SW Bodyguard 380 w/ Short trigger bar issue

[Hurricaneforcewinds]

I just installed the Galloway Precision short trigger bar on a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 and took the gun to the range. The trigger would stay stuck in the rear most position after each shot and needed to be pushed forward again. I added some oil to the trigger assembly and it would still stay stuck back after every few shots or when the slide locked open. The trigger spring is permanently attached to the trigger pivot and will only install by bending the spring counter clockwise. This was done correctly. The trigger works perfectly with the slide off. The trigger also works perfectly most of the time when the slide is forward. However, when the slide locks back, the trigger bar is naturally prevented from rising in the rear due to the slide notch being to the rear. This seems to cause the bar to bind against the frame. It doesn't really "Lock" the trigger back. It just gets stuck. You can flick it forward again using your finger but you can feel it is snagged on something.

UPDATE:
12/11/2013
OK, Got a new bar from Galloway but also did a lot of polishing while I had the gun apart. Used FLITZ metal polish and a rag but no Dremel. There were some very strange high spots on the frame of the gun that were rubbing against the bar as well so I polished those down. Not sure what exactly fixed the issue but the gun is flawless now and I cannot stress enough the value of the shortened trigger bar. The accuracy is significantly improved as is my confidence with the gun.

 

[gdnagle]

You might want to contact Galloway Precision and see if anyone else is having this problem. I know some have installed it and don't remember anyone having this problem.

 

[Hurricaneforcewinds]

I have contacted Galloway. They say no one else has this problem. They said the spring was installed wrong. If that were true it would not work perfectly every time until the slide moves back. With snap caps the trigger is perfect. After the gun is fired sometimes it sticks but every time the slide locks back it the trigger sticks. I have installed the unit twice and still have the problem. I was VERY careful with trigger spring in particular. I am going to open it up AGAIN and I bet there is a wear mark on the trigger bar where it is rubbing against the frame. This would be a trigger bar issue, not an installation issue.

 

[gdnagle]

How about removing and reinstalling the original trigger bar just to make sure that's what it is then you can send Galloway pictures to back up your problem. I wish you luck and I will hold off on installing one until I know it works properly. We don't shoot the .380 much anyhow, ammo is still hard to get but we can get everything else.

Good luck.

 

[Hurricaneforcewinds]

That's a very good idea. Put the old one back, show no problems, then ask Galloway how that's possible. I'll get back to you on this.

BTW, my disappointed is compounded because the trigger bar is an AMAZING improvement! My tests before and after were remarkable. I am not a expert by any means but decreasing the pull length by 30% or more has made this the most accurate, easy shooting mouse gun I have. If I can fix this issue, this is a lifetime keeper.

 

[Hurricaneforcewinds]

Here is a video of exactly what is happening with the SW BG 380:

Smith Wesson 380 Galloway trigger problem - YouTube

 

[gdnagle]

Is this your video or someone else having the same problem? Send the link to Galloway Precision. Looks to be a tight tolerance with the trigger bar with the slide back. Maybe some dykem on the bar and look for where the wear is and you will find the high spot then slowly polish that area

 

[Hurricaneforcewinds]

This is my video. I just got in touch with Galloway Precision and we are in the process of determining the issue. As is typical for me I seem to be the only one with this problem. Galloway is being very helpful and I hope to clear this up soon. As I stated before, the modification itself is nothing less than miraculous when it comes to making the gun more fun to shoot.

 

[PapaD]

Mine did the same thing,found that the new bar had a very slight bend front to back. Got it straight and no more problem.

 

[Hurricaneforcewinds]

UPDATE:
12/11/2013
OK, Got a new bar from Galloway but also did a lot of polishing while I had the gun apart. Used FLITZ metal polish and a rag but no Dremel. There were some very strange high spots on the frame of the gun that were rubbing against the bar as well so I polished those down. Not sure what exactly fixed the issue but the gun is flawless now and I cannot stress enough the value of the shortened trigger bar. The accuracy is significantly improved as is my confidence with the gun.