New to revolvers--a trigger question

[Dale53]

Nemesis;

The beauty of using the Crimson Trace grip as a "training aid" is that you get INSTANT FEEDBACK. This really shortens the learning curve.

I learned to shoot double action when competing in PPC. Once learned, you never forget it (kind of like riding a bicycle

).

Dale53

 

[scooter123]

Like others, I would STRONGLY suggest that you learn how to shoot a double action revolver properly, it will make you more accurate with any type of trigger. I purchased a used model 67 specifically in order to practice shooting double action. Now that I've learned how to shoot it well I find that I'll have to find a longer range to shoot at, 60 feet is getting to be too easy.

Tips.

1) Dry fire practice and lots of it. Make sure to watch your sights while you stroke the trigger. The goal is to minimize any movement of the sight picture.

2) DO NOT STAGE THE TRIGGER. BTW, this is pulling the trigger almost to the point where it breaks and following through after adjusting your sight picture. It's CHEATING and you won't improve if you stage the trigger. Learn how to pull that trigger in one smooth motion without causing the gun to move.

3) Experiment with your grip and finger placement on the trigger. Once you find what works well for you, modify your shooting with your semi autos to match as closely as possible. I use a variant of the Combat grip with my 67 that has my support hand thumb against the frame under the cylinder pointing forward and my stong hand thumb pointing forwars on the back of my support hand thumb. Space in this area is a bit tight so I do tickle my support hand thumb with my trigger finger but it really doesn't bother me at all. BTW, ABSOLUTELY NEVER use a grip that has any finger or thumb forward of the front face of your cyclinder, you'll either get burnt or lose that appendage depending on the caliber. Which means that at NO TIME do you wrap the trigger guard with a finger.

5) Practice, Practice, Practice. If you don't wear out at least 2 sets of snap caps dry firing, your not practicing enough. Once you master pulling the trigger with supported grip, then it's time for unsupported practice. Which is where I am now, I'm ok strong hand only but need a lot of work on my weak hand.

 

[wjh2657]

I pocket carry in warm months and I feel a whole lot more comfortable with a stronger trigger pull to avoid NDs. Practice will overcome any effect on your firing. I purchased a S&W 317 with an even stronger pull (and lighter weight weapon) and practice with it almost daily. I use CCI CB Shorts and a bullet trap. I am now very accurate at my desired combat range (50' and under) with my .38Spls.

 

[smith revolver cop]

Originally posted by dant:
My opinion always has been get the gun, use it, try out different ammo (accuracy) and develope your trigger finger for the change, and there is a BIG change from semi autos and the average revolver.....after some use and practice, then if you feel the 'need', check with a GOOD gunsmith, and even get their opinion as to the whys and the wherefores, may just need a 'deburr', springs or a smooth out, or NOTHING at all, and yes, some will try and sell you a 'complete action job' after ALL, THAT IS THEIR BUSINESS.....

with many revolvers it is felt that the heavier trigger pull is the ONLY thing "close to a safety..." seen them from 6 to 18 pounds.

+1. Well said. If you're new to revolvers, they will take a lot of getting used to; the trigger pull (DA especially, but even the SA pull) is considerably different than semi-autos, even triggers that have been well modified. Shoot at least a few thousand (yes, thousand!) rounds before you even think about changing it. I'd also recommend finding someone who has had their gun worked on by the same smith, then try theirs to see what you think of the job.

 

[rdykmans]

I've got the 327 M&P as well. Of the 6 Smiths I own it has the longest/heaviest pull of any of mine. It is smooth though so I figured it was designed that way.

My favorite trigger is my PC 66-6 carry comp followed by a 70s model 19.