Regarding the 642 - Is there a reason that . . .

[Mean Bone]

. . . the blasted trigger is so lousy!!

Every one I've tried is terrible.

Is there a reason for this? I'm not talking spring weight, either. It's just rough! My 640 (+P+) was never this bad.

Just purchased a new 642 two days ago and I'm currently giving it a poor man's action job (dry firing a few hundred times a day). It'll smooth up eventually but geez!

 

[ken158]

Well, J frames work off a coil mainspring which adds to the pull weight. There are kits out there where you can replace springs to get a lighter pull. Just remember, the factory wants the gun to fire every time the trigger is pulled - if you want a better pull, they will gladly do that for a fee...

 

[Mean Bone]

Originally posted by Mean Bone:
. . . I'm not talking spring weight, either. It's just rough! . . .

Spring weight is not the problem. I can deal with that.

I'm just wondering if there is something in the manufacturing process regarding the 642 that results in such a rough trigger pull.

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, I suspect it's the vagaries of individual guns. Two buddies of mine have 642s that they bought new; one has a smooth trigger, and the other feels like dragging a big rock uphill on a gravel road.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Mean Bone]

Originally posted by Ron H.:
Sir, I suspect it's the vagaries of individual guns.

Maybe so, I just haven't run into one that had a decent trigger.

. . . mine's beginning to come along, though. I can already feel a difference

 

[ChadW]

Very strange! My trigger isn't rough at all. I guess... just keep on shooting and shooting until it gets broken in. Man, what a horrible way to have to fix it...

 

[Drail]

Take it to a smith and have it smoothed. You shouldn't have to put up with a crummy trigger. Shooting it will not make as much difference and will take years. Or call S&W and give them a piece of your mind.

 

[Emerson]

My 642 had a good pull right out of the box..........a thousand rounds later and its even better.

 

[Gov]

Originally posted by Mean Bone:
Is there a reason for this? I'm not talking spring weight, either. It's just rough! My 640 (+P+) was never this bad.

Well, MB, they just don't make them like they used to... my model 19-3 is the sweetest trigger I have ever felt.

I have a few suggestions for you to try, other than the "PMTJ" consisting of a lot of dry firing.

If you're comfortable with it, you can pop the side plate and remove the mainspring from the frame using a paper clip (see Kunhausen and photo #1).

You'll notice that S&W decided to use a stamped, flat spring guide. Because of this, the spring guide is rough on one side where it connects to the hammer. (see photo #2).

On the advice from some kind soul in the S&W Smithing forum, I decided to clean this piece up with a dremel and some stone work. (see end result, photo #3)

Trigger feels 100% better... Still no M19, but better.

Photo #1 - stamped mainspring guide still installed in 642 with sideplate removed.

Photo #2 - Stock condition of socket end of stamped mainspring guide.

Photo #3 - modified condition of socket end of stamped mainspring guide.

Hope this helps explain things a bit and good luck!

~GOV