does a Smith 986 have an inherently heavier DA trigger pull

[Jeffrey47]

My son bought a used 986 and it has a very heavy DA trigger pull along with a heavy SA trigger pull. I am concerned that because it is used someone may have tinkered with it, messed it up and traded it in. I shot two cylinders through it and when I went back to my 686 Competitor I prematurely pulled off two DA shots because my trigger was so much lighter. I have heard that 986's are a bit heavier because of the moon clips. I don't know.

[chief38]

For someone here to answer this question in a meaningful way is almost impossible, because an actual trigger pull weight would have to be supplied (measured by a reliable trigger scale) for us to know. Just to say it has a heavy trigger weight doesn't mean much because heavy to one person might not be heavy to another. I don't doubt that your own Revolver has a lighter pull weight but that could be for many reasons such as it was worked on, has a different set of Springs, broken in, etc.

Most S&W Revolvers that I have owned and or shot (Factory settings) are approximately 10 - 13 pounds for double action and between 3.5 - 4,25 lbs for single action. I'd bet most here have at least a few revolvers s that are designated Target Guns and have pull weights far below the Factory weights, but that was done after the purchase. ALSO...... revolver's will break in and loosen up a bit as they are shot.

Many fella's new to Revolvers and who are use to Semi Auto's would also say that Revolvers have a very heavy and long DA Trigger pull weight compared to what they are use to - and obviously so since most Striker fired SA's have a pull weight of about 5.5 - 7 pounds and traditional SA's (such as a 1911 design) would be below that in many instances, therefore making a Revolver Trigger weigh seem excessively heavy.

If after actually weighing the pull several times it does show an overly heavy pull weight, there are options to remedy that - but first an actual weight has to be determined.

PS: If you do buy a scale, make SURE the model you buy goes up to at least 15 pounds. There are many scales that only measure up to 8 pounds and would be useless for most Revolvers. The other option would be to send the gun back to S&W after having someone confirm that the pull really is excessive by actually weighing it.

[Jeffrey47]

The DA pull was off the scale having a 15 pound limit. The SA was an inconsistent 7 to 8 pounds.

[murphydog]

That does not sound within specs. I would call customer service with your story and note that was the way the gun was received by you but it was used; if the gun was modified they may not put the blame on you and charge for any repair.

[colt_saa]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey47

My son bought a used 986 and it has a very heavy DA trigger pull along with a heavy SA trigger pull. I am concerned that because it is used someone may have tinkered with it, messed it up and traded it in. I shot two cylinders through it and when I went back to my 686 Competitor I prematurely pulled off two DA shots because my trigger was so much lighter. I have heard that 986's are a bit heavier because of the moon clips. I don't know.

NO, the 986 does not inherently have a heavier trigger pull than any other L-frame revolver

If you have doubts about a firearm, it is always good to let your local gunsmith have a look at it.

Diagnosis over the internet is not always a simple thing.

[Jeffrey47]

Thank you answering the question.

[pistolpete10]

Some typical S&W quality now days. Trigger pulls are all over the place. It seems their springs are not the same from one to the next. I had to replace the main spring in a new 642 with a Wolff standard spring to make it the same as another 642 I've had for a few years. Put a Wolff Std in a 686 to make it bearable too.

[H Richard]

I used to have a 986, and the trigger was heavier, (my 12 lb trigger pull gauge went off scale before trigger broke), est 15 lbs. When I opened it up I find the rebound slide is coated in the same black materiel as my Shield outer frame was coated with, and did not slide very well. I did light stoning as well as more liberal with oil and got the double action to about 10 lbs, but didn't go any further.