TRIGGER TROUBLE ON S&W

[m-g Willy]

I just got a S&W 29-2 and noticed that sometimes when I fire it fast double action I don't let the trigger return all the way and just the cylinder rotates without catching the hammer and lifting it into firing postion. I also have another S&W 29-3 plus models 10, 17, 28, and none of these have as much trigger movement between just rotating the cylinder and bringing the hammer into battery double action as this new gun has. Would a new trigger make a differance? Or is there somthing else that could be making this gun so differant from the rest of my S&W's? Thanks for any advice you can give to help.--Willy

[John Traveler]

Willy,

A replacement trigger may or may not solve your problem.

The problem you describe is caused by mis-fitting of the trigger and cylinder locking bolt, or the trigger and the double-action fly.  If the locking bolt releases the cylinder before the double-action fly engages, the cylinder will rotate before the hammer starts to cock.
If the double-action fly fails to engage before the locking bolt releases, you get the same thing.  All S&W actions have the potential for this happening, but a strong trigger spring reduces the chance that the trigger action will hesitate and  allow the event.

I would diassemble and clean the triggger rebound spring housing first, and look for burrs, metal chips, or dirt that may cause the trigger to hesitate.  If the trigger spring is weak or too compressed, replace it

HTH
John.

[m-g Willy]

Thanks John, I'll give it a try.--Willy

[TScottO]

It sounds like the previous owner of your 29-2 may have changed out the springs in your gun with a spring kit and done a less than optimum action job. These kits usually come with 3 different weights of trigger rebound springs (13#, 14#, 15#). A spring that is too light can also result in not pushing your finger forward hard enough. I would suggest buying a heavier rebound spring to replace the one in your gun. A lot of people confuse having a very light trigger pull to a nice smooth action job. If your action is smooth a little extra trigger weight doesn’t hurt anything.

I use the 14# spring in my guns. I find the 13# doesn’t give me the feel I’m looking for. Your problem could be some parts that were honed too much during an action job or either came faulty from the factory. However If bad parts are your problem a spring doesn’t cure that but it can still help.

I have a few 15# springs lying around. If you want one I’ll mail one to you for free. Email me if you are interested overlans@bellsouth.net .

A free spring is much better to try before I would go spend 60 bucks on replacement parts.

Good luck and be safe,
Scott

[m-g Willy]

Wow! you guys are great, thanks for your help and the offer of the part that might be the cause of the problem. --Your friend Willy