In search of a lightest DA pull, J frame or K frame?

[SquarePizza]

I am looking to set up a 38 special revolver with the lightest DA pull that I can safely and reliably pull off. What would be a better platform based on trigger pull.... a J frame or a K frame?


*Background* My mother has extremely limited hand strength and I am looking to set up a centerfire revolver for her, as she cannot operate the slide of an auto, and 22lr is still iffy at best in my area.

She currently uses a ruger single-six but has to use both thumbs to cock the hammer, the overall weight of the gun is just about at the limit of what she can handle.

I would load specifically for her... maybe 38 short colts or 38 spec wad cutters. By loading myself I can tinker around with finding low enough recoil and use specific primers that I know will go off, so I am not worried about reduced reliability with all brands of ammo.

As for the return spring, she wont be competing with Jerry, so my only concern there is that it actually reset reliably. There is no worry about out running the trigger.

So given all of that, I am thinking either a police trade in model 10, or trying to find a used J frame to start with.

 

[MattO]

I recently bought a Model 15 that has one of the smoothest and lightest DA pulls I've seen on a .38.

 

[nitesite]

I think the coil mainspring of the J-frame can never compete with the flat leaf spring of a K-frame when lightening the DA trigger pull.

 

[rwsmith]

Hey Hey....

Sounds like a perfect job for a model 10.

 

[SquarePizza]

Thank you nitesite, I was thinking after I posted if I should have just said coil spring vs leaf spring. =)

 

[Hapworth]

Indeed, the leaf spring is superior to the coil if you're aiming for light double action. Too, the larger K-frame will always provide better leverage for the lockwork to function with less effort compared to the J-frame.

For your specific purposes, K-frame every time.

However, consider a J-frame anyway; you likely can get it light enough to suit your mother, and the smaller frame might be more manageable for her hand size and strength.

An all steel one will likely absorb enough of whatever light hand load you settle on, too.

She should get an opportunity to handle both before you commit to the project.

 

[Alk8944]

The lightest double-action revolvers are S&W K-Frame guns with the original long action. These were built only until 1946/7.

As a practical matter, if she has so little hand strength that she has to use both hands to manually cock a revolver it is extremely un-likely that she will be able to fire any revolver in double-action.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

K frame. Also would soak up some recoil even on the 38. Needs a polish job

 

[johngalt]

Definitely not the J frame.

 

[Biggfoot44]

For the specific question , K Frame.

But the larger question is finding a self defense handgun for an elderly/ handicaped person with minimal strength in fingers/ hand/ arm . Been there , done that.

If it takes both hands to cock a SA revolver , with its' better leverage, things aren't too good. It takes more strength to run a DA trigger with an index finger , than to cock a Sa hammer with a thumb. A .22WMR SA revolver already IS the almost last ditch SD option.often there is an issue with the weight of the actual gun , and being able to physically lift it into firing position.

At that point you have two options - in the lare '50s and early '60s , Colt made their rimfire "Frontier Scout" revolver with an optional frame. My personal favorite , but in the modern times , you would have to fight with Colt Collectors. Second choice would be a Ruger Bearcat.

When even that is no longer feasable , the rock bottom last chance gun is a tip up bbl .25acp Berretta.

Once someone looses enough physical capability , they are probably at the point of moved in with relative to care for them , or in a nursing home.

 

[diyj98]

I agree K over the j.

At the risk of being burned at the stake, you might take a look at a Ruger LCR or LCRX. They have a light and super smooth trigger pull.

 

[vipermd]

A K frame with the leaf spring would be the desired way to go, with the benefit of greater leverage. J's have there place but not here. In regards to how light you can go is dependent on the quality of your gunsmith. I have no idea as to your skills, but smoothing an action can go along way towards comfort and ease of use in young or old hands. Springs can be replaced or modified by a competent gunsmith since it is not just a matter of dropping in the lowest weight spring. Also experiment with grip styles, since they will ultimately determine her finger/hand position. Lastly ammo, 38 short colt's are anemic at best and should be avoided, wadctters/JHP/SP none requires greater trigger pull or have more recoil than the other. I would look at Speer Gold dot short barrel loads since they were designed to function/expand at lower velocities. Light wadcutter loads that have similar POA/POI as the gold dot would be great for inexpensive practice. You might consider a M 15 due to the adjustable sights. Take your time fast, it can be frustrating finding the Goldilock gun set correctly, but it is for MOM, and it will make you feel good. Be Safe,

 

[Engine49guy]

I realize that your comparing K to J frame revolver triggers but "The Lightest DA revolver trigger " I have ever handled is the ltd production Colt SFVI 6 shot .38 special,
The DA trigger is actually borderline too light and apparently received some complaints in its day.

 

[Georgia1911]

You could split the difference and consider a Colt D frame. Trigger more like a K, but smaller and lighter like a J. I know Diamondback prices are kinda silly lately, but there are Police Positives out there in 38 S&W (if you want a low power 38) or 38 Special for similar prices to Model 10s.

 

[riverrat38]

If it were me, and it might be some day, as I am having problems with my hands, I would look at increasing the leverage on the hammer spur.
For now, hand exercises are keeping me in the game.
I have seen hammer spur extensions used in quick draw type competitions. I might consider a Ruger SSA type like the Single Six in 327 Federal Magnum, as its considerably lighter than the Blackhawks.
Or, maybe the hammer on a K or J frame revolver could be modified to give more leverage, and maybe made easier to use the palm or even forearm, as required.
Considering the changing demographics , there might be commercial possibilities for a gun designed with this sort of problem in mind.
I don't know much about autos, but it should be possible to add leverage to the slide. This would improve the situation over a revolver when it comes to follow up shots, and may be the best solution.

Best,
Rick

 

[Ghostofwar]

I have a 3" barrel model 65 (K-Frame) with a bobbed hammer and it is DA only. I put the lightest Wolff mainspring and return spring in it and polished up the internals. I expected to have light primer strikes, but the only light strikes I got were on CCI primers. I have shot a couple hundred rounds of GA Arms wadcutters through it with no issues.

The purpose of doing this was to make an easy shooting self defense revolver for my wife. It turned out great. The DA trigger pull is right around 6 pounds if I remember correctly.

 

[_Dylan_]

Ruger LCR revolvers have light DA triggers on them also.

A tip-up barrel Beretta is a good choice also if your mother can get over the single action. But many people can't, so I'd stick with the revolver. It's pretty hard to mess one of those up if it's loaded and you can pull the trigger.