How is a target trigger and hammer different in appearance and function compared with the standard trigger? What models does it come on? Thanks.

Welcome to the Forum.

Target triggers (TT) are wider than standard triggers. The standard trigger is .265" wide and target triggers come in .400" and .500" widths and are serrated. You also see smooth, .312" triggers. These are sometimes referred to as combat or Ranger triggers.

Target hammers (TH) are wider than standard hammers. Most are .500".

The purpose of the wider trigger is less pressure for single action shooting. Wider hammers are easier to cock for single action shooting.

M29s and M57s came standard with both TT &TH.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

A standard trigger is the same width along it's length.

A target trigger is wider at the point of finger contact, and gives the feeling of a lighter trigger pull because of it's greater finger contact area.

A standard hammer is also the same width along it's entire length.

A target hammer has a wider thumb spur and makes thumb cocking easier and faster.

Both of these were developed at the request of NRA target competion revolver shooters, and therefore are favored for use in the "bullseye" shooting sports.

"A standard hammer is also the same width along it's entire length."

There is also a semi-target hammer, which has a wider spur, but not as wide as a target hammer. A M10 would have come standard with the standard hammer and a M19 would have come with a semi-target hammer.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

To complete the story, the target hammers were first introduced
in very late 1949/early 1950. At that time, the hammer design was
the so-called fish-hook style, in which the hammer tang (spar) is turned
upwards. In the factory records, a very early target-hammer
is referred to as a "low-spar" hammer. I imagine this is because,
relative to the upturned-spar standard hammer, the spar on the
target hammer is very low !

Regards, Mike Priwer

Target hammers are favored buy those shooters who want a more sure and solid purchase as they thumb back the hammer for precise single action target shooting. For them, a wide, checkered spur is useful while firing under the stess of a match. It would be less desireable for someone who may have to draw the revolver suddenly, under a different kind of stress, who would be much more concerned about that wide hammer snagging on something at the most embarassing moment, especially since he will be firing double action anyway.

I thought that the target trigger was designed as an aid to the user in obtaining a proper grip, pressing the trigger straight back in a slow steady motion, etc. Because of these qualities, some shooters prefer TT for general use.

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You're shy a few manners.

What's a spar?

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S&W Forum Member #721

The spar seems to be the part of the hammer that sticks out for your thumb to pull it back and cock the gun. A bobbed hammer has had the spar removed.

This trigger is smooth and .500". I guess it is a smooth target trigger?

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

I have a 4 inch Model 66-2 with wide hammer and wide serrated trigger. They are flash chromed like in other Model 66s. Was this an option by SW or was done by prior owner? It has roll mark on left, possibly because it was from a lot of commemoratives.