Getting Defensive About Triggers

by
posted on May 19, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Diamondback SDR with XS Sights
Diamondback SDR with XS Sights

First Look: XS Sights for Diamondback SDR and Walther PDP

XS Sights introduces new offerings for the Diamondback revolver and Walther PDP pistol.

First Look: Sons of Liberty Gun Works Special USMC-Finish Rifles

SOLGW offers two new "frogskin" finishes to honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon Compact 9 mm Pistol in a Mission First Tactical Holster

In this week's episode of "I Carry," we have a Springfield Armory Echelon Compact 9 mm pistol carried in a Mission First Tactical Ambi IWB holster with a Burris FastFire E enclosed-emitter red-dot sight.

St. Louis County Police Department Adopts Springfield Armory Echelon Pistol

The St. Louis County (MO) police department, with nearly 1,000 officers, has adopted the Echelon as its duty pistol.

Straight Talk: Fits and Starts

As with clothing and footwear, serious consideration should be given when choosing a handgun for self-defense.

First Look: Volquartsen Firearms Mini Mamba TF-22

This new rimfire handgun is a Davidson's exclusive in partnership with Volquartsen.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.