Smith & Wesson tech tip wanted

[tddude]

I just purchased a Smith & Wesson model 18 from a Pawn shop. It's in great condition. Very well taken care of. I think it's also called a Combat Masterpiece. It's a 22lr 6 shot double/single action revolver.

BUT, (isn't there always one?) the single action trigger pull seems light. Perhaps I'm just used to my Python but it seems that if I just think to pull it, bang.

Since I mainly purchased this pistol for teaching my children, I'd like it to have a stiffer trigger pull.

Is there any way to change this or will a gunsmith have to order parts and start from scratch?

["DoubleAction"]

TD; Try shooting, using the trigger to cock the hammer, in double action. The single action stage is used primarily for precise accuracy, sometimes from a bench. It is called a Combat Masterpiece for very good reason; These K-Frame revolvers, with their swing out cylinders, double action target triggers, target hammers, and target sights,are the .22 LR version of the K Frame duty revolvers, once carried by many in law enforcement. The .22 lr makes it more economical to practice, while using the same frame of the duty revolvers, which are chambered in .38 special and .357 magnum. Alot of the double action triggers have lighter single actions than those of the Single Action only triggers. If it's 3 to 4 lbs, it's normal ( My 17 breaks right under 3 1/2 lbs ). These are professional grade target revolvers, and they will have target grade triggers, although some prefer the triggers to be lightened even more.

["DoubleAction"]

tddude said:

Perhaps I'm just used to my Python but it seems that if I just think to pull it, bang.

Try bench resting the pistol and, after aquiring the target, cock the hammer, and apply a gentle squeeze with the pad of the finger.

[tddude]

Thanks for the history lesson. I kinda figured it was for an economical way for practicing or perhaps basic training for law enforcement. It feels just like the full sized models in my hand. WHICH is why I purchased it in the first place. I want to teach my wife and oldest daughters to shoot pistols and this seemed the best tool for the job. Not alot of recoil and economical.

However, if the single action trigger pull is more than 1/2 a pound, I'll be shocked. I have never felt anything this light. I merely have to touch the trigger with the pad of my finger and it releases. There is no "release" of the sear that I can feel. I almost wonder what's holding the hammer back.

Thanks again.

["DoubleAction"]

Td; I doubt that it will be near that light, it just might seem that way because of the wide target trigger and short break. I have one S&W target revolver that Jack Weigand done the action on, and all I get is a 2 lb. break on the single action, with a 7 1/2 lb. on the double action stroke. These S&Ws have nice short breaking actions.

[tddude]

Well, I had it checked and the trigger pull in single action is 1.25lbs.

It's around $100.00 to replace the trigger/sear. $60.00 for the part and labor & tax.

Since I purchased it to teach my kids to shoot, it makes me a bit nervous to have it around. I guess I could save some pennies and get the work done but I'm also considering selling it and getting something else. I didn't measure the DA pull but I do know that my 10 year old isn't strong enough to pull it and can only shoot it SA. I'm pretty strict with the "finger off the trigger until your ready to shoot" rule when I'm teaching them but I really would prefer to have a little more insurance against AD's.

Anyone have an online source for S&W parts or should I just go to the S&W web site and order direct? After that, what do I need tool wise to replace a trigger on this pistol?

[XavierBreath]

Numrich should have the parts. I'd get Kaufessen's (sp?) S&W revolver manual as well. You will need a good hollowground screwdriver and a small brass or rawhide mallet to get the sideplate off.

["DoubleAction"]

Whatever you do; Do not pry the side plate off, instead, gently tap the butt on a soft surface and let the side plate fall off. Prying on the side plate can damage the internals.Brownell's also stocks factory parts.
TD; With a trigger that light, someone was real serious about that gun. I would sure like to find out what the double action measures out to.