S&W trigger, hammer change question

[bikemutt]

I have a couple of Smiths, a 27-2 and 686, the 27 has a regular trigger and hammer spur, the 686 has a semi-target pair.

Is it practical to consider changing either revolver to full target triggers and hammers? I suppose the main qualifiers are is it even possible, and is it very costly?

 

[Nasty Ned]

To answer the "is it possible" question the answer is yes it is. The last Smith hammer and trigger set I bought cost about 100.00 plus or minus a little and that was several years ago. The change over should be done by a Smith or someone who is very knowledgeable about the installation of these parts. I never was so luckey to find a "drop in" hammer and trigger, they almost always will requie some fitting.

 

[Old Fuff]

The model 686 is built on Smith & Wesson's L-frame. The 27 on the slightly larger N-frame. Both use the same trigger, but different hammers.

As explained, they don't always drop in. There are three variants of triggers: narrow with serrations, semi-wide with a smooth face, and wide with serrations. Hammers also come with three choices: narrow, semi-wide (combat), and wide (target). All are checkered.

Within both models, all the triggers are interchangable so you can mix & match. Hammers are interchangable but only in they're respective models.

 

[Standing Wolf]

The change over should be done by a Smith or someone who is very knowledgeable about the installation of these parts.

Nasty Ned's comment is worth repeating. Let me add, please, parts that seem to drop in and function may not function long, or may result in wear that will necessitate their replacement. Nota bene: not every gunsmith who claims to be an expert in hammers and triggers is telling you the truth. Shopping around is rarely a bad idea.

 

[Jim K]

I am not sure how "parts that seem to drop in and function may not function long, or may result in wear that will necessitate their replacement."

The usual reason S&W parts wear is because someone decided to stone or file through the case hardening to try to "smooth up" the trigger pull. As a rule, little or no filing or fitting is required for S&W hammers or triggers, and an experienced smith will know just how and where to do any fitting that needs to be done.

(Doesn't happen with MIM parts - they are hard all the way through, and so precisely made they really do "drop in".)

Jim