686-2 rough double action trigger pull

[il Padrino]

I have a 686-2 that I've had a while, recently aquired a model 66-0 P&R and noticed that the double action pull is much smoother than the 686-2.
It seems that when pulling the trigger the first half way of pulling the trigger it's rough. At first I suspected that maybe the cylinder was dragging so I tried it without the cylinder and still does the same thing.
I've had the side plate off, cleaned and lubricated everything, seems to help a small bit, but still has a pronounced roughness.
It feels almost as if something is rubbing. Any one have any idea where I should be looking? BTW single action hammer pull is nice and smooth.

 

[il Padrino]

Not sure if this help narrow it down, I'm right handed, and just tried cycling the 686 left handed double action, and noticed it makes a clicking sound when the trigger is pulled about the 1/4 way mark, does it every time, switched back to right hand and it does not do it unless I put some side pressure on the side of the trigger pushing it to the left.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

One gun may have more mileage so everything would be broken in with no rough spots. I'd recommend to stone the outside surfaces of the rebound block with a stone, no more than 80% clean, keeping all surfaces flat. Stone the interior frame and chase all the high spots too, removing burrs and such. Chase the sides of the trigger and hammer removing burrs, keep off the hooks, or you could cause problems with push off. In the faq sticky above, I talk of sing, that is what is causing the clicking sound as the trigger/hand is flexing differenty than pressing with your right hand only.

Your 686 needs a trigger job, that's all.

 

[il Padrino]

Well I opened it up again the other day and payed close attention to what was going on while puling the trigger in double action.
It appears the double action sear mounted on the hammer snaps a little while pulling the trigger left handed, kind of like it gets hung up then jumps into position on the mating trigger surface.
Not sure if it's worn and needs to be replaced?
For as old as the gun is, I'm considering just replacing the hammer/trigger set and just replace them both, Will a new hammer/trigger set just drop in or will it require fitting?
Or any ideas before going out and getting a new hammer and trigger for it?

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Old fitted parts. No guarantees. All you can do is try it, use the same hand. Maybe with luck it will work out for you. At the very worst, you can switch the parts back.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

You might try squareing up the DA sear in the hammer with a flat surface & a stone gently..

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

You might try squareing up the DA sear in the hammer with a flat surface & a stone gently..

+1 if it's the sear, just work on that.

 

[magnum12pm]

Well I opened it up again the other day and payed close attention to what was going on while puling the trigger in double action.
It appears the double action sear mounted on the hammer snaps a little while pulling the trigger left handed, kind of like it gets hung up then jumps into position on the mating trigger surface.
Not sure if it's worn and needs to be replaced?
For as old as the gun is, I'm considering just replacing the hammer/trigger set and just replace them both, Will a new hammer/trigger set just drop in or will it require fitting?
Or any ideas before going out and getting a new hammer and trigger for it?

You said " for as old as the gun is". A smith doesn't get old it gets better. You would have to shoot one heck of a lot of ammo or abuse it to wear it out.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Have a look at this short video
YouTube - Gunsmith - How to smooth double action trigger pull on a S&W

 

[shawn mccarver]

Your 686 needs a trigger job, that's all.

Or, you could shoot it a few thousand times, get the "trigger job" the old fashioned way and actually learn to shoot in the process!