Target Trigger and Target Hammer

DocB · Dec 28, 2016

I am speculating that a lot of people, like me, don't really understand what a Target Trigger and a Target Hammer are. Until recently, I thought that any hammer wider than the typical hammer found on an old M10 was target. Same thing goes for the trigger. This Model 66 from 1983 illustrates what TT and TH really are. The trigger is nearly as wide as the trigger guard. Perhaps a bit dangerous. It can be grooved or smooth. The hammer is so wide that it's really a sight to behold. Most guns actually have one and not the other. The TH is a lot more common than the TT. Just though I'd post this in case there are people like me out there who didn't have a clue until recently.

armorer951 · Dec 28, 2016

The target triggers are listed in the parts manual as .400" wide, but I have found that they often run slightly wider than the spec. They also offered triggers in .312" (smooth) and .265" (m&p, serrated) widths.

Target hammer spurs are .500" wide. The other hammers are .265" (m&p models), and .375".

Engine49guy · Dec 28, 2016

I have found wide target triggers in both .500 and .400,
The smooth trigger is referred to as a " Smooth Combat Trigger"
and IIRC usually they are .385 although that number is off the top of my head.

The smooth Combat trigger works best for me and I have modded and narrowed a few or my .500 grooved triggers for the range.

DocB · Dec 28, 2016

I messed up about 4 months ago. I was restoring an old Target Masterpiece from 1977 that had really been ruined by the old owner. In the process I removed a smooth target trigger and let a friend have it. Couldn't believe that it was an original Smith trigger since it was nearly as wide as the trigger guard. Now I wish I had that trigger back.

Qc Pistolero · Dec 30, 2016

They are just what their names imply;both were popular during the years of target shooting(both NRA and ISU).The wide trigger lets you feel a lighter than real trigger since the pressure of your trigger finger is dispersed over a wider area.It is thus less disturbing letting you concentrate more on your front sight than on the pressurising on the trigger.The target hammer is for easier cocking during the rapid firing stage.
Both are an aid when target shooting;my target guns wear them.But for hunting,I'd go with regular trigger and hammer.Sadly here in Canada,hunting with a handgun is ''verboten''.
Qc

Mistered · Dec 30, 2016

My Mod 19 had a very wide serrated target trigger (most likely the .500) and wide, curved hammer which I really liked and would like to find a set to put on my Mod 66.

Engine49guy · Dec 30, 2016

DocB said:
I messed up about 4 months ago. I was restoring an old Target Masterpiece from 1977 that had really been ruined by the old owner. In the process I removed a smooth target trigger and let a friend have it. Couldn't believe that it was an original Smith trigger since it was nearly as wide as the trigger guard. Now I wish I had that trigger back.

DocB, if it was .500 and had a smooth face it was altered after it left the factory as the smooth Combat triggers are usually in the .385 or .365 range IIRC.
Also just spit balling but IIRC the Combat trigger begin to appear standard on my 4" ers around 1982(ish).

One good way to tell is if the trigger face is shiney or blued its a good chance it has been smoothed afterwards as it should have the case color finish unless its from a SS gun and is flash chromed .

Muley Gil · Dec 30, 2016

Engine49guy said:
I have found wide target triggers in both .500 and .400,
The smooth trigger is referred to as a " Smooth Combat Trigger"
and IIRC usually they are .385 although that number is off the top of my head.

The smooth Combat trigger works best for me and I have modded and narrowed a few or my .500 grooved triggers for the range.

The smooth Ranger trigger is .312" wide. It was first seen, IIRC, on the Texas Ranger M19.

Engine49guy · Dec 30, 2016

Thanks Muley Gil, I knew it started with a "3" LOL....

AveragEd · Dec 31, 2016

If you watch eBay, GunBroker and I suppose some other sites, you'll find them for sale now and again. I've purchased several sets, quite of few of them new, and all have fit into my K and L-frames without drama. Here's a 686-3 that I switched over.

I've only ever seen them in color-casehardened; I'm guessing that S&W never sold flash-chromed ones as an accessory but of course I see them in flash-chromed in guns in which they were factory-installed, mostly N-frames. The triggers are all the same but each frame size uses a different hammer.

Ed

hemiman12 · Jan 9, 2019

19-3 Target Hammer and Trigger?

Which is more rare the Combat or Target Hammer and Trigger on a 19-3?

Target Trigger and Target Hammer

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