4006 unusual trigger action

[wallythacker]

I think I qualify as a SW fanboy, owning several 2nd gen semi-autos and a beautiful revolver.

My concern is the trigger on one of my 4006 stainless semi-autos.
Let me say the triggers on my other 4006, 5906s, Ladysmith, 659s, 639s, 4506 and revolver are all impeccable. They break cleanly with reasonable pull weight and have a short takeup.
All except one 4006. It shoots fine, feeds and ejects fine
It, in single action mode, won't fire until it's literally within the last 0.25mm, or less, of travel.
Even then, it requires at least twice the pull of any other SW I own.
I had forgotten the trigger was so unlikeable as this pistol lives buried in my safe, like a red-head stepchild.
It has what I think are the factory grips (delrin?) pinned at the bottom rear.
For reference my other 4006 has Hogue grips, is very thick, and there are screws on both sides of the frame holding the grips in place. The screws are located 20mm or so higher on the grips than the trouble 4006.
Serial of the trouble 4006 is TFNxxxx
Serial of the terrific 4006 is TVHxxxx

Anything from an end-user position I can do to have a better trigger?
Is something broken/bent/way out of spec?
Is the pistol considered dangerous the way I have described it?
TIA

 

[ACEd]

I think I qualify as a SW fanboy, owning several 2nd gen semi-autos and a beautiful revolver.

My concern is the trigger on one of my 4006 stainless semi-autos.
Let me say the triggers on my other 4006, 5906s, Ladysmith, 659s, 639s, 4506 and revolver are all impeccable. They break cleanly with reasonable pull weight and have a short takeup.
All except one 4006. It shoots fine, feeds and ejects fine
It, in single action mode, won't fire until it's literally within the last 0.25mm, or less, of travel.
Even then, it requires at least twice the pull of any other SW I own.
I had forgotten the trigger was so unlikeable as this pistol lives buried in my safe, like a red-head stepchild.
It has what I think are the factory grips (delrin?) pinned at the bottom rear.
For reference my other 4006 has Hogue grips, is very thick, and there are screws on both sides of the frame holding the grips in place. The screws are located 20mm or so higher on the grips than the trouble 4006.
Serial of the trouble 4006 is TFNxxxx
Serial of the terrific 4006 is TVHxxxx

Anything from an end-user position I can do to have a better trigger?
Is something broken/bent/way out of spec?
Is the pistol considered dangerous the way I have described it?
TIA

Without seeing the pistols I would expect the performance to be the same. The TFN is most likely late 1990 to early 1991 while the TVH is likely mid to late 1991. That makes your TFN an early 4006, but I dont know of any differences that would affect trigger pull. There were reports of cracked frames in very early 4006 which resulted in some changes to hammer as I recall. Suggest you field strip and remove grips to see if there is anythhing askew. Some of the more expert may be able to diagnose the problem based on your description.

The Hogue grips per se will not influence trigger action - the factory grips are single piece wrap around pinned at the base while the Hogues add an adapter (spring retainer) between the original pin and the screws.

The early 3rd gen grips were recalled due to a potential to fracture if dropped. The replacements appear identical except for a dimple at the base. You want to check for the dimple regardless of any other issues. Last I heard SW will still replace the un-dimpled grips, or you can buy at Midway or other sellers for about $20. As I recall you can use either the curved or strait 5906/4006 grips.

 

[JohnHL]

My earliest 4006 has a TFF prefix that dates to February 1992, very early in production.

I got it cheap because the gun store didn't know what was wrong with it.

It had similar symptoms as yours including a "spongy" intermittent double action.

I discovered the old style "square cornered" drawbar was cracked at one of the rear square corners.

This was a not uncommon problem and S&W upgraded to drawbars with radiused rear corners.

I would check your drawbar.

John

 

[4T5GUY]

I still have an image that shows the different 4006 drawbars we had discussed a couple of years ago.

Jim

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Drawbar cracked in mine way back yonder.......S&W sent me a new one.........Replaced and all has been well since.

Also that copper riveted spring "thingy " can bend and effect trigger pull.