Two Similar Snubbies, Two Very Different Triggers

[jj1962hemi]

Hey Gang,

I just got back from the range after, for the first time, firing my two Taurus snubbies side by side. I have a Model 85 and a Model 856 (six shot version of the 85). Oddly, the M856 has a trigger that stacks (if I'm using the term correctly) in such a way that I can hold the hammer back partway through pulling the trigger, then settle the gun, then finish with minimal trigger pressure. The M85 has a shorter pull and is very difficult to get to fire in double action without a single smooth trigger motion. Does anybody know why this is? I'm also wondering which (if any) is "normal?"

I just got the M856 back after some warranty work and put 100 rounds through it today.

I'd appreciate any feedback.

JJ

 

[waidmann]

I believe staging or indexing are appropriate terms. Is one of these a coiled hammer spring and the other not? I know Taurus changed at some point.

 

[MrBorland]

I'm also wondering which (if any) is "normal?"

Methinks a "stacky" trigger is more "normal" in a factory stock revolver - but one that doesn't stack is "better", IMO. A trigger finger that doesn't stage the trigger is also better, IMO.

Assuming the innards of the gun are similar, there could be a slight difference in the geometry of the DA sear - the stacky gun may have an ever-so-slight extra bit of material on the end of the DA sear the trigger must overcome just before it breaks. As waidmann pointed out, there could also be a difference in how they're sprung.

 

[jj1962hemi]

The M85 has a coiled hammer spring. I just ordered a kit from Wolff. I would think the M856 would be the same, but I'll have to open it up and see.
Both guns only have less than 300 rounds through them, so time will tell.

I know I've fired a S&W Model 66 that had a nice staged trigger. I guess I should probably give up that crutch, but in a non-pressure situation, it seems easier to me.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I know I've fired a S&W Model 66 that had a nice staged trigger

I know you are not trying to but it is pretty hard to compare a Smith K frame trigger with a leaf spring and larger frame (better for engineering angles for trigger mechanicals) and a Taurus 85 coil spring small frame. Even Smith J frames have bad triggers compared to K frames.

Taurus revolvers suffer from bad machining on their internals and will require a lot of rounds fired and/or a lot of dry fires to smooth things up.

 

[hardluk1]

I have a 85SS that was my CC for a couple decades. It had a good trigger from the start but over time it just smoothed up to be come very slick and lighter to a point. maybe a well used spring. I finally changed to modern pistol and put a wolf lighter hammer spring in it. Boy what a difference. No stacking that I can tell of but also no stagging , just a smooth pull. It is no longer a good CC handgun with that spring. I used it for my girls to learn about stepping up from 22lr to centerfire handguns. With the wolf spring DA pull is 4lb 5oz, SA is only 2lb 2oz. It has been now 6 years with that spring and I have used it to help several guys all seasoned hunters just no handgun experence with the basics of shooting handguns for there CC class's along with a couple DW small frames and all used the taurus for there class. Maybe the newer revolvers are not as good as the some of the older models but i have not found any small or larger revover that can match that trigger and it has firered ever round of cheap factory ammo and reloads run thru it. Its not a +p gun but it will allways be around here.

 

[jj1962hemi]

Thanks guys,

I'm not trying to compare the S&W with the M85, it just seemed weird how the staging differed. I have had poor luck with the M856 (my 5th Taurus and the only I've ever sent back for repairs), and I'm nervous that there's something else wrong with it.

I have a Model 82 with a trigger like butter. I also have two PT series with no problems. I would agree that a SW Model 36 (J) also has a much rougher trigger than the K frames.

JJ

 

[niner4tango]

I had a Taurus model 85 from the early '90's. It was a very well made and finished revolver. The 85 gave Taurus a lot of credibility as a manufacturer in their early days.

Staging a trigger is OK at the range, but is a bad idea in a stress situation. For defensive use the trigger should be smoothly stroked through its travel while keeping the sights on the target. That's the best way to practice, too.

 

[F-111 John]

I have a Smith Model 19 K frame that I can stage very easily, and a Smith Model 60 J frame that I cannot.

I may be wrong (I usually am,) but I feel that it is the 72 degrees that the J frame has to revolve the cylinder vs. the 60 degrees for the K frame that makes the difference. Perhaps you're experiencing the same thing with your five shot vs. six shot Tauruses (Taurii?)

 

[jj1962hemi]

Thanks F-111 John,

That's an interesting premise (5 v. 6 shooter).

I agree that staging isn't the way to do it on the street, but it's nice at the range. I'm wrestling with the whole thing because I'm going to sell one and keep one and I need to decide. I ordered the spring kit from Wolff and will get a better look at the insides of both soon.