reducing trigger pull on a S&W Model 60

[J-Bar]

I bet this question has been discussed previously, so if you can provide links to previous threads that will be much appreciated.

I recently acquired a S&W Model 60, J-Frame .38 Special snubbie. The single-action trigger is sweet, but the double-action mode is very heavy, and difficult for my wife to shoot with any accuracy.

Is reducing the DA trigger pull on this gun an easy task or difficult, cheap or expensive, etc?

Any sharing of your experience is appreciated.

 

[rcmodel]

Wolff Gun Springs makes a reduced power spring kit for them.
http://www.gunsprings.com/Revolvers/SMITH & WESSON/J FRAME/cID3/mID58/dID263

It will help some, but the geometry & size of the J-Frame action is such there is not going to be such a thing as a light DA trigger and reliable ignition, both at the same time.

Often, a good internal cleaning and lube will help a bunch.
Also a lot of dry firing will smooth things out.
As well as making your hand stronger!

rc

 

[Drail]

Modify the gun a little. Build up the hand a lot. She just is not used to performing tasks like cycling a DA revolver. If she is not handicapped in some way she can do it. Get her a hand exerciser. Devices are available for guitarists to strengthen their fingers. I used to tease my wife and tell her "I don't know if you'll ever be able to do this. You're a girl." You should see her cycle a DA trigger now!

 

[rcmodel]

Most women have plenty of strength to leave fingerprint bruises on your arm, or knock you on your ass if they get mad enough and squeeze or swing as hard as they can!

For the most part, I think it is more mind-set then strength that is the issue.

Once she makes up her mind she is going to do it, she will have the hand strength to do it.

rc

 

[Jim Watson]

Be wary of limber spring kits.
My engraved M640 is fine with a Wolff RP spring set.
My old Bodyguard requires the full factory mainspring for reliable ignition (I check with CCI primer reloads to be sure.) and only one grade lower rebound spring to keep the action balanced.

Apex sells a package deal of RP main and rebound springs, including a long firing pin to get the most out of what there is. Just be prepared to yank it back out at the FIRST misfire or any sign of a sluggish trigger return. Too light a rebound will let your finger outrun the trigger on the reset which is not good.
https://apextactical.com/store/product-info.php?pid49.html

 

[Red Cent]

For a range gun, you can tweak it quite a bit. For a carry gun, a good internal polish and a lighter rebound spring will work wonders. I doubt if the wife would outrun any rebound spring.
Don't underestimate the results of polishing all mating surfaces inside.

I have a M60-10 that I tuned for competition. I would not carry it for self defense. I reload and use the softer skinned Federal primers. Never failed to go bang in competition.

I cut two coils of the hammer spring, two coils off the rebound spring and polished. I am decently fast and I cannot outrun the rebound spring. The DA was reduced from about 12#s to about 8#s and is very smooth.

You could use reduced springs until she becomes somewhat proficient,then replace the hammer spring with a factory spring.