Trigger assistance needed.

[red14]

I am going to get my trigger worked on, on my S & W model 63 (22lr).

I have bad Arthritis, and I can't shoot my main revolver double-action.
I can, but it's very difficult, and I can't hit anything worth squat. I am
not flinching, I just have to strain so much, I can't keep the gun level.
Single action, of both, is fine and I do fairly well. I am going to get my
triggers worked on.
I am going to have to pay a gun smith. Do I have them put at the same
pull as S/A, a shade heavier, or lighter? I have tried 'dry firing', but it
doesn't get easier, and all it does is make my hands ache.


PS,
Last time at the range, I hit a cigarette pack at 10', six out of six S/A.
Never came closer than 3' D/A!!!

 

[Dogguy]

I don't think you will find a gunsmith who can make the double action trigger pull as light as the single action. If it were possible, it's unlikely there would be enough force in the springs to make the primer ignite. Some guns have extremely heavy double action triggers that can be lightened but good gunsmiths usually try to make double action triggers smoother rather than lighter.

The fact is, most of us aren't real precise when it comes to double action shooting--more for self defense purposes than bullseye scores. Personally, I'm satisfied if my hits are minute of bad guy as opposed to minute of angle.

Discuss your limitations with your gunsmith and ask his advice. He may be able to work up a suitable solution.

 

[red14]

Thanks Dogguy,
sounds reasonable.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Your J-frame Model 63 utilizes a coil spring to drive the hammer, and also has a coil spring to return the trigger. For DA shooting you have to overcome both the trigger return spring and main spring to operate the revolver.

I would be careful about modifications to either spring to reduce spring tension and trigger pull. Modifications to the trigger return spring can result in impaired function. Modifications to the main springs can result in insufficient force to drive the firing pin and fire the cartridge.

There may be spring kits available, and this would be a better approach to lightening the DA pull without impairing necessary functions. Check out Wolff spring kits. Gunsmith charges should also be less, since installing a spring kit involves only disassembly and reassembly while replacing the springs.

Keep the original springs so that the weapon can be returned to original condition at any time.

 

[therevjay]

I've read all the answers you got here Red, they all are accurate. If you can get a light enough trigger pull that you can squeeze without pain. It will be too light a strike to fire the gun. My advice (and I'm NOT trying to be a smart a--) is simple. Forget about shooting DA.

If you don't like semi-autos, or can't operate the slide due to your hands. Just remember, a DA revolver is simply a SA revolver that you can (but don't have to) fire DA.