Model 63 .22

[sniper]

I'm seriously thinking of buying a Model 63 .22, but stories of a horrendous double action trigger pull...somewhere north of 11 lbs...have me concerned.
Is there a way of bringing the double action pull down to a reasonable 7-8 lbs. with 100 % ignition, using after market springs? The revolver costs enough, and it would take a while for me to save enough for a professional trigger job.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.

 

[Protocall_Design]

A spring kit and maybe a little stoning will make a J frame about as good as it's going to get, unless it has a problem that needs to be fixed. You can do way more on K,L, and N frames.

 

[Birdhunter6]

I wouldn't hesitate. I have a 4" 63 no dash that serials to '82. I've never checked the pull weight. It's smooth and consistent. It shoots. The trigger is very similar to my other J frames, not as nice as my Ks.

In my experience a J trigger gets better after the cylinder has revolves a few hundred times or so. (Or do I just get used to it.) The only time my J triggers disappoint me is when I set down a K and immediately pick up a J.

 

[Rpg]

I routinely have my gunsmith do a trigger job on any Smith revolver I acquire. I don't consider trigger work to be a DIY project.

My J frames are a whole lot easier to shoot than the usual factory trigger you find on J frames. However, after my gunsmith has worked on K and N frames the triggers are noticeably better than J frames he's worked on for me. That's largely due to the difference in actions between J frames and the larger framed Smith guns.

I'd advise OP to locate a decent gunsmith and have him work on the trigger instead of trying to do it himself. The cost is modest.

 

[ken158]

The problem with J frame rimfire is positive ignition with so many ammo options. If you get the pull smooth then heavy should not be an issue.

 

[jaguargolf]

It'll smooth out after a few thousand rounds down range

 

[chief38]

I'm seriously thinking of buying a Model 63 .22, but stories of a horrendous double action trigger pull...somewhere north of 11 lbs...have me concerned.
Is there a way of bringing the double action pull down to a reasonable 7-8 lbs. with 100 % ignition, using after market springs? The revolver costs enough, and it would take a while for me to save enough for a professional trigger job.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.

An 11 pound trigger is perfectly normal for a stock S&W 22 Revolver and most other brands as well. A rimfire cartridge actually requires more of a hit to reliably set the primers off. As long as it's smooth (as are most vintage S&W triggers), they are pretty shootable once getting used to. If a precision or aimed shot is required (let's say for hunting squirrels or rabbits), the gun can be cocked and the SA trigger pull should be somewhere around 3 - 3.25 pounds and crisp.

Yes - there are spring kits and they do reduce the pull a bit. I have owned my M63 for decades and it is a great shooting small and light weight revolver for the Field. That said, if your main focus is to shoot targets at a Range, I would steer you in the direction of a M18 over the M63. I find they are more accurate, easier to shoot and offers a better grip for most medium to large sized hands.

 

[rockquarry]

I've had a 63 for a good while and shoot it regularly but don't recall ever firing it double-action. It may have a heavy double-action trigger pull. If I begin shooting it double-action, I'd hope to overcome any (perceived?) disadvantage with practice.