Need help for fixing a too light single action trigger

A

Aircrewman

SWCA Member
Joined
Jan 29, 2009
Messages
1,000
Reaction score
836
Location
Sutherlin, Oregon
Model 25-2.
Double action ok.
Single action...almost breathing on it and goes off.

I have bought a new rebound spring. Not certain the spring has been cut but believe so. Am I on right path for fixing it with a new full power rebound spring?
 
First see if the Strain Screw has been loosened or cut. If so tighten or replace. Second, see if the mainspring has been bent or modified - if so replace. If those don't help, see if the Trigger / Hammer engagement surfaces have been cut, polished or modified. If they have you might have a push-off issue too. If so you will likely need to replace them.

The Rebound Spring cutting or installing a lighter one would effect DA pull more than SA.
 
Last edited:
If you are comfortable working inside your revolver check out the FAQ's under S&W -Smithing on this site and page down until you see the instructions on how to increase the weight of the single action trigger.
 
Really depends on the integrity of the cocking notch on the hammer and the bevel on the trigger. If they are both good, installing a full length OEM rebound spring may help restore normal function.
If not, sharpening the bevel on the trigger at the required factory angle is the usual remedy....assuming the hammer notch is not altered or damaged. If the hammer is damaged, it will have to be replaced. Repair of the trigger bevel is an easy fix with the use of the proper stone and procedure.
 
Last edited:
Aircrewman said:
Am I on right path for fixing it with a new full power rebound spring?
Click to expand...

Yes. The rebound spring affects the SA pull, not the DA pull, the most. If the one installed was shortened it could be the cause of the light SA trigger. If so, the full strength spring will make it heavier. It's an easy place to start.

.
 
Last edited:
I would check for push off first. That will tell you if it has negative engagement resulting from a lack luster notch or sear. If it is, the options have been given already. Hopefully it's just a spring issue though.
 
A correct notch and sear will not have pushoff even with light springs. Heavier springs just (sometimes) overcome the problem. I have found that it is nearly always the trigger, unless the hammer has been altered in that area. A sharp edge that is exactly 90 degrees to the sides, with about 10 degrees of angle towards the top will usually cure pushoff with any springs. The weight of the pull will still be determined by the springs.
 
Last edited:
Thanks everyone for the responses. No push off. Mainspring and mainspring screw look ok. Guess that I should have mentioned these when posted but info provided does give me some more to look at to make sure.
Bought the gun used several years ago and haven't messed with it. Came this way and I have lived with it but also now want to remedy as I am unhappy with the too light trigger.
 
Single action...almost breathing on it and goes off.
Click to expand...

It is not unusual for these guns to have a single action pull weight of between 3 and 3 1/2 lbs. in a properly operating non-modified gun. You're saying that the pull weight is substantially lower than 3 lbs. or that the pull weight is just lower than you like?

Bruce
 
Last edited:
Hi Bruce. Sorry for the late reply....
I was not aware that these revolvers came with the weight noted. Well, haven't measured the weight but have been around revolvers for 45 years. So, I believe that my revolver has a lighter than 3-3 1/2# pull. I am not happy with this weight and would prefer to have the single action pull at 4-4 1/2# and think that it could be restored with a new spring...hence my question... I haven't taken anything apart and am seeking info from the forum too see what I might do to remedy the light pull.
 
It will be hard to get a Smith single action above 3 to 3-1/2#. If you put a super heavy rebound spring in, you might get there, but then the DA would be very heavy.
 
Thanks Toolguy. I don't have pushoff on the gun. It just has this really light trigger pull which is too light for my use..... It is a really good revolver. It is just too light a single action. I may have to have it looked at but there isn't anyone in the area who works on these guns any longer.
 
Toolguy said:
It will be hard to get a Smith single action above 3 to 3-1/2#.
Click to expand...

All my recent new S&W revolvers (even PC revolvers) have had 4 to 4-1/2# triggers out of the box. Once I replaced the factory rebound spring with a Wolff 14# rebound spring, with one coil cut-off, & smoothed up the rebound slide's surfaces, they measured 3#, +/-, 1/2#.

.
 
I am not happy with this weight and would prefer to have the single action pull at 4-4 1/2#
Click to expand...

I do have to admit that it isn't every day that you see somebody wanting a heavier trigger pull on a Smith revolver, especially a target model. If you've been around revolvers for 45 years I have to ask "whose" in view of the fact that this isn't a new and unique condition with Smith & Wesson. The three to three and one half pound pull would be typical for a 25-2 or any other target grade N-frame from that period. I can't speak to the post lock MIM era revolvers since I refuse to buy one. Essentially the gun as it is now appears to be operating normally and is within spec. whether it's to your liking or not. I doubt that S&W would essentially modify one of their guns to the point where it would be "out of spec". That said, it doesn't preclude you from tinkering with it. This isn't the first time I've seen people on this forum who are unfamiliar with the Smith's single action trigger quality "complain" that the pull weight is too light. This is why I asked the question. In view of the fact that it's the SA pull weight, I fail to see what is causing the heartburn. I mean a 3-3 1/2 lb. pull weight would be considered an excellent trigger on a hunting rifle but not on a large frame handgun???? Possibly you should actually have the trigger pull weight accurately measured before you jump into modification of the gun with both feet. That number will tell you exactly where you're at instead of guessing. Also keep in mind that the wide target trigger affects the amount of force that needs to be applied to the trigger in order to break the sear. If you do decide to putz with the rebound slide spring in order to increase the SA pull weight, remember that knife cuts both ways and it will adversely affect the DA pull weight. I would just as soon make an attempt to become accustomed to the factory trigger characteristic IIWY. Just because it's not what you're accustomed to doesn't make it BAD by definition.

Anyway, your gun.....pick your poison.

Bruce
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top