What is this thing that looks like it was added to the trigger and what purpose does it serve?

This is my M27.

It's called a "Trigger Shoe", it's to widen the trigger finger pad. I believe they're somewhat collectable (?) not for sure, but you don't see them very often anymore.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Somebody wanted a wider trigger like the S&W target trigger and added a trigger shoe rather than change the trigger.

Some love them while other hate them. Some say they have no place on a defensive handgun due to the possibility of it moving on the trigger and tying up the gun.

The two big names were Tyler and Flagg IIRC.

Looks like a grooved .265" trigger under there.

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On the whistle draw and fire 6

Thank you.

I can see the concern with it tying up the gun. It will just be for target shooting for me.

My Step Dad had one on his Model 19. It is no longer on there cuz I didn't like it and I was blessed with it once he passed away.

Rubi if that thing extends out past the trigger guard watch out for it to catch on leather when you reholster.

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On the whistle draw and fire 6

They also seem to serve the purpose of marring the sides of the trigger from the set screws. A fairly easy fix if you have a Colt with a blued trigger, not so easy with a color case hardened Smith & Wesson trigger.

By widening the trigger it spreads the contact of the trigger finger over a wider area making it feel as though the trigger pull is reduced. Fear of liability probably killed the thing because under certain conditions it could increase the chances of an accidental discharge by hanging up on the holster.

It does extend the tiniest amount on both side of the trigger guard.

I might end up just removing it.

From the pic, it appears to be an Ace # 1 trigger shoe. They have long been out of production. I believe they were more popular in the 50's and 60's.

The purpose was to increase the width of the trigger surface. This did nothing to the trigger pull itself, but made the pull seem lighter by dispersing the compression over a wider surface.

You will notice that the width of the shoe is slightly wider than the trigger guard which is why many advise not using the shoe on any firearm that will be holstered or otherwise carried.

I use the same shoe on my model 28-2 HP and my 66-1, Combat Magnum. Both revolvers are strictly range shooters - no carry; no holster.

In addition to making the pull seem lighter, the shoe brings my trigger finger to the exact same spot on the trigger surface each time.

I also have one on my SR1911, another range pistol, for the same reasons. Pic:



Bayou52

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Bayou52
NRA Life Member

I'll never holster or carry this one.

This was the first time I've ever seen a trigger shoe.

This is all new to me.

Your experience may vary from mine, but I think the target trigger or trigger shoe complicates a double action trigger pull. It is too easy to get a bit of sideways pull in the stroke, pulling your shot. OK for strictly single action when just the slightest touch from the pad of your trigger finger drops the hammer. I continue to try to hone my double action pull, as I find the increased control required to execute the shot to be a rewarding challenge.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Peak, one thing we used to do was tell them to put a coin on the top of the frame and then work on the double action technique. Then as you improve move the coin out on the barrel rib near the front sight. YMMV.

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On the whistle draw and fire 6

Between what I've read here and in another trigger shoe thread I'll be leaving it alone.

I would have to think with the sights this gun has along with the trigger shoe and very little if any holster wear its been a target pistol most of its life and that's all I'll be using it for.

As far as shooting double action shots I have a 686 no-dash with a narrow smooth trigger.