to modify trigger pull model 15?

[deadear dan]

I'm waiting to pickup a really nice 1977 model 15. almost no cylinder drag. Looks like maybe one box of ammo passed through it. I'd like to make it more of a shooter by dropping the trigger pull to maybe 8lbs or so. Still a big part of me would hate to modify a nice oldish gun. Thoughts?

 

[snubbyfan]

I'd say go for it. Just make sure you save the factory springs or any other parts you change if you decide to return it to stock.
If the trigger's anything like my wifes 66-3 about the only thing I'd do is change the rebound spring to lighten it up a little.

 

[hotrod150]

You can make a worthwhile improvement by replacing the rebound spring with as light a one as works. 13# springs work well in all my j-frames. I like to use an arkansas stone & smooth out the rebound slide & adjacent frame surfaces- don't know if it really does much but it makes me feel warm & fuzzy and sure doesn't hurt anything. I had wolff 8# main springs in a couple of them for a while and didn't have any trouble with them, but nowadays they all have the stock main springs.

 

[deadear dan]

Thanks folks, my next question was what would be recommendations for an action job? Appreciate the advice.

 

[2hawk]

Dan, welcome to the forum! You can probably get pretty close to your goal with just a spring change and some minor polishing/smoothing. This is easily within the skill range of most hobbyists. I'd suggest getting a good set of screw drivers, some Wolff springs, and either the Miculek DVD on trigger work or the Kuhnhausen S&W Shop Manual. You'll probably have less invested than if you have to send your gun out.

Of course, there are some shops that can really just work magic on guns, but it sounds like you just want a little nicer trigger. If you do want to send it out give us your location. Shipping guns can be an expensive proposition, so if there's someone close to you that's always helpful. HTH

 

[Bat Guano]

For years I just did a cleanup, very conservative stoning, and snipped off about 3 coils off the rebound spring. Older K frames responded very well to this. Of late I just install a Miculek spring kit. His mainsprings seem softer and smoother. Pull weights come in around 9 pounds and change. Smoothness matters more than weight.

Got a very nice M15 not long ago here and that's all I needed to do. And I keep all the original parts, too.

 

[nedlate]

Thanks folks, my next question was what would be recommendations for an action job? Appreciate the advice.

"I'd suggest getting a good set of screw drivers, some Wolff springs, and either the Miculek DVD on trigger work or the Kuhnhausen S&W Shop Manual."

That is great advice, just make sure it is gunsmith screwdrivers. I wouldn't stone any of the trigger or hammer though, just the rebound slide.
Ed

 

[kenjen]

one way is to put about 2500 rounds through it and it will smooth out and lighten up on its own the other way is a lighter rebound spring.

 

[deadear dan]

I have the gunsmith screwdrivers, Next stop will be the Miculek DVD. Thanks!

 

[Hapworth]

Strongly suggest putting several hundred rounds down range before you start modifying a great old model.

It'll nicely break the gun in, burnishing the contact points a bit (as will dry firing with snap caps), and most importantly it will let you get a well-informed sense of what (if anything) the gun needs done to it.

Especially since you're new to working on Smith revolvers and it sounds like you've found an especially nice one.

Also, trigger nirvana with revolvers has a lot less do to with pull weight and a lot more to do with trigger smoothness.

 

[2hawk]

Second this!

Strongly suggest putting several hundred rounds down range before you start modifying a great old model.

It'll nicely break the gun in, burnishing the contact points a bit (as will dry firing with snap caps), and most importantly it will let you get a well-informed sense of what (if anything) the gun needs done to it.

Especially since you're new to working on Smith revolvers and it sounds like you've found an especially nice one.

Also, trigger nirvana with revolvers has a lot less do to with pull weight and a lot more to do with trigger smoothness.

Sometimes less is better, and from my experience most S&W's of the vintage of your gun are pretty good from the gate. I'd say just do the spring work and rebound slide smoothing before you consider working on easily damaged and more expensive to replace items like the hammer and trigger. I think you won't have to do too much to get to a nice trigger if it doesn't have any strange hitches or hangups now. Be sure to check the stickies on dissassembly and views of the internals that are on this site too!