Are trigger upgrades worth it?

[Zach H.]

I've never had an issue with the triggers while hunting but then again that's all I knew. All of my 870 Expresses have been hunting guns that had to pull their weight but I just picked up a late 80s Wingmaster for my daughter to use shooting trap. It's all pretty & shiny and I want it to be the best it can be. Are the trigger kits worth it?

[Scorpion8]

Trigger kits are worth it (in my opinion) once the shooter can take advantage of them. For 90% of us, the stock trigger is usually just fine, up to a point.

[cjg]

I don't have any trigger kits on my 870s but my 7600 rifles take the same Timney kit and it is an amazing difference. I have 3 of them and wouldn't hesitate to put one in another rifle. Not sure I see the need for it in a shotgun but it would make for a nicer trigger pull.

[isabellhogue]

Because the normal AR-style back-up iron sights (BUIS) are higher than the barrel, I believe this might cause POI to shift higher.

[DumbleJum]

It's great that you're trapping an original Wingmaster—those weapons have smooth actions and attractive looks, unlike the harsher Express variants. You're right—factory triggers are good for field usage, but a polished trigger may make a big difference for trap shooting, especially as your daughter grows better.

Are trigger kits worthwhile? It depends on your goal:

Advantages of a Trigger Job or Kit:

Smoother, lighter pull: Improves consistency, especially while breaking clays in split seconds.

A more predictable break helps rookie shooters master trigger control.

Competitive edge: Trap is all about consistency, and a sharp trigger eliminates variables.

Things to Consider: Cost vs. Benefit: Trigger kits and expert work cost $100–200. If the rest of the pistol is adjusted and your daughter's shooting is improving, upgrade.

Gunsmith vs. drop-in: Some kits are DIY, while others require a Remington trigger expert.

Avoid going too light—it's a trap gun, not a benchrest rifle. You want it reliable and safe.

Typical factory triggers are 5-6 pounds and gritty. With a clean break, a qualified smith can reduce it to 3.5–4 pounds, safe for trap.