Been looking at a used 908 that is MA Compliant. Since I'm not in MA, can a local gunsmith where I live tweak the trigger to my liking? In SA mode does the MA Compliant trigger operate in a more normal ft/lbs pull range? Thanks for any help!

I am not aware of Massachusetts compliancy having anything to do with the trigger? I thought it was all about acceptable guns on approved roster and magazine capacities?

Actually just posting to keep on top of this thread if there is something I can learn.

Sevens....I may be all wet but I thought it had to do with having a 10 ft/lb trigger pull.

the Mass compliant trigger must be more than 10 lbs in the double action mode. There is nothing about the single action weight.
I'm not aware of any changes to the 908 to make it Mass compliant. I think they all come from the factory "Mass compliant".
And they do need to be on 'The List'.

Thanks tom 45!

Wow, I had absolutely no idea!

This is a good thought. I'd guess that all MA compliant 3rd Gens fall into this category.

What determines trigger weight in a 3rd Gen? From looking at a schematic diagram, my guess was that the draw bar spring is what does it, but that's just a guess. S&W only lists one weight for that part and the trigger play spring.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

On a Smith & Wesson metal framed, semi-automatic, center fire pistol, single action trigger pull weight is determined first by sear engagement, second by mainspring resistance, third by drawbar spring resistance, fourth by fire control mechanism friction.

In double action, trigger pull weight is determined first by mainspring resistance, second by drawbar spring resistance, third by fire control mechanism friction.

John

You can get hammer springs in a variety of weights (e.g. from Wolff) to lighten the DA pull (and possibly increase the likelihood of a misfire).

Thanks. Of course I COMPLETELY forgot about the main spring. I think Wolff does offer those in different weights.

Then again, I've never been bothered by the stock trigger pull.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Okay, I've got to start by asking the obvious question: How do you know that the Model 908 you're looking at is a special MA-compliant version?

Hint: It's a trick question.

I love trick questions! Answer: Because the GB seller lists it as such.
What do I win?

The MA compliant piece only applied to new gun sales. Any gun can be modified after the initial sale and be legal.
So that said, you can swap out the heavier MA trigger return spring for a 48 state spring from Brownells for $3.33 to get you a lighter weight but otherwise normal trigger. Beyond that, any competent gunsmith can do a complete trigger job if you want to invest in their labor.

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Dave

S&W only lists one part number for the trigger spring, one part number for the draw bar spring, one part number for the main spring.

There appear to be no separate "MA compliant" part numbers.

Which makes me think that there is a reason that TTSH asked his question the way he did.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Second part of the question: Might the listing seller be located within the People's Republic of Massachusetts?

Answer that question and then I'll explain in full.

Yes...one in Shrewsbury the other in Peabody.

Okay. Somehow, that's what I thought.

All these sellers are doing is alerting potential Massachusetts buyers that the S&W Model 908 is on the EOPSS Approved Weapons Roster and is therefore transferable from or through a dealer in Massachusetts... no more, no less.

That's it. There is no such thing as a special MA-Compliant version of the Model 908... and even if there were a special MA-Compliant version, there would be no way for you to tell other than by SKU or product code. But guess what? There is no Model 908 with a MA-Compliant product code because there is no such thing.

In other words, no worries. If you buy one of those Model 908 pistols, it will be identical to one that you might buy locally. End of story.

Unlike the newer S&W water pistols. Which have different trigger groups and different magazines. I found out by experience that even the M&P9c magazine baseplates and magazine bodies are different between 12 round and 10 round versions.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Yeah, things have gotten much more complicated as time has gone on. The AG's regs were written before striker-fired was big... and you know how they felt about Glocks! And still do, of course.

The Model 908 was born in a simpler time. It passed the EOPSS tests easily and complied with the separate AG's regs because it had a magazine disconnect (and, therefore, didn't need a LCI) and a thumb safety in lieu of a 10-pound trigger. It may or may not have qualified additionally on the basis of a 10-pound trigger, but it didn't need it to meet the regs because of the thumb safety.

Today, S&W takes a "belt and suspenders" approach on at least some of their M&P pistols... thumb safety AND a 10-pound trigger. That's where the big fear of buying a "MA-Compliant" handgun comes from.

It's crazy. The 908 is on the EOOPS list. The 3913TSW is on the EOOPS list (although I don't know if BOTH versions are), the 3913LS is on the EOOPS list. However, the Plain Jane 3913 is NOT on the EOOPS list. All three of the CS guns are on the list, but I don't know if that would include the DAO versions.

There is no rhyme or reason to the EOOPS list, let alone the AGs non list list that is even more secret than double secret probation.

It's no wonder that some FFLs in MA refuse to do any out of state transfers of most guns.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Well, you know that EOPSS (I like FOOPS even better than EOOPS!) Approved Weapons Roster testings cost a lot of money. It was S&W's decision (based on economics plus certain models being phased out) to test certain guns and let other guns go untested and, therefore, having them stay off the list.

It's frustrating as heck for us now... but S&W made their decisions at that time (circa 1998) and now we have to live with it.

TTSH...I appreciate your explanation. It's all good! Now go find your snow shovel!

Tell me about it!!! And getting ready with the traditional "French Toast" ingredients (bread, eggs & milk) as we speak!

I look at tomorrow's storm as a good opportunity to do some work like activity from home, clean a couple of guns, disassemble and reassemble a couple of guns, and do some wiring for my new car stereo.

After it stops snowing, I'll take my snow blower (Monica) out for a spin.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

FWIW, the last I recall, an email to S&W CS with the model and serial number will get you a response if your gun was produced as a MA compliant model. It's been years since I've asked though. ( BTW, the part number on the box may even tell you on some models.)

As for the single part number on the springs, S&W won't sell the MA springs separately or as repair parts. ( Lots of people tried when it was learned that the MA spring was VERY close to the spring in the APEX duty kit for the M&P pistol) The MA trigger return springs are routinely painted red for ID purposes. The one part number on the spring you see is the 48 state spring. ( BTW, Same unavailability applies for the heavier MA sear spring in the M&P but that one has very little to do with final trigger pull.)

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Dave