Smooth Trigger - 29-2?

[22hipower]

The oldest grandson and I went to a gun show this weekend. After looking at tables of inexpensive foreign produced knives, knock-off cologne, candles, jerky, and a few other items my grandson asked "why do they call this a gun show?" Good question, but there were a few guns, even a few S&W revolvers.

Which brings me to the question, did S&W put anything other than target triggers in 29-2s towards the end of 29-2 production? This one from 1980 looked pretty good but has a smooth standard width trigger. Except for that and the Hogue grips (which I replaced as soon as I got it home) it is in very nice condition. Tight as any S&W I own, absolutely no end shake, DA and SA are excellent, and the recoil shield shows little wear. Doesn't appear that Bubba has been inside. But I didn't think S&W would have used anything but target triggers in 1980 for 29-2s. Does anyone know otherwise? Thanks.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2oj6LSM https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2oj7SZ8 https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2oj7SWT https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[robertrwalsh]

Maybe its just me but it looks from the photo like that trigger has been smoothed. Also, in response to the basic question, I have never seen one with a standard width smooth trigger, but my experience is hardly massive.

 

[murphydog]

In 1980 the Target hammer and trigger were standard on the model 29-2, so a service width trigger was almost certainly swapped into this one.

 

[Fullmetaljacket]

Looks like it was ground smooth to me. I see very faint impressions where the grooves were. Wouldn't have kept me from buying it as it looks little used from the pics.

 

[22hipower]

Wouldn't have kept me from buying it as it looks little used from the pics.

And it didn't keep me from buying it either. The trigger actually feels fine and the action is very smooth. I just can't imagine why someone having one with a target trigger would change it out. As a fellow member here says occasionally "people buy this stuff and treat it just like they own it." Only explanation needed I suppose.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[BSA1]

My 4” 29-2 came with the 3-T’s. I switched the target trigger for a factory smooth one which is wider than the trigger on your gun. A smooth trigger is better for double action shooting.

 

[Pizza Bob]

I just can't imagine why someone having one with a target trigger would change it out.

A narrow smooth trigger is preferrable for double-action shooting - thus the "birth" of the combat trigger - a little wider than standard, but not as wide as a Target trigger. The Target trigger was really meant for single-action shooting. I'm surprised that they went to the trouble of smoothing it, but didn't radius the edges.

Good score!

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Hair Trigger]

It's a modified standard trigger. Maybe someone saw, or shot, a S&W with the smooth combat trigger, liked it and couldn't find one for his M29-2, so they put in a standard one that they'd ground most of the ribs off. The smooth combat trigger was an available option, was a bit wider than the standard trigger but not as wide as the target trigger. I have one on my M28-2 and I like it better than either the target or standard. I don't have a picture handy, can post one later.

 

[Hank Dodge]

I will rarely shoot a double action in single action mode, so I tend to prefer the smooth faced triggers.

 

[Laketime]

Nice gun and judging by both the Hogue grips and modified trigger my guess would be either a pin gun or combat ready gun.

 

[murphydog]

Correct on the above; the grooved service .265", the smooth Combat .400" and the grooved .500 wide Target triggers.

 

[Rpg]

Immediately after buying my 29-2 in 1977 I had the trigger replaced by a smooth, wide trigger.

It’s been a while, but I think I remember the original trigger was standard width and had Smith’s usual length wise grooves.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Correct on the above; the grooved service .265", the smooth Combat .400" and the grooved .500 wide Target triggers.

Don't forget the best one, the smooth .312 Combat trigger.

 

[Ga Johnny]

Market research question

Later model dash 2, 4in blue, without factory grips, what'd have to give for that ?

 

[22hipower]

Market research question

Later model dash 2, 4in blue, without factory grips, what'd have to give for that ?

With a box of ammo, a box of empties, a lined leather holster, $1k. Hadn't seen a nice one at that price in a couple years.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Hair Trigger]

Here's the .400" smooth combat trigger that is on my M28-2.

 

[Nightowl]

I think the smooth triggers came later. I do not remember anything but grooved target and standard triggers in 1980. I agree with Protocall Design that the best is the .312 smooth trigger.

I have my old 29-2, 4 inch that I carried on SWAT duty back in the late 70s that I installed a slightly smoothed stainless standard trigger in for DA shooting. The standard .500 target trigger is very cumbersome double action work.

 

[murphydog]

Don't forget the best one, the smooth .312 Combat trigger.

Was the .312" smooth trigger a K or N frame part, or interchangeable?

 

[Nightowl]

Alan: K, L, and N frame triggers are interchangeable. The first I remember a smooth .312 trigger was when the L frames were introduced. My AAA serial number shipped in June 1981. Now, remember, that is a 40 plus year old memory. I also seem to remember discussion that the first .312 smooth trigger was on the Texas Ranger Commemorative. I never had one, so not sure about that.

 

[Inland7-45]

I have a 29-2 that was factory re nickeled in 1983. At the time of the re work the target trigger was changed out for a service trigger. I have the original trigger and hand. If I or the next owner want to go back to the original it will be easy.

The DA pull on my 29-2 is very smooth even though no action tuning was requested during the rework. This is a good grouping gun and it is easy to hit DA with a good 2 hand hold. I love shooting .44 Specials or lower end .44 Mag through this gun.

Your 4” 29 looks really nice. If you reload I would suggest rolling some .44 Specials and have some fun shooting DA. If it were minevI would leave it as is and enjoy.