This Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger review started as a simple upgrade plan for my 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. But because swapping a Remington 700 pattern trigger is quick, I also installed it in my Bergara B-14R to get a better feel for the break without recoil and noise masking what the trigger was actually doing.
After running a few boxes through my 6.5 and a few hundred rounds through the B-14R, the Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger proved to be one of the most adjustable and controllable trigger upgrades I have used on a Remington 700 footprint rifle. It can be set extremely light, but real-world use showed that where you should run it matters more than how low it can go.
What Is the Timney Calvin Elite Two Stage Trigger?
The Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger is a drop-in trigger designed for Remington 700 pattern (clone) rifles. This includes factory rifles like the Bergara B-14 and B-14R, as well as many custom actions.
The model reviewed here is the Timney M700 CE Pro trigger, part of the Calvin Elite line. Shooters often refer to it as the Timney CE Pro or simply the Calvin Elite two stage.
It is designed for shooters who want a light, adjustable trigger with a defined two stage pull for better control in precision shooting.
Key Features
- Two stage trigger design that allows the shooter to prep the trigger before the shot
- Wide pull weight adjustment, including extremely light settings
- Highly adjustable trigger shoe for improved finger placement
- Rem 700 compatibility, including Bergara and other clones
- Drop-in installation using factory pins
Trigger Shoe Adjustability and Ergonomics
This isn’t just about pull weight. The trigger itself is highly adjustable, and that is a big part of what makes it stand out. The vertical and horizontal posts allow for slight changes in trigger reach, height adjustment, and even cast. That makes it possible to fine-tune exactly where your finger contacts the trigger shoe, instead of forcing your hand to adapt to a fixed position.
Timney also offers multiple trigger shoe options, including flat, curved, hook, and even a knurled post. As far as I am aware, it is the most ergonomic trigger available. A nice touch is the wrench they include for swaps and adjustments too.
Installation on a Remington 700 Style Rifle
Installing the Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger is straightforward on a Remington 700 pattern rifle.
On both the Bergara B-14R and a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, the process took only a few minutes.
- Remove the action from the stock or chassis
- Push the pins out in the correct direction
- Swap the trigger
- Reinstall pins
I didn’t need to do any fitting. It dropped cleanly into both rifles.
I installed the 6.5 Creedmoor rifle in my Magpul Pro 700 folding chassis, and I moved the B-14R to my Bergara BMP chassis, both without interference or clearance issues.
Adjusting the Stages and Overtravel
Once installed, the Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger provides separate adjustments for the first stage, second stage, and overtravel.
For the M700 CE Pro, Timney lists a .050 Allen wrench for first stage adjustment and a 5/64 Allen wrench for second stage adjustment. Turning the pull weight screws in increases pull weight, while turning them out decreases pull weight.
The trigger offers a very wide adjustment range overall, with a total pull weight range of roughly 6 ounces to 1.5 pounds.
- First stage: factory set at 2 ounces, adjustable from 1 to 3 ounces
- Second stage: factory set at 8 ounces, adjustable from 4 ounces to roughly 1.25 pounds
Because the stages adjust independently, you can tune not only the total pull weight, but also how the trigger feels leading into the break.
That adjustment range is part of what makes this trigger so useful, but it also means you need to be careful. Timney specifically warns not to take pull weight too low, since the trigger needs enough spring pressure to return to neutral. If it does not return properly, it may bump fire, slam fire, or accidentally discharge.
Overtravel is also adjustable. Turning the overtravel screw in reduces follow-through, while turning it out increases follow-through. If you turn it in too far, the trigger will not fire.
Timney pre-sets the sear engagement screw, and it should not be adjusted below that setting.
In practical terms, I treated the adjustments as something to sneak up on slowly. Make small changes, test the feel, and then perform safety checks before calling it done. While I did this at home, it wouldn’t be difficult to pop the barreled action out of a stock or chassis and fine-tune it at the range. But our weather had been unpredictable (or predictably bad), giving me plenty of free time to tinker.
Real World Performance
For testing, I ran several boxes of various types of ammo through my 6.5 Creedmoor, followed by a few hundred rounds through the Bergara B-14R. Using the rimfire rifle made it easier to isolate trigger feel without recoil masking the break. That’s not usually an issue, but when the break is measured in ounces, this let me concentrate on the trigger while not worrying as much about the $1.30 6.5 round I was sending downrange.
The first stage is extremely light, to the point that it is almost unnoticeable. It transitions cleanly into a very defined wall. The second stage break is controlled and clean. It is not quite a glass-rod snap, but it breaks in a very predictable way that makes it easy to manage during precision shooting.
Consistency was excellent throughout testing. Once set, the trigger maintained the same feel with no noticeable changes over time. Definitely one of the better trigger upgrades I’ve used on a Remington 700.
How Light Is Too Light on the Timney Calvin Elite Two Stage Trigger?
The Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger can be adjusted extremely light. In testing, I brought the second stage down to roughly 4 ounces. At that level, however, the pull weight is barely perceptible. While technically usable, it lacked the level of control and confidence I want in a centerfire rifle. On the .22 LR Bergara B-14R, the trigger also failed a bump test at the lowest setting, which reinforces the need to balance weight with safety.
After testing, a more realistic usable range was around 8 to 10 ounces.
- ~8 oz felt ideal for rimfire use
- ~10 oz would be more appropriate for centerfire rifles
Even on a 15 pound 6.5 Creedmoor with a suppressor, the lightest setting felt too light for a deliberate break. A slightly heavier setting provided better control and confidence. This highlights an important point. The lowest possible setting is not always the best setting for real shooting. Yet, personal preference counts too. In the end, the trigger stayed in my 6.5 Creedmoor at roughly 10 ounces with the knurled post trigger shoe installed. That combination ended up giving me the best balance of control, comfort, and confidence.
Does the Calvin Elite Two Stage Trigger Improve Accuracy?
The biggest benefit is not raw mechanical accuracy, but improved shot control. The defined wall and controlled break make it easier to break shots without disturbing the rifle, especially in precision shooting scenarios. That’s exactly what I was after, and being able to set the exact weight I wanted gave me more confidence in my shots. I’m still working on my long-range skills.
Is the Timney CE Pro Trigger Reliable?
At practical pull weights in the 8 to 10 ounce range, the trigger was consistent and predictable with no reliability issues observed. As with any adjustable trigger, perform proper safety checks after making adjustments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very clean and controlled two stage break
- Extremely wide adjustment range
- Excellent ergonomics with an adjustable shoe
- Drop-in installation with no fitting required
- Consistent performance over several hundred rounds
Cons
- Premium price compared to some alternatives
- Can be adjusted too light for practical use if not careful
- More adjustability than some shooters need
Who This Product Is For
The Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger is best suited for shooters who want more control than a single stage trigger offers.
- Precision rifle shooters
- PRS and NRL competitors
- Rimfire trainer rifle users
- Shooters upgrading a Remington 700 footprint rifle
It is a strong choice for shooters who prefer a defined wall and deliberate break over an ultra-light single stage feel.
Common Concerns About the Calvin Elite Two Stage Trigger
Is it safe at very light weights?
At extremely low settings, the trigger may not pass standard safety checks like bump testing. Some shooters may be better served running it slightly heavier.
Does it fit Remington 700 clones?
Yes. It dropped directly into both the Bergara B-14R and a centerfire Bergara (BMP) with no issues.
Is it too light for hunting?
At lower settings, it may be too light for field use. Heavier adjustments would be more appropriate.
Timney Calvin Elite Two Stage vs Single Stage
Compared to the single stage Calvin Elite, the two stage version offers more control and predictability, and it can be adjusted lighter. The single stage only goes down to about 8 ounces, while the two stage can be brought down to roughly 4 ounces on the second stage. Even so, the two stage provides an improved margin of safety and control that some shooters prefer for precision work.
For shooters focused on control and predictability, rather than simply chasing the lightest possible pull, the two stage may be the better option.
Where to Buy
The Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger is available from several retailers.
Check current pricing at MidwayUSA here.
Final Thoughts
The Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger is a highly adjustable and well-designed upgrade for Remington 700 rifles. It can be set extremely light, but real-world use shows that it performs best when tuned to a practical range that balances control and safety. For shooters who want a clean break with a defined wall and better shot control, this trigger is a strong option.
FAQ
Is the Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger good for precision rifles?
Yes. The defined wall and controlled break make it well-suited for precision shooting applications.
How light can the Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger be set?
It can be adjusted extremely light, around 4 ounces for the second stage, but some shooters may find 8 to 10 ounces more practical for real use.
Does the Timney CE Pro trigger fit Bergara B-14R rifles?
Yes. It fits Bergara B-14 and B-14R rifles with no modification.
Is the Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger easy to install?
Yes. Installation typically involves removing two pins and swapping the trigger with basic tools.
Can you adjust the trigger shoe on the Timney Calvin Elite two stage trigger?
Yes. The trigger shoe can be adjusted for slight changes in reach, height, and cast, and Timney offers multiple shoe options, including flat, curved, hook, and knurled post styles.
As always, I’d like to thank Timney for sending over their excellent Calvin Elite two stage trigger for my testing and evaluation. Check out all their great triggers on the Timney website.