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01-13-2020, 10:40 PM
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Target Trigger Timeline
Good evening, guys. Approximately what year did Smith & Wesson start offering the 1/2" wide target trigger on the K-frame models, like the 14 and 15 (or Pre-14 and Pre-15, whichever the case may be)?
I have the chance to buy a 1952 Pre model 14, which has a target hammer, but no target trigger. It just has the standard width (.265"?) serrated trigger.
Thanks for the help!
Phillip
Last edited by pbryant; 01-14-2020 at 12:08 AM.
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01-13-2020, 11:20 PM
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I've seen many a Masterpiece with just the serrated .500" Target Hammer and the standard grooved service trigger. I'm pretty sure the serrated hammer preceded the grooved Target Trigger by a couple of years during the early to mid-50's.
There is a distinction between serrations and grooves. Looking at the hammer and trigger surfaces the difference is clear. Even the SCSW sometimes refers to grooved triggers as serrated, but they are not.
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01-13-2020, 11:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbmac52
I've seen many a Masterpiece with just the serrated .500" Target Hammer and the standard grooved service trigger. I'm pretty sure the serrated hammer preceded the grooved Target Trigger by a couple of years during the early to mid-50's.
There is a distinction between serrations and grooves. Looking at the hammer and trigger surfaces the difference is clear. Even the SCSW sometimes refers to grooved triggers as serrated, but they are not.
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It definitely has the standard grooved trigger, for sure. Just the vertical grooves in the face of the trigger.
-Phillip
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01-14-2020, 12:03 AM
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Target hammers were available before target triggers so it is not unusual to find a revolver with a TH and a standard trigger. For N-frames, the target trigger I believe was introduced in early 1955 and possibly at the same time for K-frames.
Bill
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01-14-2020, 09:57 AM
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Not a definitive answer, but this 1952 K-38 has a target hammer with a standard trigger. Of course, I can't know if it left the factory that way, but to all appearances inside and out it appears to be original to the revolver.
Edited to add - I checked my files, and I do have a letter from Mr. Jinks on this revolver, but it doesn't mention the type of hammer or trigger listed.
Last edited by Bullet Bob; 01-14-2020 at 10:06 AM.
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01-14-2020, 10:11 AM
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Remember that trigger shoes were a popular accessory back in those days. I've seen more than a few old Smiths with the target hammer and a trigger shoe.
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01-14-2020, 10:32 AM
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This is a picture of a K38, 1953 vintage. It has the 1/2” target hammer and standard trigger with trigger shoe. I learned from this forum that the 1/2” trigger was not available for several after 1953. Oops! I’ll post the picture later today.
Somewhere I saw some sales literature from S&W that only referred to two options, target stocks and target hammer.
Last edited by JSticks; 01-14-2020 at 12:37 PM.
Reason: Never try to post a picture from an IPad!
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01-14-2020, 10:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbmac52
...There is a distinction between serrations and grooves. Looking at the hammer and trigger surfaces the difference is clear. Even the SCSW sometimes refers to grooved triggers as serrated, but they are not...
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Any chance of a photo for clarity?
Kevin
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01-14-2020, 12:56 PM
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SW's catalogs and literature describe their triggers as grooved and their hammers as checked. I have always tried to use factory terminology when describing various parts of firearms.
Serrate (serrated, serration) refers to having notched or toothlike projections. Knives often have a serrated blade, for example.
Bill
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01-14-2020, 01:03 PM
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This link covers information on hammers and triggers with some pictures for reference.
RG Reference: Hammers and Triggers - RevolverGuy.Com
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01-14-2020, 02:20 PM
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Availability of the target trigger for K and N frames should be the same as the same triggers are uaed in both. Only the hammers are different.
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01-14-2020, 03:33 PM
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Yes, "checkered" is the correct descriptive term for the thumb surface of all hammers. "Serrated" is best left to knives!
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01-14-2020, 03:37 PM
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The first target trigger for an N-frame was introduced with the 1955 45 Target revolver in early 1955.
Bill
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01-14-2020, 04:07 PM
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.5" to .4"
Since this thread is in the 1961-1980 sub-forum perhaps one of you will answer a question about that era. When did 0.4" Target Triggers superseed 0.5" Target Triggers? I'm curious if the Target Trigger in Model 28-2 N18x,xxx is the same vintage as the gun.
Last edited by k22fan; 01-14-2020 at 04:08 PM.
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01-14-2020, 04:13 PM
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I think the changeover from .500" to .400" target triggers began in the late 70's.
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01-14-2020, 07:53 PM
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So from what everyone says, it looks like the target trigger made its appearance in about 1955, give or take a year in either direction.
I already have a leftover trigger shoe for the 1952 pre-14 in question if I purchase it, which I probably will! The trigger shoe came off of a 15-2 that I gave the "TTT" treatment to, so it's been in my parts box for a couple of years now.
-Phillip
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