Hi, all -

A friend reported a problem with his 686, in which the trigger could be made to "lock up" (not really, but I don't know a better way to term it) in rapid firing. I was able to replicate the problem; it occurs when the shooter releases the trigger almost, but not quite, all the way. The trigger seems to catch on the point of the cylinder stop, and won't pull back.

I was able to replicate the problem in my own 686. The question is, is this a problem with the guns, or merely the result of imperfect shooting technique. I suspect the latter, but I thought I'd ask the forum brains.

Thanks.

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M. Zimmers

maybe a stronger trigger rebound spring?

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WILL WORK FOR AMMO!

I don't know how a stronger spring will affect this. The "problem" (if it is indeed a problem) seems purely a matter of mechanical geometry -- as the trigger is released, it eventually slides back over the point on the trigger stop. If you stop releasing the trigger in the middle of the trigger's travel over the point, the trigger sort of freezes up, though by releasing the trigger completely, the gun returns to correct operation.

Maybe I'm answering my own question here, and it is indeed a matter of shooting technique. I've just never noticed this problem before now.

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M. Zimmers

It's a problem in shooting technique. A stronger spring won't fix it. If you just squeeze the trigger it will advance and fire correct?

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NRA Benefactor Member

No. If you stop the trigger release at the point I mentioned above, you *can't* squeeze the trigger. This is the problem reported by my friend. But, I think I agree with you that it's a problem in shooting technique. I just never noticed this before my friend pointed it out to me.

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M. Zimmers

It's a technique problem. You've got to let the trigger return. If you don't it will lock up or if you catch it just right, it can advance the cylinder but not cock the hammer. It's commonly called "short stroking".

Heavier rebound springs help push the trigger (and your finger) forward but it's really a matter of learning to get off the trigger instead of letting the trigger push your finger forward.

If you stop the trigger's recovery just short of full return, literally just a few thousandths of an inch, the trigger hook will not engage the cylinder stop to pull it down, but the hand will be far enough to properly engage the extractor ratchet. The result is the hand is trying to rotate the cylindrr but it cannot because the cylinder stop is not being pulled down by the trigger.

Just as tomcatt51 said, it is a matter of technique. Actually improper handling of the gun. There isn't anything wrong with the gun that cannot be fixed by allowing the trigger to fully return before pulling it again.

Common to the S&W action. As noted, practice getting off the trigger.