Getting Defensive About Triggers

by
posted on May 19, 2014
sinews.jpg (66)

When crafting a firearm for someone else, personal preference should steer the project, rather than dictate it. Triggers are an excellent example of this. For years, my go-to choice for a double-action revolver was to have my gunsmith modify a revolver's trigger with what's commonly referred to a a combat contour, where the sides of the wheelgun's "bang switch" are beveled and the face is polished smooth, as opposed to a serrated trigger, which can abrade your finger and cause discomfort.

Image
An alternative to a popular combat-contour, the wide face of the author's Model 36 offers ample leverage and purchase for a consistent double-action pull.

Thankfully, the face of my Model 63's factory trigger wasn't serrated, but it was wider than I was used to. The more I studied it, the more it seemed to be a combat contour candidate, that is until I reminded myself that the pistol wasn't for me. Closer inspection revealed the factory trigger to be more beneficial for two reasons: Additional surface area that comprises the face would create greater leverage and improve overall purchase when the trigger is pulled.

And considering that the J-frame family of revolvers utilizes a coiled hammer spring, which is much stiffer than the flat leaf springs found in Colts and larger Smith & Wesson K-frame wheelguns, the original trigger was better off unaltered,

In its current configuration, the wider trigger would lend itself better to shooting in double-action mode. Come to think of it, so would another product, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Latest

Sheriff Jim Wilson
Sheriff Jim Wilson

Open Carry: You Decide

Sheriff Jim takes a fair and balanced look at open carry.

First Look: Kopfjager Mag Series Rifle Mount

A magnet-based solution to the easy mounting and dismounting of your rifle.

New Rimfire Rifles for 2024

Small calibers, big fun.

Rifle Roundup: Winchester Wildcat .22LR Rifle With A Holosun Optic

.22LR rifles are fun, and they're even more fun when shooting at a Champion steel target.

First Look: C&H Precision Red Dot Tube Mount

Secure a red dot on top of your magnified optic.

ATN Corp Marks Milestone Anniversary

Celebrating 30 years of being on the forefront of electro-optics technology.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.