Normal trigger pull for a Model 19-3?

MagnumForce73

MagnumForce73

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As I mentioned in my introduction, I recently acquired a Model 19-3 snub nose. This particular gun was manufactured in 1975, and while the finish and grips are a bit worn, the action is solid, and it seems to have milder recoil than I expected. Overall, I enjoy firing it. Having said that, I showed the gun to my uncle, who's a gun enthusiast, and he claimed that a previous owner had modded the trigger because it had a 3 1/2 pound trigger pull in single action mode. Now, I'm not 100% familiar with the specs for any Model 19, and I don't plan on using it in single action mode anytime soon, but still, I am curious about what the normal trigger pull for this weapon is.
 
This specification is that published for pre-war target grade guns, so---------------------. That said, why would they have changed it? My answer is they wouldn't, but if you get a response to the contrary from Hondo44, JPAK, Club Gun Fan, glowe, or the like-----------pay attention.

Target Grade: 3-4 lbs.

Fixed Sight: 5-7 lbs.

In other words, you're good to go------and if you'd like to transform the double action into a thing of beauty and a joy forever, stick a Miculek Spring Kit in it (from BANG, INC. for sure, and very likely also from Brownells, etc.).

Ralph Tremaine
 
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3 1/2 lb. sounds about right but I do not measure my S&W revolvers' single action pulls. I'd test for push off and if it stays cocked figure your uncle is more familiar with other types of guns. With it cocked give the bottom back corner of the hammer a gentle push in the direction of the arc in which it falls. If that uncocks it then the revolver is said to have push off which would make it not safe enough for a duty weapon. Instructions on repair are in 500MagnumNut's frequently asked questions sticky thread in the S&Wsmithing sub-forum.

Assuming good sear and full cock engagement trigger pull weight is usually adjusted by changing rebound springs. Wolff sells variety packs. With a lighter spring the action might not cycle fast enough to keep up with Jerry Miculek but makes it easier to shoot accurately. Too light and the action will not reset reliably.
 
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k22fan said:
3 1/2 lb. sounds about right but I do not measure my S&W revolvers' single action pulls. I'd test for push off and if it stays cocked figure your uncle is more familiar with other types of guns. With it cocked give the bottom back corner of the hammer a gentle push in the direction of the arc in which it falls. If that uncocks it then the revolver is said to have push off which would make it not safe enough for a duty weapon. Instructions on repair are in 500MagnumNut's frequently asked questions sticky thread in the S&Wsmithing sub-forum.

Assuming good sear and full cock engagement trigger pull weight is usually adjusted by changing rebound springs. Wolff sells variety packs. With a lighter spring the action might not cycle fast enough to keep up with Jerry Mickiluk (?spelling) but makes it easier to shoot accurately. Too light and the action will not reset reliably.
Click to expand...


OK, so I guess nobody modded the gun. Still, I'm tough enough to fire it in double action mode as it is.
 
For those of us that grew up with a 10-12 lb double action trigger we didn't often use a single action pull, unless we were shooting Bullseye slow fire. Transitioning to the more now common semi-auto's with a "horrible" 5-6 lb trigger pull was an adjustment.
 
Trigger pull weight is like the weight of your hiking boots. If you wear light loafers almost all of the time then your hiking boots will feel like lead weights. If you work in boots then the weight of your hiking boots is not noticeable.
 
People may be generally experienced with firearms and still not understand what they are sensing with the trigger pull of guns with which they are not personally familiar.

Unless it was damaged in some way I have never tried the single action pull on any S&W revolver to be other than light, clean and crisp. It was interesting to read above that the factory uses the "target standard" for single action pull weight. Makes sense.

While still on active duty years ago I had a young Marine captain with whom I worked try the trigger pull of a 1911 I had hand built. I had paid particular attention to the trigger and sear, and was careful to use the correct jigs (set at the factory angle) and Arkansas stones. Based upon his experience instructing pistol marksmanship with High Standard target .22s, and of course with our then-issued 1911A1 sidearms, he swore the pull on my .45 was only a pound. With a gauge my 1911 measures 4.25 pounds.
 
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Refer your Uncle to the Smith & Wesson's Armorer Manual where the spec for single action trigger pull is a minimum of 2.5 lbs. Your revolver is well within spec.

Stu
 
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