Model 17-4 trigger question

[Dewy12]

I purchased a pristine 17-4 last year but it has a very stiff gritty trigger. Much stiffer than my other K22's. I thought it might work out. Over 1000 shots later, it is no better. I use this gun only in single action for target practice. Should I just polish the action or replace rebound spring or what. I have disassemble these guns before and feel somewhat adequate for the job, but you all know best. What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
Dewy

 

[OKFC05]

Well, I'd start with some facts, like measuring the actual trigger pulls in lbs, checking for obvious burrs on the sides of the internals, and being sure it is properly cleaned and lubed.


Then go from there, if that does not solve it. You might want to study up on what affects the single action pull, if that's all you want to change.

 

[H Richard]

The gun obviously has a little problem, if you are experienced and have several K22's to compare it to. It could be as simple as some grit, machining residue that somehow did not get cleaned out before assembly. I would remove the side plate, inspect, spray liberally with a brake & parts cleaner and blow out with compressed air, then lightly lubricate where it should be. Re-assemble and see if that doesn't help. If that doesn't help, then I would be looking at the need for some polishing. All hammer springs weren't created equal either. When you see a bunch of them side by side there is quite a variation. You may have just gotten a heavier one that could be replaced by a lighter one.

 

[rct269]

"Stiff", by itself, says rebound slide spring (more than likely). "Gritty" is puzzling. Gritty when firing the gun single action----or when releasing the trigger?

I take it you have not been inside it. That being the case, pop the sideplate off, and have a look. As pristine inside as it is out-----------or a disaster zone? Given the latter, keep going---everything out/soaked/scrubbed (everything and everywhere)---including all the holes (See Brownells assortment of pipe cleaners for the little-bity holes.) Sit and stare---any obvious nicks/burrs/unusual marks/wear on the finish? If not, go over the interior (and the moving parts---including the inside of the rebound slide) with Q-Tips----snagging on anything----pulling any fibers from the Q-Tips? If this "gritty" is when firing, have a look at the business ends of the hammer and trigger (the engaging areas) with GOOD light and magnification. If everything looks/feels kosher, stuff it back together, and try it. Along the way, measure the wire diameter and free length of the rebound spring, and report back.

As an aside, I recently put a Miculek Spring Kit in a beater M&P---bought new in 1920, and carried daily in the hip pocket of my father-in-law's overalls for 50+ years---and apparently last worked on by Bubba's Blacksmith Shop (No offense to blacksmiths---good ones anyway.). The rebound spring had been replaced, apparently selected only on the basis it would fit in the hole. The DA trigger pull was 22 lbs.------make that 22 LBS!!!! In view of the fact I know these guns inside, upside down, and backwards, there was no need to read the instructions---and the gun was locked up tighter than a bank vault when I finished (thought I was finished)! When I finished the second time, the DA pull was 7 lbs----slick and smooooooooooooooooth!! I didn't measure the SA pull because I wasn't going to use it that way, but it was NICE!! Something to keep in mind for after we find out what's what now.

Ralph Tremaine

And don't forget the inside of the sideplate---they don't make them like they used to!!

 

[rct269]

But---BUT first, the strain screw is: A. The proper length----------------and B. Snugged up nicely.

RIGHT?!!

RT

 

[Dewy12]

Sorry so long getting back and thanks for all the replies. I haven't opened the gun up yet but will this weekend. The gritty part is the trigger return, however, the SA is very hard to pull. I will weigh it before I do anything. The strain screw is night and tight. I feel very sure that this gun was not messed with- it showed no signs of previous firing. Got the JM video and I'm going to start grinding on the stone- just kidding. I'm going to take this extremely slow and practice on old junk first. If, and it is a big if, I decide to go to a different spring, what would you all recommend?
Thanks again for your help.
Dewy

 

[H Richard]

I put a 14 lb rebound spring in mine. To me it is the best balance between reliability and lightness.

 

[Troystat]

My 17-4 had a really stiff trigger when I got it and a trigger job and action job really made a difference. If you want to be really careful, before you take the side plate off take the grips off and flush the insides out with CLP, it could be you just have a lot of old grease and gunk in there. Also see what the cylinder gap sometimes they are really tight. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Dewy12]

This gun has a very small cylinder gap. I'm at work and don't have the measurements, but it is extremely tight. But help me understand. There is no rubbing on the cone, so why would this make for a hard pull? There is no difference in the pull weight when cleaned as opposed to dirty. Am I misunderstanding something? Probably am.

 

[Dewy12]

I want to give an update. I measured the SA trigger pull at 7.5lb. The DA was more than could be measured with the digital gauge. The inside of the gun was very clean. All looked fine until I took it apart and looked at the engaging areas. Lots of burrs and unevenness. Since I've only done one other trigger job, I was probably too easy on the stone. Replaced the rebound with a 14 lb spring like H Richard suggested. SA trigger pull is now just under 3 lb and DA is just over 9 lb. It is still not butter smooth but probably as good as I can do. Thanks for everybody's help. I'll be back with more questions shortly.