Heavy J frame trigger pull

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km101

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Oops! Did I post this in the wrong place? Is so, please move.

I just got another S&W model 60 and the DA trigger is Very heavy. It’s fairly smooth, just heavy. I understand that the standard weight mainspring is 8.5#, but the only replacement springs I can find are 8#. That doesn’t seem like much of a reduction.

Is 8# the minimum weight possible for reliability? Has anyone tried anything lighter? I don’t want to do a lot of “cut and try “, so if someone has some experience with this mod I would sure like to hear what you did and how it worked for you!

Thanks
 
How heavy is "very heavy"? Have you measured it, or is this a subjective guess?

The thing about trigger pulls on smaller lighter guns is the fact that trigger pull weight is proportionately higher compared to the actual weight of the weapon. For example, an 8# pull is 4X the weight of a 32 oz pistol, but 8X the weight of a 16 oz one.
 
I don’t know exactly how heavy it is as I cannot find all the weights for my gauge, but it is over 12 pounds. I read somewhere that the factory considers 12 # to be in spec, but I would like to get it down to 9-10# if possible.

Is this realistic or even do-able?
 
One can polish the block and some of the internals, good vids on line as to how to do that. Takes some time but nothing complicated to do, replace the rebound spring also when you do the hammer spring. Won't make it magical but will improve it, then dry fire it as others have said. Even if it is a used gun and seen some use a good cleaning may be in order. Also, if used you may find out they put heavier springs in it for some reason. Good to do it so you know the deal.
 
The only failure to fire I've ever seen in a J frame was a gunschmuk'd 642. . . the idiot installed reduced hammer and trigger return springs, for $180, and the gun would fire ~3/5.

Careful.
 
I had that very problem with a 60 no dash. The da trigger maxed out a 13# digital scale - not manageable for me. Some polishing of internals (esp the rebound slide) and a 14# Wolff rebound spring brought it down to 10.5 - 11# , very manageable. Sa settled in at 3.4#
With a little work you will get there - good luck.
 
How heavy is "very heavy"? Have you measured it, or is this a subjective guess?

The thing about trigger pulls on smaller lighter guns is the fact that trigger pull weight is proportionately higher compared to the actual weight of the weapon. For example, an 8# pull is 4X the weight of a 32 oz pistol, but 8X the weight of a 16 oz one.
The math is very straightforward, but not being mechanical I would like to understand better the significance -- are you saying it's sort of like a light dog trying to wag a heavy tail having a harder time than if the dog and the tail were more proportional?
 
I have an 8# Wolff mainspring in my 442 and to me it's a significant improvement. Originally I tried the 15# rebound spring, but it made the reset feel too sluggish for my taste so I put the factory spring back in there. I also did some very, very light polishing of the rebound slide and some trigger surfaces. After lubrication, reassembly, and some dry firing I am extremely pleased with how it has turned out.
 
lady new shooter (I chose to skip the "old"part...) ,

Think of it like this - You have 2 revolvers , a great big N frame and a little bitty J frame. Both have 12# da trigger pulls. With the large frame the trigger is going to be easier to manage than the small frame. The same trigger weight will feel heavier with the smaller frame.
Addendum - In my scenario the two revolvers are of similar materials.
Sistema , do you agree with that description?
 
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For my daughters J Frame I put in a lighter spring set I think it was Wilson Combat but could be Wolfe just don't remember. Plus a little bit of polishing the trigger measures about 8 pounds. I would not go any lighter than that if using factory ammo. I also put on slightly larger grips. These two changes make the gun easier for her to handle. You might have to experiment a little.
 
The math is very straightforward, but not being mechanical I would like to understand better the significance -- are you saying it's sort of like a light dog trying to wag a heavy tail having a harder time than if the dog and the tail were more proportional?
Yes, that is a good description.

A heavier weapon is easier to stabilize in the hand against the effort needed to pull the trigger.
 
lady new shooter (I chose to skip the "old"part...) ,

Think of it like this - You have 2 revolvers , a great big N frame and a little bitty J frame. Both have 12# da trigger pulls. With the large frame the trigger is going to be easier to manage than the small frame. The same trigger weight will feel heavier with the smaller frame.
Addendum - In my scenario the two revolvers are of similar materials.
Sistema , do you agree with that description?
Yes, I agree.
 
Apex makes a good kit for J-frames. Reduced weight springs and an extended firing pin. It has been great in my 442. Make sure all of the bearing points inside have a drop of lube too.
 
I put a the reduced power kit from Wolff in my 640, did some smoothing with an Arkansas stone in the appropriate places, and it took the trigger from a ratchety 12.5lb to a smooth 9.5 lb. Also pulled the lock plate out while I was in there, so several problems fixed at once. If you do any stoning, go lightly as those are MIM parts and you don't want to go through the hardened outer surface.
 
I installed the Apex kit in my 642 and experienced light strikes and about 5% misfires. I went back to the stock set up. Most people seem to have success with the Apex kit but like with any modification to you guns, test before trusting.
 
When I traded for a new 442 I discovered the trigger pull was noticeably higher than my 337. So I did exactly what Overkill870 suggested, I dryfired it almost daily until my fingers burned, then I'd let them rest for a few minutes and go at it again. All things considered, it' didn't take long to get something I was happy with.
 
I went with the Wilson Combat 321, which includes the 8lb hammer spring and 13lb rebound (the lightest). I did a light stoning and it fires factory every time. Maybe one out of 400 CCI #500 reloads doesn't go on the first strike but my carry ammo is no problem.

I'll add that the hammer stud on my first 642 broke off during an extensive dry firing session. Factory springs in that one.
 
I'm in the same boat as the OP. The DA pull on my 3" model 60-15 is most definitely over 12 lbs, my Gage maxes at 8. Single action is just a hair over 3.

I ordered the wilson combat kit last night. Was less than 10 bucks including shipping ,I'ma give it a whirl. Most likely will try the 14# return spring, as this is for carry and I want it to be he most reliable .

All I have is 2000 grit sand paper to polish the rebound. Thing if I lay it on a flat surface and take it very easy that will be sufficient? Or just dry fire the hell out of it?
 
Thanks everyone for the input and advice, I really appreciate it!

I’ve got both a Wilson Combat and a Wolff spring set on the way. I have two Model 60’s now and I will upgrade them both to compare the different products.
 
use an Arkansas stone with oil if you want to polish internals. the finest grit of sandpaper is too coarse. just stay away from the single action sear.
 
Bones ,

I have had good results on rebound slides using 400 wet/dry sand paper (wet) set upon a machined flat surface. The flat part of my large vice anvil is my surface of choice , very effective arrangement. NOT for sears.
 
Bones ,

I have had good results on rebound slides using 400 wet/dry sand paper (wet) set upon a machined flat surface. The flat part of my large vice anvil is my surface of choice , very effective arrangement. NOT for sears.
Yea I wasn't going to even mess with the mating surfaces. Just the side of the rebound slide. Vice surface ,that's a good idea! Thanks for the tips.

I might just dry fire the hell out of it. I'm sitting in front of the TV dry firing and aiming at critters on some series I found on Amazon to LOL. Got yelled at by the woman to close the door. I'll post the results of my Wilson kit here aswell. More info out there the better.
 
I need to amend my suggestion - I used 600 grit , not 400. Before & after. (bottom of slide) I do not think that dry shooting will hone the rebound slide very effectively. The wet/dry procedure was fairly quick and easy.
IMG_0656.jpg IMG_0662.jpg
 
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