Target Trigger Timeline

[pbryant]

Good evening, guys. Approximately what year did Smith & Wesson start offering the 1/2" wide target trigger on the K-frame models, like the 14 and 15 (or Pre-14 and Pre-15, whichever the case may be)?

I have the chance to buy a 1952 Pre model 14, which has a target hammer, but no target trigger. It just has the standard width (.265"?) serrated trigger.

Thanks for the help!
Phillip

 

[rbmac52]

I've seen many a Masterpiece with just the serrated .500" Target Hammer and the standard grooved service trigger. I'm pretty sure the serrated hammer preceded the grooved Target Trigger by a couple of years during the early to mid-50's.

There is a distinction between serrations and grooves. Looking at the hammer and trigger surfaces the difference is clear. Even the SCSW sometimes refers to grooved triggers as serrated, but they are not.

 

[pbryant]

I've seen many a Masterpiece with just the serrated .500" Target Hammer and the standard grooved service trigger. I'm pretty sure the serrated hammer preceded the grooved Target Trigger by a couple of years during the early to mid-50's.

There is a distinction between serrations and grooves. Looking at the hammer and trigger surfaces the difference is clear. Even the SCSW sometimes refers to grooved triggers as serrated, but they are not.

It definitely has the standard grooved trigger, for sure. Just the vertical grooves in the face of the trigger.

-Phillip

 

[Doc44]

Target hammers were available before target triggers so it is not unusual to find a revolver with a TH and a standard trigger. For N-frames, the target trigger I believe was introduced in early 1955 and possibly at the same time for K-frames.

Bill

 

[Bullet Bob]

Not a definitive answer, but this 1952 K-38 has a target hammer with a standard trigger. Of course, I can't know if it left the factory that way, but to all appearances inside and out it appears to be original to the revolver.

Edited to add - I checked my files, and I do have a letter from Mr. Jinks on this revolver, but it doesn't mention the type of hammer or trigger listed.

 

[series guy]

Remember that trigger shoes were a popular accessory back in those days. I've seen more than a few old Smiths with the target hammer and a trigger shoe.

 

[JSticks]

This is a picture of a K38, 1953 vintage. It has the 1/2” target hammer and standard trigger with trigger shoe. I learned from this forum that the 1/2” trigger was not available for several after 1953. Oops! I’ll post the picture later today.

Somewhere I saw some sales literature from S&W that only referred to two options, target stocks and target hammer.

 

[StrawHat]

...There is a distinction between serrations and grooves. Looking at the hammer and trigger surfaces the difference is clear. Even the SCSW sometimes refers to grooved triggers as serrated, but they are not...

Any chance of a photo for clarity?

Kevin

 

[Doc44]

SW's catalogs and literature describe their triggers as grooved and their hammers as checked. I have always tried to use factory terminology when describing various parts of firearms.

Serrate (serrated, serration) refers to having notched or toothlike projections. Knives often have a serrated blade, for example.

Bill

 

[rbmac52]

This link covers information on hammers and triggers with some pictures for reference.

RG Reference: Hammers and Triggers - RevolverGuy.Com

 

[Dvus]

Availability of the target trigger for K and N frames should be the same as the same triggers are uaed in both. Only the hammers are different.

 

[rbmac52]

Yes, "checkered" is the correct descriptive term for the thumb surface of all hammers. "Serrated" is best left to knives!

 

[Doc44]

The first target trigger for an N-frame was introduced with the 1955 45 Target revolver in early 1955.

Bill

 

[k22fan]

.5" to .4"

Since this thread is in the 1961-1980 sub-forum perhaps one of you will answer a question about that era. When did 0.4" Target Triggers superseed 0.5" Target Triggers? I'm curious if the Target Trigger in Model 28-2 N18x,xxx is the same vintage as the gun.

 

[rbmac52]

I think the changeover from .500" to .400" target triggers began in the late 70's.

 

[pbryant]

So from what everyone says, it looks like the target trigger made its appearance in about 1955, give or take a year in either direction.

I already have a leftover trigger shoe for the 1952 pre-14 in question if I purchase it, which I probably will! The trigger shoe came off of a 15-2 that I gave the "TTT" treatment to, so it's been in my parts box for a couple of years now.

-Phillip