Success in lightening J-Frame trigger

[flaman]

I purchased a S&W 442 (no lock) from Budsgunshop.com last month. For me, this is the perfect concealed weapon! The fit and finish of the revolver was awesome, but the trigger left much to be desired.

After reading post after post (in the gun forums), the general consensus was not to alter it in any way if it were going to be used for concealed carry. Unfortunately, most of the posts I read were probably written by folks who didn't even own a J-frame...

The grittiness of the trigger, along with the heavy pull weight would never have allowed me to shoot this revolver well. So, after dry firing it about 1000 times, I ordered a reduced weight J-frame spring kit from Wilson Combat (probably a re-packaged kit from Wolf gun spring) and tore the J-frame apart. The first thing I noticed was the action was nearly dry. I replaced the stock 18 lb. trigger rebound spring with a 13 lb. spring. I lubed the action with Wilson Combat trigger lube. The ONLY thing that I polished was the round end of the hammer strut (which was VERY rough), and re-used the 8-1/2 lb power spring (hammer spring)- I didn't opt to go with the 8 lb replacement spring, because I didn't want to risk light primer strikes.

To sum up I:
Disassembled
Replaced stock 18 lb. trigger rebound spring with 13 lb. spring
Polished Hammer strut
Lubed
Reassembled

I really think the lack of lubrication and the horrible finish of the hammer strut caused most of the grittiness. I did not polish other internals, because many part are MIM; I didn't want to risk over-polishing

I brought it to the range and shot about 400 rounds. I shot Hornady Critical defense, two different Hornady XTP loads, S&B, WWB, CCI snake shot, Federal, and hand loads (with CCI primers). I had ZERO ignition or trigger reset problems. The work I did made a REMARKABLE difference in the trigger; it allowed me to shoot 2" groups at 7 yards and it shot POA every time.

I just wanted to share my positive experience....

 

[Nevadadvx]

Good job! The reasons you state are why I sold my 442 and got a 637 that I can fire in single action. I was so inaccurate with the 442, because of it's trigger pull, it was embarrassing.

 

[flaman]

I hear you... I'm not going to sell a gun I love because the trigger is horrible. Some of the "self proclaimed gun gurus" scare the hell out of people on these forums. I've read things like "you'll be putting your life at risk" if you alter a stock J-frame. While I understand their concern, it is a tool; a mechanical devise.... It must be completely tested if it's been altered-like any other mechanical devise; which I've done. For me, there are three rules to concealed carry:

1) My gun has to be small enough to carry anywhere at any time (No sense of bringing my fists to a gun fight)
2) The caliber must have a proven history of being an effective man stopper and I must be proficient at shooting it well. I must be able to control the trigger if I am to shoot it well.
3) It must be reliable; it must go "BANG" every time

 

[Cobra21]

Fman, That is really great news. I have been pocket carrying my J more and more these days, but I sure could use some assistance with that trigger...Not sure I have (actually I am sure I do not have) the skill to take it down and do the replacement/polish you did, but it is good to know that it can be done affordably.

 

[diamonback68]

The ONLY thing that I polished was the round end of the hammer strut (which was VERY rough)


Polished Hammer strut


I really think the lack of lubrication and the horrible finish of the hammer strut caused most of the grittiness.

What do you mean by hammer strut? Please describe.

 

[jack the toad]

I just wanted to share my positive experience....

Congrats. I like stories with happy endings.

 

[caryg]

How about a few pictures Flaman, I would like too see how you did it myself. I carry a 442 also and would love a smoother trigger action.

 

[Robinett_11B]

Sounds more like a training issue....I've put 2,000+ rounds through my internally-stock 442-2 in the last year and I have only gotten better and better with it. Would my shooting of improved faster with lighter springs? Probably. Dealing with the heavier stock J-frame trigger, though, has made me a more accomplished shooter with most any other gun I pick up. Good that it worked for you though...I've been considering having the internals on mine slicked up a bit, but wouldn't start swapping factory springs; as this is a primary CC piece at times, and a BUG at others.

 

[MSgt G]

I've been wanting to do the same to my wife's 642, but have been putting it off.

 

[Gasman1972]

I recently installed a Wolf 14# rebound spring in my wife's 638 and I too left the original hammer spring.

The change to the trigger pull was very noticeable and she can now pull the trigger in DA.

 

[flaman]

What do you mean by hammer strut? Please describe.

The hammer strut is the flat piece of stamped steel that the power spring (or hammer spring- to some) fits over, which fits into the hammer.

 

[flaman]

Sounds more like a training issue....I've put 2,000+ rounds through my internally-stock 442-2 in the last year and I have only gotten better and better with it. Would my shooting of improved faster with lighter springs? Probably. Dealing with the heavier stock J-frame trigger, though, has made me a more accomplished shooter with most any other gun I pick up. Good that it worked for you though...I've been considering having the internals on mine slicked up a bit, but wouldn't start swapping factory springs; as this is a primary CC piece at times, and a BUG at others.

I would have done the very same as you a few years ago, but I've got a touch of arthritis, so doing as I described helped tremendously. I was also concerned about swapping factory springs on CC, but I'm not concerned in the least after testing it as much as I did- with all sorts of carry ammo

 

[flaman]

How about a few pictures Flaman, I would like too see how you did it myself. I carry a 442 also and would love a smoother trigger action.

I would like to help with pics, but I'm not going to open it back up after my reliability testing; ammo is too expensive to go thru the testing again- which of course I would have to do (I'm kinda OCD like that with my carry guns)

Have you ever heard of "Nutfancy"? I have to confess... I'm not a Nutfancy fan at all, but check out his Youtube video of a J-frame trigger job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4GtXq2XXOI&feature=related

I HIGHLY recommend NOT polishing the aluminum frame or MIM action parts like the video. It does do a pretty good job showing and explaining the J-Frame action

 

[flaman]

Fman, That is really great news. I have been pocket carrying my J more and more these days, but I sure could use some assistance with that trigger...Not sure I have (actually I am sure I do not have) the skill to take it down and do the replacement/polish you did, but it is good to know that it can be done affordably.

You could do it!!!! I posted this link in another reply... Although I'm not a Nutfancy fan, the video does a pretty good job showing J-Frame action:

YouTube - S&W Airweight Trigger Job: "The Yoda G Mod"

Remember- I don't recommend polishing aluminum frame or MIM parts (like in the video) and I left the 8.5lb factory power spring alone, as to not compromise reliability.

 

[diamonback68]

The hammer strut is the flat piece of stamped steel that the power spring (or hammer spring- to some) fits over, which fits into the hammer.

Don't mind me, I'm think K frame and up and forgot the J-frame has a coil spring. Haven't had a good day.

 

[Robinett_11B]

I would have done the very same as you a few years ago, but I've got a touch of arthritis, so doing as I described helped tremendously. I was also concerned about swapping factory springs on CC, but I'm not concerned in the least after testing it as much as I did- with all sorts of carry ammo

At least you found a combo that works reliably and with your arthritis. I can see where you'd be more inclined to want to change springs if it was more out of necessity vs. comfort.

Good shooting -Rob

 

[shootinbil]

I recently installed a Wolf 14# rebound spring in my 638 and I too left the original hammer spring. I did a full trigger job .The change to the trigger pull was very noticeable . I am thinking about changing the hammer spring to 8#.

 

[ebrown0179]

Has anyone sent thier J- frame off to S&W to have a J- Frame package done to it. I am considering sending my 442 in.

 

[robctwo]

I bought the 638-3 a short while ago. I bought the shooter's pack from Wolff. 8 pound hammer spring, variety of rebound springs.

I've been taking S&Ws apart for a year now. I have the Kuhnhausen manual and good tools.

I stoned the rebound slide and a few spots on the hammer. Installed the 8 pound hammer spring and 14 pound rebound spring. Polished everything with 600 wet/dry sandpaper. I've run a a couple hundred reloads with CCI primers through with 100% ignition.

The D/A trigger is MUCH better.

 

[shootinbil]

I going to put the 8 pound hammer spring in my S&W 638. I'm going to a full trigger job and polish everything in my S&W 642. I will installed the 8 pound hammer spring and 14 pound rebound spring.