OK, yeah I can't believe I'm saying it either.

Like many an M70 fan, I've got my prejudices! I've always thought (and still do) the old-school M70 trigger is the best hard-duty hunting trigger ever conceived, though I'd add the Ruger MKII might be right there with it, though a bit harder to fine-tune.

Anyway, I recently put a call out on the classifieds for a USA made/BACO M70 Extreme Weather in 308. A member graciously sold me his. The trigger was remarkably creep-free, and quite crisp, albeit a bit heavy for my taste at 3.5lbs.

So I ordered an Ernie-The-Gunsmith trigger spring for it and installed it yesterday. A pretty simple matter if you have even the most basic mechanical aptitude (no Dober, don't try this, I'll do it for you - grin).

Pull went from 3.5 to 2.75lbs. An absolutely superb trigger! The more I studied the MOA trigger build the more impressed I became with it. No it's not a Kimber trigger, but it's darn good in its own right (and simpler), and obviously a lot of quality thinking went into its design.

I still wish M70's were made in CT, but life marches on and we all get to change with it... heck, even me.

Put one in my 264 last month, I could not get the stock trigger below 3 1/4 lbs . It was safely working at 2 lbs but I upped it to 2 3/4 ...Very nice trigger.

Good post Brad, I feel the same way..

Make that 3 of us on the original M70 triggers. I also agree with Brad on the Ruger MkII triggers. I've had really good luck with them after spending a bit of time with a stone and sear 'adjustment'. Its actually quite easy if you go slow and take your time. All my Ruger Mk II's are at 3.0 lbs and no creep.

I threw one of his springs in my tang Ruger 35 Whelen and it did schite. Truly disappointed so I snipped a ring and a half and reliably landed where I wanted.

FWIW IMO the new Haven style trigger though sound in design sucked in practice. They never felt good or had light enough pull, even when done up by a model 70 smith.

I hear mixed reviews about the MOA trigger. I could have lucked out and gotten a good one that only needed lightening.

After the Ernie's trigger spring was installed, my particular MOA trigger became better than the best old-style M70 trigger I've ever had.

But I still prefer the old-style trigger for its uber simplcity.

Had the same experience with my FN M70. The Ernie's spring brought the pull weight down where I wanted it and it works almost as good as a M700 trigger. ...Big Grin...

Brad, I've said the exact same thing. Having many pre 64's, classics, and a few MOA's AND shooting them side by side. You'll see a difference, especially, in offhand and other field positions where it really counts. My MOA's were a very consistent 2.5 pounds after the ernie spring and my last BACO rifle (that I recently sold) was a very consistent 2 3/8 pounds was damn near perfect as far as hunting triggers are concerned. However, there's no denying the simplicity and ruggedness of the oldstyle trigger that you find on the pre 64's. I'll still take the old over the new, but the design on the MOA is sound and anyone who replaces one with a similar Timney, likes throwing money out the window......

My New Haven Classic Stainless took a full dunking in salt water the other day, totally submerged. Location was in the middle of nowhere on Admiralty Island at the beginning of a week-long hunt. I found a handy puddle of rainwater, swished the gun and stripped bolt around for a bit,and then hung it overnight by the fire. No worries.

I'm glad you guys are happy with the MOA thing, but I'm happy to have the old trigger without all their enclosed parts.

There you go. Enough said.

5 of these newer BACO's and not a one needed the trigger touched;all shot very well ad Ernie was not needed. The triggers all felt great. But they are all gone.Tried to be objective but too many years with the old trigger.

Pabucktail where abouts on Admiralty were you? See a bear you wanted?

After owing 43 P-64-70s since 1968 and two sts Classics, packing some of these daily for months in BCs most remote wilderness, alone, I have an opinion on this.

I handled several of the FN-70s at local shops, don't like them at all and hardly need another rifle. Don't for an instant doubt young Brads word on this, but, the old 70 trigger, while not my favourite for a field rifle, suits me better than the new.

I seldom use any Mod. 70 now, my various custom rifles on Euro actions are better, so are my Dakota 76 .338s and I am now trying my new Kimber MA-.280AI.

I have Mauser triggers, properly adjusted by a Euro-born smith here which blow any 70 away and are the most trouble free of all.

YMMV, but, we all have our preferences and these are mine.

Bob, I was on the Chatham side. Green up was less than stellar and no bears were spotted. I was just along as a bear observer though since I shot one in '13.

pa: Where i shot my last one....somewhat north of Chaik.

Cool, who'd you hunt with?