Used trigger/hammer questions

[Garthe]

Hi Guys,

I’ve purchased some basic revolvers that need upgraded triggers/hammers. I’m interested in .500 target hammers and .400/.500 triggers. I found and purchased a couple new/old stock parts, but they were pricey. I’ve found some used triggers and hammers on eBay. But, I’m concerned with buying used revolver parts. My thought is they may be modified or buchered and could be problematic with installing and using them.

My first questions is about compatibility: can you use the same triggers for K and N frame revolvers? The period time of the revolvers are early 60’s to mid 70’s.

Second question: should I been concerned about buying used triggers/hammers regarding the modification or buchered factor with these used parts.

Thank you for your help and time, Jim

[Protocall_Design]

As a general rule, all triggers fit all K,L,N frames. Some may require minor fitting, as with any gun parts.

Any used parts may be fine, or they may be getting sold because someone changed them. The best way to hedge your bets on used is to inspect before you buy or find a trusted source. (S&W forum ads, maybe?)

[El Biblioitecario]

If you worry about the factors you mention, you need to assign a cost value to the stress it will cause you and compare that figure to the savings on the used parts.

[Marshal Kane]

I know K frame parts will interchange with K frame revolvers and the same goes for N frame parts to N frame revolvers. I would suggest you take your questions regarding K and N frame parts interchangeability to S&W customer service. I would be concerned about buying used parts because they may have been modified or worn and also may have been fitted by the factory or another gunsmith to a particular gun. My only experience with parts being changed is I swapped a used trigger and hammer from a model 19 to a model 15 reusing the 15's original hand/pawl. In my case, it was a successful swap. It's always a gamble using used parts from another gun. YMMV

[Garthe]

Thank you Gentlemen! Great info from all of you and I appreciate your feedback!

[steelslaver]

K, L, and N frame triggers fit in any of those frames. Hammers are frame size specific. Often you have to adjust the double action sear (on the hammer) even when putting a new hammer in a gun. Even new to new. Sometimes using the old hammers double action sear will work. Watch how it hands off to the trigger. Just a tiny bit can make the difference between good and bad.

If a hammer or trigger has a bad single action sear, it can be stoned to work again. But, I personally don't trust them. The case hardened surface is pretty thin. If it is worn or stoned through when repaired it will not last long.

I change out cylinders, barrels, calibers, hammers, triggers, springs, polish bosses and rebound slide surfaces, adjust ratchet teeth. For the most part I leave the sear surfaces alone except for adjusting the double action sear. A single action sear that need work is a rare thing on S&W revolvers as far as I have seen.

[stansdds]

My issue with buying used parts is that you have no idea how much use they have seen and what modifications may have been performed. Used parts are cheaper, but that savings quickly disappears when the used part has been modified or damaged and is no longer safe to use.