Rifleman86
WKR
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2018
- Messages
- 1,317
My main hunting rifle is a Zermatt TL3 in 7 SAUM in a AG composites stock. It wears a Trigger Tech special with a traditional top safety.
I typically hunt chamber empty and don’t chamber until I see game/start stalking, but this year everything was really sucked into the timber so I did a bit of stalking and after a blown shot opportunity I realized there are times when a chambered round is downright necessary.
That said I’ve noticed my slung TL3’s traditional style R700 top safety is relatively exposed and easily bumped. More than once I’ve noticed it being inexplicably “off” after taking off my pack to glass.
I reached out to Zermatt and asked if they had any plans on a 3 position safety for the TL3, as that would be ideal, but no dice. (As an aside, that’s one of the things I love about my old M77 Mk II, but the TL3 is just a much better shooting rifle.)
I noticed trigger tech now offers a bottom safety for their R700 triggers. This seems like it would be much less prone to getting bumped, and the safer option for hunting.
Anyone use a bottom safety on their rifle? Pros? Cons?
Any input would be appreciated!

Pic of what I’m talking about with regards to a bottom safety for those not aware.
I typically hunt chamber empty and don’t chamber until I see game/start stalking, but this year everything was really sucked into the timber so I did a bit of stalking and after a blown shot opportunity I realized there are times when a chambered round is downright necessary.
That said I’ve noticed my slung TL3’s traditional style R700 top safety is relatively exposed and easily bumped. More than once I’ve noticed it being inexplicably “off” after taking off my pack to glass.
I reached out to Zermatt and asked if they had any plans on a 3 position safety for the TL3, as that would be ideal, but no dice. (As an aside, that’s one of the things I love about my old M77 Mk II, but the TL3 is just a much better shooting rifle.)
I noticed trigger tech now offers a bottom safety for their R700 triggers. This seems like it would be much less prone to getting bumped, and the safer option for hunting.
Anyone use a bottom safety on their rifle? Pros? Cons?
Any input would be appreciated!

Pic of what I’m talking about with regards to a bottom safety for those not aware.