Quite likely the trigger weight spring was shortened by Bubba at some point and travel was lost due to the shorter, stiffer spring.
5.5 pounds is far heavier than that trigger needs to run for safe operation.
I wholeheartedly agree on the 2nd point, the trigger was purchased new by me and ran fine at the 3 lb factory setting in a 700 VS for years. I can assure you that no one has touched the spring length, or any other settings on the Timney until last night.
My friend bought the rifle new, and no one had shortened any springs or "Bubba'd" with the original trigger group, also.
