Model 15/67 trigger questions

[carguychris]

Howdy all,

I'm shopping for a .38Spl Model 15 "twin" for my treasured Model 18-2. I'm including Model 67s in my search since I'd like something for CCW and I like the durable SS finish. I have a few questions about triggers, one of which was partially answered in a thread that turned up when I did a search, but I'd like to ask again to be sure.

1) What year or dash number did S&W transition from the narrow grooved "service" trigger to the narrow smooth "combat" trigger?

2) What year or dash number did S&W stop installing the adjustable trigger stop as a standard feature on guns built for civilian sale? (I'm aware of the factory bulletin recommending its removal on LE guns, and that many subsequent LE special-order guns were delivered without it.)

3) Is it true that all Model 15/67s left the factory with the slot and screw for the trigger stop, regardless of whether they were delivered with the stop actually installed? Do all of these guns use the same stop?

Regarding #2 and #3, I like the trigger stop, so I'm considering installing one if I buy a gun without it.

Thanks!

 

[Art Doc]

You know more than I. I was unaware that the trigger stop was ever deleted.

I have also never seen one with a smooth trigger.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Chris, I can't answer all of your questions, but according to the book, the 2" and 4" 15 and the 67, always came with the smooth .321" combat trigger. The 6", and 8 3/8" guns had the serrated .265" trigger. Page 113 2nd edition SCSW

A while back, there was a thread here in which someone posted a picture of one that shipped without the stop, but the slot was still there, so I know it happened at least once.

 

[carguychris]

Chris, I can't answer all of your questions, but according to the book, the 2" and 4" 15 and the 67, always came with the smooth .321" combat trigger.

I've seen several 60s-vintage Model 15s with the 0.265" serrated (aka grooved) service trigger. My 1962 Model 18-2 also has a serrated trigger.

OTOH I've never handled a Model 67 with the serrated service trigger rather than the smooth combat trigger, but all the Model 67s I've ever handled were mid-80s or later, hence the question.

A while back, there was a thread here in which someone posted a picture of one that shipped without the stop, but the slot was still there, so I know it happened at least once.

Is this the thread in question?

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/87793-trigger-stops-m15.html

FWIW I used to own a Model 19-5 with an empty trigger stop slot and a 0.312" smooth combat trigger. I didn't have the original box and never got the gun lettered, so it's possible that the trigger stop was removed by a previous owner, but according to the other thread, it's also possible that the gun never had one in the first place.

 

[duckloads]

I have two, 15-4's, square butt, nickle snubbys. One is pinned and made in 1980, so I'm told. it has the serrated trigger. The other one was made about 1982, and it has a smooth trigger.

Both have a slot in the frame behind the trigger for a stop? I never noticed the slot until now.

I shoot the 1982 model as much as I get a chance. I put some rubber Houge's on it for the range, and I really like the way the rubbers feel. Out to 20 feet, or out as far as I can see, That little snubby will make a 6 shot ragged hole. The pinned 1980 model is like new and just for looking at.

 

[flagman1776]

My M19-3 had a trigger stop when I bought it new in 1977. I made a trip to the Service Center as LEO, they removed the stop (returned to me like they always did with customer parts) as this was a duty weapon at that time.
Russ

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Is this the thread in question?

Yes sir, I do believe that's the thread I was thinking of.

I have no idea about whether or not any of the early 5 screw or even '60's guns came with serrated triggers. I just posted what the catalog I have handy at the moment says here-Page 113 2nd edition SCSW
.

 

[vrichard]

mdl.67

This mdl.67--has the trigger stop plus the narrow grooved trigger.
Dick

 

[shawn mccarver]

You know more than I. I was unaware that the trigger stop was ever deleted.

I have also never seen one with a smooth trigger.

Sometime in the mid-70s, it was determined that the trigger stop on the K frames could come loose, rotate in the slot and tie up the gun. Since this was not good for LE guns, S&W sent out written instructions for removal of the trigger stop. The slots remained in the frames, however. They later re-designed the stop so it could not rotate even if it came loose. I am not sure they ever resumed installing them in 4 inch guns, however, I believe they did in 6 inch and longer guns.

 

[exdetsgt]

My 1970 M15-3 has the serrated trigger, no stop..

 

[H Richard]

15-2, 4" shipped 6/67 and 15-3, 2" shipped 6/74 and both have serrated triggers.

 

[jeffrey]

My 4-inch 15-4 has the narrow grooved trigger and the trigger stop. FWIW, my old 4-inch 15-3 had the trigger stop and a target trigger and hammer.