Whether it's the new Scorpion 3+ line or the Scorpion EVO models, the new Timney drop-in trigger is a major upgrade.
March 17, 2023
By Jack Oller, Digital Editor
I purchased a CZ-USA Scorpion 3+ Micro Pistol shortly after they were launched in 2022. I’ve always liked the Scorpion EVO platform, but the new 3+ line of Scorpions is everything the EVO line should be and then some. Most of the improvements are ergonomic in nature, since the operation, reliability and function are great in the older EVO line. The modern 3+ Micro boasts upgraded controls similar to the AR platform along with a new, sleek M-LOK handguard, and the new grip is outstanding, too. It’s accurate, reliable, fun, and once I convert it to an SBR and install a stock, it will be an excellent home-defense gun. Truly, I could only find one fault in the gun — the trigger.
Factory Triggers The CZ-USA Scorpion is a fantastic 9mm pistol caliber carbine. They got a lot right, but replacing the trigger is one of the easiest upgrades to take it to the next level. (Firearms News photo) No gun is ever perfect, though, so I turned to Timney for the final piece of this gun and upgraded the factory trigger with a brand-new Timney V2 Drop-in trigger system . To say the difference is night and day is an understatement. According to my Wheeler Professional Digital Trigger Gauge , the factory trigger pull was 5 pounds, 1.6 ounces over 10 pulls. I found the trigger to be on the mashy side, too, so it’s a rough 5-pound pull. Some might ask why not put a nicer trigger into a new gun during development, and it’s a fair question. There are two parts to that answer. Firstly, there is the cost. A premium trigger can run up the cost quickly for a gun manufacturer, pricing themselves out of their target audience. Second, trigger preference is highly subjective. Even when companies go the extra mile to build their own premium trigger, they’re often replaced anyway by the end-user. The aftermarket trigger space is quite large with good reason; everyone has a favorite.
To get started, you just need to remove the trigger group by locking the bolt back and poping out the lower receiver retaining pin. Move the safety to fire, then remove the screw holding the right-side safety lever in place (top right). Remove the entire safety (bottom left), then remove the screw inside the triggerguard (botom right). The factory trigger group will pop right out. (Firearms News photo) So, I don’t get worked up at the thought of replacing a trigger, especially when a drop-in trigger takes all of five minutes to install at any skill level. Timney has introduced the new Scorpion triggers at a great time, too. The new Scorpions have turned a lot of heads, but they also have people looking at the older EVO models again. The new triggers are compatible with the new line of 3+ Scorpions, and they also work with the older EVO models. New or old, there are a lot of Scorpions out there that will benefit from a trigger upgrade.
When it comes to precision machining metal, Timney sets the gold standard, and they assemble each trigger by hand and test and calibrate them before they can ship. The hammer has even been NP-3 treated for maximum lubricity. An NP-3 coating is a unique metal finish that is particularly effective for internal moving parts, especially intricate parts found in a drop-in trigger. The finish essentially works as a lubricant to keep the metal surfaces that rub together from wearing out without the need for actual liquid lubricant. It makes the operation smoother and helps prevent corrosion.
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A side-by-side comparision of the factory trigger vs. the new Timney drop-in. While they look similar, the trigger itsself is much more tactile on the Timney, and it is precision machined with superior coatings. (Firearms News photo) The trigger ships with the 3- to 3.5-pound spring installed, so you’ll have to swap to the heavier 5+ pound spring if that’s your preference. The directions are incredibly easy to follow, and they have clear pictures along with the written directions. With just a few loosened screws, it took no more than five minutes to make the swap. With the first function test after installation, I couldn’t help but laugh at how much better it felt. It was crisp! The reset was substantially shorter, and the entire operation was much smoother. Like I said, it’s night and day difference.
New Pull Weight To install the new Timney trigger, install the transfer bar with the firing pin safety tab up (top left). The tigger drops easily into place, but make sure the safety bar stays positioned correctly as you move it into place (top right). Re-insert the saftey into place, and don't be afraid to give it a little force, but not too much, so it seats correctly (bottom left). With the safety re-attached, secure the new trigger set-screw, and confirm that the safey functions (bottom right). (Firearms News photo) The next 10 pulls on my trigger gauge put the new pull weight at 3 pounds, 1.1 ounces. That’s exactly where I like my triggers for rifles, carbines, PCCs, etc. It’s a light but still safe for general use. With a white light on the accessory rail, a red-dot sight on top and a new Timney trigger, the CZ Scorpion 3+ Micro is a badass CQB platform. As a cherry on top of their quality and performance, Timney backs up their triggers with a No Hassle Lifetime Warranty. It’s hard to beat that. MSRP on the Timny V2 Drop-in trigger for the CZ-USA Scorpion is $250. That’s about middle of the road for Timney triggers, and it’s worth every penny. Whether you have an OG CZ Scorpion EVO or something from the new 3+ line, the aftermarket for the Scorpion just got even better.
To know exactly the pull weight on your firearm, a trigger gauge like the Wheeler Professional Digital Trigger Gauge is a great tool to have on hand, and it works with any firearm. (Firearms News photo) About the Author Jack Oller is a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Military Police with one deployment to the Camp VI Detention Facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He has extensive firearms training from military and civilian schools and is a passoniate shotgun shooter and hunter. Jack has an English degree from Illinois State University, and he started his career in the outdoor industry as Associate Editor for Guns & Ammo magazine. After Gun & Ammo, he worked as Brand Manager for Crimson Trace and now is the Digital Editor for Firearms News.
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