Trigger/Hammer Combinations

[oldgranddad]

In a recent thread, Sebago Son wrote:
"Note the target trigger and mismatched semi-target hammer. Look out for a bubba trigger job with this one."
I'm not new to handguns but I am new to revolvers. I have only an M65-3 that I really enjoy shooting. I bought it used several months ago and did all the inspections. The barrel, end shake, lock-up, timing, push off, SA trigger pull, DA trigger pull and overall finish were all acceptable. So, for future purchases, how do I recognize a mismatched hammer/trigger pair on a S&W revolver?
Thanks for the education.

 

[Hapworth]

Sebago Son is correct in the advice as target hammers and triggers usually shipped together from the factory. Trouble is, they didn't always -- S&W didn't have hard rules for these things, and often a revolver might leave the factory wearing whatever appropriate parts were on hand.

Too, although there are plenty of bubba jobs out there, there are also many quality parts swaps done by excellent revolversmiths.

Better to judge how a particular revolver rates conducting the normal mechanical checks than by whether or not it has the trigger-hammer combo it was most likely to ship with.

But to answer your question, as a rough guideline you'll more often see thin "service" hammers and triggers on the medium and short barreled versions of guns meant for carrying and fighting like, say, a Model 10s, 13s, 15s, 19s, 64s, 65s and 66s. Longer barreled, adjustable sighted versions built for bullseye work more often will have the wide target trigger and target hammers meant of single action work.

Medium width semi-target hammers seem to show up more often on adjustable sighted fighting guns with the narrow, serrated service trigger.

After the early '80s, revolvers that would have had the service trigger start sporting the medium width, smooth "combat" trigger, with either service or semi-target hammers.

 

[H Richard]

If mismatched, it is more common to see a target hammer with a standard trigger. Especially in a 4" that may have been a police selection such as a mod 10,15, etc. For combat shooting many liked the wider hammer but the narrower trigger combination.

 

[oldgranddad]

Based on your comments, I checked the Numrich web site to see what they show available for an M65-3. Hammers are available .265" Combat, .375" Wide and .500" Target. Triggers are available .265" Grooved, .312" Smooth, .400" Grooved Target and after 1990, .400" Smooth Target. I put the calipers on mine and found I have the .265" Combat hammer and the .312" smooth trigger. This would be right in line with a short/medium length barrel typically available as a service revolver to LE for carry in the late 1980s. Good call. It's very difficult for a novice to tell the difference between a worn out revolver fixed up to fool a novice and a firearm carried some but not shot much. Both can feel like new but 1 is junk and the other is a "find." I'm feeling better and better about my find. Now I'll start looking for my next one.
Thanks for the help.