Smooth faced trigger vs. serrated vs. checkered.

[bizguy]

So, I have been curious about this for a little while. I have a modest collection of S&W revolvers and within that group there are three different types of triggers. My 1978 28-2 4in. Highway Patrolman has a narrow serrated trigger. My 1980 27-2 6in. has a wide checkered "target" trigger. And my PC 327 8-shot snub has a trigger with a smooth face.

They all feel comfortable and I shoot fine with whichever type. So, what are the advantages of one type over the other?

Regards,
Bizguy

 

[bizguy]

So, I have been curious about this for a little while. I have a modest collection of S&W revolvers and within that group there are three different types of triggers. My 1978 28-2 4in. Highway Patrolman has a narrow serrated trigger. My 1980 27-2 6in. has a wide checkered "target" trigger. And my PC 327 8-shot snub has a trigger with a smooth face.

They all feel comfortable and I shoot fine with whichever type. So, what are the advantages of one type over the other?

Regards,
Bizguy

 

[BE Mike]

The narrow smooth faced trigger is considered by many to be the best for double-action revolver shooting from the holster. The smooth trigger helps the shooter to keep the trigger moving straight to the rear when rolling the double-action pull.

The wider serrated triggers are generally believed better for single-action shooting. They allow more trigger finger on the trigger which gives the feel of a lighter trigger pull. The serrations keep the trigger finger from moving or slipping which is thought to be helpful in precision single-action shooting. The checkering not only allows the trigger finger to remain in place from side-to-side, it also keeps it from riding up and down along the length of the trigger.

 

[bizguy]

BE Mike,

That makes a lot of sense. Thank you for the info.

Regards,
Bizguy

 

[Polar Boy]

Originally posted by BE Mike:
The narrow smooth faced trigger is considered by many to be the best for double-action revolver shooting from the holster. The smooth trigger helps the shooter to keep the trigger moving straight to the rear when rolling the double-action pull.

On several occasions I've heard Jerry Michulek say that he believes the reverse to be true. He says he HATES the smooth triggers. It's his opinion that the grooved triggers provide better feedback when shooting fast D/A.

But then again ... What the heck does he know?

 

[Texas Star]

I've only seen checkered triggers on old Colts.

 

[Wickahoney]

I've never actually seen a "checkered" trigger on a S&W. ANy idea of what Models and when these were made/issued. A"checkered trigger would be one with the groooves and then cross hatching or checkering at a 90 degree angle. Sort of like the handles of the early post war sight adjustment tools.

I just don't remember a trigger styled that way. Smooth or groved in various widths but not actually "checkered". ?????

RWT

 

[Onomea]

Grant Cunningham has an interesting discussion on this on his website. He advocates a smooth trigger for DA, but notes that Michulek does not. He doesn't say Jerry's wrong. Who could argue with Jerry's success? He just disagrees. I have smooth triggers on DA revos I have had customized. Chalk it up to personal preference.

Here ya go, towards the bottom: http://www.grantcunningham.com/good_trigger.html

As for checkered triggers above, I think the poster just made a typo for serrated.

 

[arkypete]

With the exception of the model 25 I used for Bullseye I used a flexable shaft and ground the triggers smooth. And since I'm right handed I ground the right side of the trigger to gentle slope to remove the edge that was giving me a blister during long strings of double action fire.
I'm sure the collectors will hate me but my S&Ws are for using and need to be comfortable.

Jim

 

[Jack Flash]

My guess is that the standard serrated trigger is meant to enhance trigger control under all environmental conditions, sweaty hands, gloved hands, etc. They are on all my M28s, which was designed as the ultimate no-frills LE N-Frame.

 

[H Richard]

The only "checkered" trigger I have on my S&W's is the mod. 1 1/2 center-fire. But is certainly wasn't a target gun.

 

[feralmerril]

I have a very finely checkered trigger on a triplelock. The gun was sent back to smith & wesson in 1949 & again in 1950. Smith & wesson target sights were added to the gun as it was shipped with fixed sights.