Long Action Vs Short action triggers.

fleabus101 · #1 08-11-2020, 10:01 AM

I probably missed this but could you let me know
the difference between early long action N frame triggers,
and current short action triggers should I come across any. I suppose most will be early thin serrated types but I
Wanted to look for esp N frame triggers. Any info on what to look for on early types is appreciated. I dont have any early pre '50 long action types to compare to yet hence
my question what to look for..
Thanks..

Hondo44 · #2 08-11-2020, 10:52 AM

The short answer:

There's no difference in triggers for long or short action. About the only thing to look for are the grooves. If smooth, it's pre war. But if grooved, could be either pre or post war.

The more complete answer:

Triggers of the same vintage* are the same for K, L & N frames.

*Pre war K frame triggers (and cyl hand) came in two varieties depending on the vintage of the side plate hammer block safety.

If you look for the medium and wide grooved target triggers and medium wide smooth combat triggers, you can't go wrong; they're all post war. Just don't get any MIM triggers beginning mid 1990's unless your N frame is that vintage.

fleabus101 · #3 08-11-2020, 11:13 AM

Thanks for your reply.
I have used the post war current (short action KLN types)
.265, .312, .400 smooth and target, and .500 target types.
I came across a odd to me trigger in my stash that has a
coil spring in it with a smooth face approx .265 type that
caused my wonder about old long action trigger question. Maybe an early pre vee spring hand type spring? I dont know
but was scratching my head on it. So Jim any K L N
trigger will work on pre war similar frame with correct hand types? Is this info in the 1st or 5th Kuhnhsn books
I missed on hammer,trigger info. I poss missed it..
I try to find S&W trigger parts in my estate and junking
wanderabouts among other parts..
Thanks for sharing this info.
Randy..

Protocall_Design · #4 08-11-2020, 11:24 AM

The one with a coil spring has a lever that operates the hand. I have 2 kinds of those.

One has a single trigger activation, that only pushes on the DA sear on the hammer, same as on a Colt Python.

The other one has the 2 stage hammer activation as seen on most modern revolvers, where it starts with the DA sear, then hands off to the lower level on the hammer. Other than that feature, the triggers seem to be identical.

In patent searches for my new hammer, I found a patent from 1909 that shows the new 2 stage trigger design. That seems to be the most recent development in revo hammer and trigger mechanisms.

k22fan · #5 08-11-2020, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

[...] If you look for the medium and wide grooved target triggers and medium wide smooth combat triggers, you can't go wrong; they're all post war. Just don't get any MIM triggers beginning mid 1990's unless your N frame is that vintage.

The first revolvers shipped with MIM triggers still had forged hammers with pivoting firing pins mounted in the hammer. Revolvers shipped that way for a year or two. MIM triggers do interchange with forged triggers that were made for short action revolvers. That can be the easiest way to find a medium width smooth trigger for use in matches.

I do not know if a MIM trigger could be installed in any long action revolver but who cares? A revolver so fitted would be too distasteful to look at.

Hondo44 · #6 08-11-2020, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fleabus101

Thanks for your reply.
Maybe an early pre vee spring hand type spring? I dont know
but was scratching my head on it. So Jim any K L N
trigger will work on pre war similar frame with correct hand types? Is this info in the 1st or 5th Kuhnhsn books
Randy..

Randy,

You're welcome.

The trigger and hand must be the same design vintage for the hand to function.

And the trigger and hand must match the side plate hammer block style in pre war guns.

I don't use the Kuhnhausen books, sorry, but I doubt it. They don't generally address interchangeability of parts, just installation and fitting of the proper parts already in the gun.

Hondo44 · #7 08-11-2020, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k22fan

The first revolvers shipped with MIM triggers still had forged hammers with pivoting firing pins mounted in the hammer. Revolvers shipped that way for a year or two. MIM triggers do interchange with forged triggers that were made for short action revolvers. That can be the easiest way to find a medium width smooth trigger for use in matches.

I do not know if a MIM trigger could be installed in any long action revolver but who cares? A revolver so fitted would be too distasteful to look at.

I agree.

And the forged .320" wide smooth combat triggers aren't hard to find either since they became the standard K, L, N trigger between 1980 and 1986. However, the prior optional .400" wide smooth forged combat triggers; not so easy.

fleabus101 · #8 08-11-2020, 03:43 PM

I have been fortunate to find a few of the original .400 smooth triggers. They reside in my 4 inch model 57 no dash, my 24-3 3inch 44, and my pre 27 3.5 model. I polished the edges/sides of the triggers to smooth the side corners and had my local life long gunsmith friend fit them properly. Like you I like the feel of the .400 smooth trigger on large bores and .357s. They give
an exc feel and control of the trigger.
I have 2 older .400 serrated types I may smooth later if my searches dry up.
Thanks for the comments and info so far..