.

 

[ncageneral]

The Timney 788 trigger will fit it if your efforts come to naught, I believe. Love my 580 series of rifles.

 

[HillbillyLongRifle]

You can take them triggers apart easy and clean all the parts and put it back together dry. It works great. All 580 and 581 22 lr, 591 and 592 5mm rimfire, and 788 centerfire rifles have the same trigger in them!

 

[JH1961]

You can take them triggers apart easy and clean all the parts and put it back together dry. It works great. All 580 and 581 22 lr, 591 and 592 5mm rimfire, and 788 centerfire rifles have the same trigger in them!

I wish I still had my ca. 1975 Model 788... :/

 

[Riesel]

A lot of great advice/guidance here. What ever you do, do it with patience

 

[matthias]

Be very careful removing the trigger from the action. The trigger mount stud is a week point for all the 580 and 788 series.

When I say week I mean dont go hammering it without support. Tap the pin out with the trigger housing supported. Then no issues.

Do you have access to an ultra sonic cleaner?

 

[JH1961]

Be very careful removing the trigger from the action. The trigger mount stud is a week point for all the 580 and 788 series.

When I say week I mean dont go hammering it without support. Tap the pin out with the trigger housing supported. Then no issues.

Do you have access to an ultra sonic cleaner?

No. I think I'm going to try the boiling H2O, first.

 

[matthias]

Boiling water should work just fine. Let us know how it goes

 

[JH1961]

Will do!

 

[JH1961]

Finally got it UNstuck. Took the bolt out, gave it a good cleaning, etc. I think I may refinish the stock next. I need to repair a chunk missuing from the heel of the buttplate, so I might as well.

 

[Ggmac]

Boil it !

 

[JH1961]

Trigger and safety are functioning fine now.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

Good on you.

 

[matthias]

Good work.