1917 Light Trigger

[Tucker2]

Bought 1917 June 2014 and finally got it to the range last week.
Cycles well, a little cylinder play but nothing significant. However, it has a "hair trigger" in SA mode! Surprised me a couple of times...
Apparently modified, or just weak main spring(?).

I'm considering replacing mainspring but would appreciate thoughts/suggestions before I plow ahead.
Could there be other reasons for such a light pull?

 

[texmex]

I don"t think replacing the main spring will change the single action trigger pull much. An extra power trigger return spring might make more difference. Someone who knows what they are doing could increase the trigger/hammer engagement or you might need to replace the trigger and/or hammer. The trigger pull on most N frame revolvers is usually pretty light and crisp.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

Someone may have worked over the single action sear on the hammer.

 

[Tucker2]

I'll look at the sear and any wear on trigger.
This thing launched a round by bumping the edge of trigger as I was entering the guard ... realy "crisp" !!!

 

[Rpg]

Welcome!

Hard to know whether you have a fine 1917 trigger or have a problem.

Have a good gunsmith (not the guy at the big box store) look at it.

1917's often have very exquisite sa triggers.

Sometimes it's just the way the revolver is.

Sometimes because they have been tuned up by a master.

Occasionally, because they've been bubbaed.

Have a knowledgable gunsmith check it.

This isn't DIYS territory.

Forget drop in parts.

 

[Old TexMex]

Have you checked for push off? Might be time to take it to a pistol smith.
Stay safe.

 

[amazingflapjack]

Check "Strain Screw" on the forward heel of the grip frame to make sure it is fully tightened.

 

[Tucker2]

Push off ?... unfamiliar ....
My trusted G.S. unfortunately retired .... there are a couple of AR builders in town and several experienced wheel gun DIYs but don't want liability playing with other's rigs.
Will have to do some searching .

I have a heritage 1917, 3'd gen. owner - completly different characteristics

Thanks everyone for imput and suggestions.

 

[Mike McLellan]

Old TexMex Gave you the answer. Your gun has "push-off", a dangerous condition that can be caused by a couple different things. It's easy to fix, but only by a smitty who knows what he's doing. Mainspring? Perhaps. Worn single action bevel on the trigger? Likely. Get it fixed. A gun should't surprise you.

 

[Mike McLellan]

1. Strain Screw
2. Worn bevel on trigger
3. damaged cocking notch on hammer
4. Get it fixed ASAP. It really is dangerous.

 

[lebomm]

Push-off is the condition where, with the pistol cocked, you can apply forward pressure with your thumb on the hammer spur and the hammer will fall. Can be caused by heavy wear or by a bubba trigger job. Either way, it shouldn't happen, and the gun needs attention.

Larry

 

[Tucker2]

thank you all ... rig remains in vault until repaired ....
good info ...appreciate the information.

 

[Skeetr57]

Most military 1917's that I have owned had noticeably heavier single action trigger pulls than a normal S&W. I have wondered if it was part of the Army requirements.

 

[Tucker2]

Mike - snap caps only until repaired ....
Tom - heritage gun is like you say. DA/SA are intentional shots - no surprises.
Larry - thanks for the clarification

everyone - thanks for the the inputs and advise ....

 

[Tucker2]

Up date ....

Attempted push-off ... Hammer won't budge, refuses to release.
Still won't put live round in it until issue resolved ..

On the bright side - I got replacement walnut grips today. New edition but period correct. Look's much better than the butchered ones it came with ...
looked like it was modified with a rasp ... all frame edges exposed and daylight leaking ...
T2