GEAR REVIEW: Timney Lever Action Trigger

By: Johnny Mack

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Whether you are a hunter, shooter, firearm enthusiast or just someone who likes nostalgia, there is nothing cooler than a lever action rifle. From winning the American west to plinking at the range, shooting a lever gun is a memorable moment. Simply racking the action might as well be a grown man’s fidget spinner. The repeatability mixed with the calibers and long storied history makes a lever gun a must in any gun owners collection.

My biggest gripe with lever guns however is the heavy and gritty triggers that they come with. Maybe I’m a trigger snob, but at the end of the day, a good trigger can make the difference on you hitting your mark or not. I recently had the pleasure of picking up Timney Triggers latest trigger release for my Marlin 1895 chambered in 45-70 and I can easily say that this is the trigger I wish the gun would have come with in the first place.

About Timney

Timney Triggers was founded in 1946 by Allen Timney and has been building The World’s Finest Triggers™ ever since. Their aim is to provide you with a lifetime of accurate shooting by manufacturing the very best quality precision trigger. Beyond engineering, crafting and creating amazing products, their focus has also been on human spirit and high quality character. This is made evident in their Timney Way handout they send with every trigger purchase, which is a nice and welcomed read. Beyond Timney’s exceptional product and high standard of moral character, they are also completely made in the USA coupled with a lifetime warranty. Something that provides a peace of mind knowing that they stand behind their products completely.

One thing to note about Timney is that they listen and respond to their customers requests. For example, Timney released 8 triggers in 2024 all based upon customer suggestions. The creation of their triggers is qualified on the demand as well as whether or not a trigger can be installed at home with minimal tools and zero gunsmithing required. If you are interested in Timney making a trigger for your favorite firearm, go to this link.

About the trigger

Lever guns are as American as apple pie. They helped win the west and have forged in time an idea synonymous with the pursuit of freedom and a better life. The problem with most modern day lever guns however is the factory trigger that comes standard with the weapons are not up to par with the price tag. They are gritty, heavy and make the overall experience of shooting a historied rifle a huge let down at times. Don’t get me wrong, these guns are epic unto their own right, but a rough trigger in a gun that is commonly found for a price tag well over $1,000 just doesn’t sit well with me. Thankfully Timney is filling the gap. Their lever action trigger is currently only made for the Marlin 336, 1894, and 1895 models. One thing to note though is that it does not work with pre-1983 models without the hammer block safety.

Installation of Timney triggers is never overly complicated as they make that one of their main objectives. The installation called for a punch and a flat head screw driver. As I explain in my video below, I didn’t even need the punch as the pin that held the trigger shoe and sear together slid right out.

When installing the trigger I wish I would have followed the installation video Timney made more closely as I found that to be a big benefit even though you can easily install the trigger with the printed instructions that come in the package. One thing to note is when installing the Timney hammer spring and the factory spring keeper, be sure to push the spring straight down to allow the spring keeper to not put sideways leverage on the spring bar which could cause it to break. I ended up using gloves to help when pressing the spring keeper down and into place (referring to step 11 of the install instructions).

Pros

• The pull weight is a drastic improvement from the factory weight of over 5 lbs.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Trigger has a consistent crisp break every time
• Timney says you need a punch and flathead screwdriver for install, but I didn’t use the punch at all as the holding pin slid right out
• Little to no creep or take up in the trigger pull

cons

• Not adjustable
• Installing the factory spring keeper is the most difficult part of installation. It is not so much a con as it is a caution

details

• Cost – $199.95 (Black Finish) or $224.95 (Nickel Finish)
• Single Stage Trigger
• 3-3.5lb pull weight
• Non-adjustable
• Available in black or nickel-plated
• No gunsmithing required
• Lifetime warranty
• Made in the USA
• Compatible with Marlin Lever Action Rifles – Marlin Model 336, 1894, and 1895

your next trigger

When you get tired of pulling the heavy and gritty trigger that came with your lever gun, keep the Timney Lever Gun Trigger in mind. The combination of consistency, crisp break, and its ability to improve upon an already quality rifle coupled with their lifetime guarantee is hard to pass up. If you want to hear more about the trigger straight from Timney themselves, then check out Episode 290 of the Soul Seekers Podcast where I talk with Chris Ellis all about their new trigger along with an array of other entertaining topics.

Thanks for reading this gear review.  If you want to know more about the Timney lever action trigger and my experience with it, feel free to ask by clicking here. In the meantime make sure to check out our PODCAST and show SOUL SEEKERS on CarbonTV as well as follow us on Instagram @soulseekersnation and X @soulseekershunt.  Knowledge is power and MENTORSHIP IS CONSERVATION. Stay soulful!