How to Lighten & Smooth the Trigger Pull on a Smith and Wesson | Smith & Wesson Revolver Project

Published on July 24, 2013
Duration: 3:54

This guide details lightening and smoothing the trigger pull on a Smith & Wesson revolver. It emphasizes measuring baseline pull weights (approx. 3.5 lbs SA, 8.5 lbs DA) and using a stoning fixture with fine stones to polish sear surfaces. Key safety warnings include never touching the hammer's sear surface for single-action work. Final results show a reduced SA pull to 3 lbs and a smoothed DA pull to 8 lbs.

Quick Summary

Lighten and smooth your Smith & Wesson revolver's trigger pull by carefully polishing sear surfaces. Measure baseline weights (e.g., ~3.5 lbs SA, ~8.5 lbs DA), use a stoning fixture, and fine stones. Crucially, avoid altering the hammer's SA sear surface for safety.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Improve Trigger Pull
  2. 00:20Measure Baseline Trigger Weight
  3. 00:52Identify Sear Surfaces & Safety
  4. 01:23Stoning Fixture & Tools
  5. 02:00Polish Single Action Sear
  6. 02:32Smooth Double Action Pull
  7. 03:34Final Results & Measurements

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools are needed for a Smith & Wesson revolver trigger job?

Essential tools include a trigger pull gauge (like Lyman's), a precision stoning fixture (like Power Custom's) with adapters, fine and medium grit polishing stones (India stones recommended), honing oil, and Dykem layout fluid for marking surfaces.

How much can a trigger pull be lightened on a S&W revolver?

This guide shows a reduction from approximately 3 lbs 11 oz single-action to 3 lbs, and smoothing the double-action pull from 8.5 lbs to 8 lbs. Significant reductions are possible, but safety and reliability must be maintained.

What is the most critical safety warning when working on S&W revolver triggers?

The most critical warning is to never touch or polish the sear surface on the hammer that is responsible for the single-action engagement. Altering this surface can compromise the firearm's safety and lead to accidental discharge.

What is the difference between single-action and double-action trigger pulls?

Single-action (SA) requires the hammer to be manually cocked before the trigger pull. Double-action (DA) cocks the hammer and releases the sear in a single trigger stroke. DA pulls are typically heavier and longer than SA pulls.

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