Rounded trigger for Model 19

[Goblin]

I have a model 19 with a grooved, narrow trigger. I'd like to have a trigger with a smooth surface and rounded edges for recreational and competitive double-action shooting. I don't really want to grind down the original trigger, as I'm sure this would completely ruin its looks, unless I had it re-case-hardened after the shaping work was done.

Therefore, I'm planning to buy a second trigger, but should I buy another case hardened trigger? I'm thinking of one in stainless, as I don't mind that it wouldn't be a great match visually, and stainless would be easier to grind, polish and put a finished shine on.

Any thoughts on this? Do triggers have to be fitted to the gun, especially in the area of the cylinder stop engagement? Will I need a new cylinder stop as well? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[armorer951]

In order to get a factory trigger that is smooth, you will have to go a bit wider (to .312") than the "M&P" width trigger (.265") that I assume is in the gun. I personally would stay with a forged, case hardened trigger if you can find one. A MIM trigger will work in the gun, but they are not "color" case hardened like the old forged triggers. Stainless triggers are not actually stainless steel at all, but flash chromed. A "stainless" hammer will also function fine, but obviously, the finish will not match your hammer.

The new part will have to be fit to the gun, as these parts are not "drop-in". Whether or not you will need new parts will depend on the new trigger. It may need very liyttle fitting, or there may be some work and other parts involved.

If you like the width of your current trigger, you could always have the serrations professionally removed, and the trigger face polished and the sharp edges radiused a bit.

 

[Goblin]

If you like the width of your current trigger, you could always have the serrations professionally removed, and the trigger face polished and the sharp edges radiused a bit.

Since the case hardening and colors are only so deep, what would the trigger look like after the grooves and edges were taken off? Would it have a surface color almost like polished steel, or would it still match the sides of the trigger?

 

[Engine49guy]

What revision is your "Model 19" ?

Narrow Serrated triggers or serrated target triggers were standard until sometime in the early 80's when they went to a semi wide smooth "Combat trigger".
This is my favorite and much more comfortable IMO.
I have smoothed both but the medium wide smooth trigger is my favorite, A .500 (1/2 inch) wide target trigger can be narrowed,
Removing the serrations will expose the raw steel so the trigger would be shiny on its face unless you apply some cold blue or send it off to be case colored.

 

[chief38]

First off let me say that I do agree with trigger replacement rather than to grind up an original (but DO save the original). I have changed some of the triggers and hammers on a few Revolvers to wide target versions and while they have to be fitted (at least half the time) it is not overly complicated for someone who has been around the block a few times with S&W's.

You might also want to replace the hammer with a wide spur target style as well. Just make sure you seek out the period correct parts and if it were me I'd try and find unused (NOS) parts. They have been getting a bit scarce and expensive as compared to only a few years ago but they are are still available of you look hard enough.

 

[Goblin]

What revision is your "Model 19" ?

Narrow Serrated triggers or serrated target triggers were standard until sometime in the early 80's when they went to a semi wide smooth "Combat trigger".
This is my favorite and much more comfortable IMO.
I have smoothed both but the medium wide smooth trigger is my favorite, A .500 (1/2 inch) wide target trigger can be narrowed,
Removing the serrations will expose the raw steel so the trigger would be shiny on its face unless you apply some cold blue or send it off to be case colored.

That's what I thought about grinding the grooves out. Mine is a 19-3, and it does not have a target trigger or hammer. I'm familiar with the smooth trigger you've mentioned, and I'd like to get one of those and round the edges. Even the smooth trigger has sharp edges that I'd rather not have.

Thanks to all who have responded.

 

[armorer951]

Numrich has the smooth, forged, .312" trigger assembly.

Trigger Assembly, .312 Smooth, Color Case Hardened Gun Parts | 1546840 | Numrich Gun Parts