SIGforum
Improving action on a j-frame
October 07, 2018, 06:36 PM
tatortoddImproving action on a j-frame
I've owned a S&W 617 for years and the action is amazingly smooth. I've never even considered sending it to a smith to polish.
A few weeks back, I picked up a Smith and Wesson 642 CT Stainless .38 SPL with Crimson Trace Lasergrip. Today, was the first time shooting it and one thing that jumped out to me was how much the laser was bouncing as I pulled the trigger. The RSO even stopped by and commented on it. I have Crimson traces on two Sigs and the laser barely moves during trigger pull so I do have a baseline for this. It's accurate enough for SD at 7 yards, but I really expected the smoothness of the 617's action.
Gray Guns has done all of the actions on my P229s (1 competition and 2 CRRAP) and my P239 (perfecto). Who is the Gray Guns of the j-frame world?
Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity
DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer. October 07, 2018, 06:39 PM
jljonesApex j frame kit.
October 07, 2018, 06:45 PM
RHINOWSOquote:
Originally posted by jljones:
Apex j frame kit.
This, I have one in both of my 38cal J-frames.
October 07, 2018, 06:49 PM
henryarnaudI haven't used his services, but Denny Reichard generally comes highly recommended.
http://www.sandburrgunranch.com/gunsmithy.php
"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts." Sherlock Holmes October 07, 2018, 07:16 PM
Black92LXI have the Wilson Combat J Frame kit in my 642 and it made it a whole different gun.
Very happy with the results.
————————————————
The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad.
If we got each other, and that's all we have.
I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand.
You should know I'll be there for you!
October 07, 2018, 08:37 PM
wolfe 21I have one out of the performance center that is much nicer than a plain model. Rural king lists them for ~$400 if you have one local. Can try for yourself. Maybe switch the grips and sell the old one...
A Perpetual Disappointment...
October 07, 2018, 08:41 PM
CQB60I used the Wilson kit which improved my J frames
______________________________________________
Life is short. It’s shorter with the wrong gun…
October 07, 2018, 08:53 PM
tatortoddI found the
Apex Spring Kit on their site.
I checked Wilson Combat's site and didn't find anything for the j-frame. Anybody have a link?
Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity
DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer. October 07, 2018, 10:31 PM
CQB60It’s item #321 on the Wilson combat site
Custom-Tune Spring, Kit, S&W, J 8# Reduced Power Hammer Spring and 13#, 14#, 15# Reduced Power Rebound Trigger Spring "CUSTOM-TUNE" Spring Kits are designed to easily and inexpensively improve your revolvers' action and functionability. These quality spring kits feature the finest gun springs available, made from high-tensile spring wire, for the finest possible action tuning jobs. Kits include the various springs necessary to assure reliable function, smooth operation, consistency, and long life. when only the best will do, WILSON COMBAT¨ "CUSTOM-TUNE" Spring Kits are the only choice. "CUSTOM-TUNE" are available for most popular Revolvers. Revolver "Custom-Tune" Spring Kits lighten the trigger pull on single action revolvers and improve the single and double action trigger pull on double action revolvers. Double action kits contain assorted trigger rebound springs, allowing the selection of the lightest spring that will provide proper trigger return with your particular pistol.
quote:
Originally posted by tatortodd:
I found the
Apex Spring Kit on their site.
I checked Wilson Combat's site and didn't find anything for the j-frame. Anybody have a link?
______________________________________________
Life is short. It’s shorter with the wrong gun…
October 07, 2018, 11:42 PM
Greymannquote:
Originally posted by tatortodd:
Gray Guns has done all of the actions on my P229s (1 competition and 2 CRRAP) and my P239 (perfecto). Who is the Gray Guns of the j-frame world?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Grant Cunningham was the Bruce Gray in the S/W revolver world, but sadly has retired. Grant still has a blog and his website is still up. On his website Grant recommends Frank Glenn at glenncustom.com
October 07, 2018, 11:59 PM
YVKquote:
Originally posted by henryarnaud:
I haven't used his services, but Denny Reichard generally comes highly recommended.
http://www.sandburrgunranch.com/gunsmithy.php
I have used their services and I would do it again. Besides the trigger job, also had my hammer bobbed. Took a little, I think between 2+ months, it now I can at least hit something with it.
October 08, 2018, 05:55 AM
Black92LXquote:
Originally posted by tatortodd:
I found the
Apex Spring Kit on their site.
I checked Wilson Combat's site and didn't find anything for the j-frame. Anybody have a link?
https://shopwilsoncombat.com/m...ame/productinfo/321/
————————————————
The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad.
If we got each other, and that's all we have.
I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand.
You should know I'll be there for you!
October 08, 2018, 10:28 AM
sns3guppyI've always found stock S&W revolver triggers to be very good in double, and single action.
Rugers tend to be gritty somewhat in double action pull, but S&W are quite clean.
October 08, 2018, 04:33 PM
madmattHighly recommend Sandy Garrett of North Virginia Gun Works. Work on my S&W 625-3 trigger and action were phenomenal! Couldn't put down or stop dry firing! Even better at the range!
Tried his Ruger Security Six; probably the best I've handled.
Semper Fi
Madmatt
SIGs, BHPs, CZ PCRs, HKs, 1911s, S&W 625-3 45 ACP, HK/Benelli M1S90, Colts 6721/LE6920, Steyr SBSs, Emerson and ZT Knives, Rubicons, Harleys & APBTs
October 08, 2018, 06:00 PM
captain127Understand a j frame trigger will never be comparable to a k frame trigger.
My opinion accept it for what it is and practice to get used to it. Reliability is far more important in these small carry guns, and heavy and reliable is MUCH better than light smooth and unteliable
October 08, 2018, 06:14 PM
VictorLouisI'll 2nd the Captain's remarks. By all means, try the spring it. However, make sure your choice is going to WORK FOR YOU in both: reset on the trigger, and detonating your favorite load/s.
That said, you do have the CTC grips. A huge benefit of those in dry-fire is trying to reduce the bouncing area of the dot to a minimum as you get proficient.
October 09, 2018, 07:48 PM
PASigOne of the quickest ways to improve a J-frame’s action is to sell or trade it for a Ruger LCR
Seriously I think the stock trigger on an LCR is 100x better than the S&W, it’s like DAO butter!
October 09, 2018, 08:37 PM
jhe888quote:
Originally posted by jljones:
Apex j frame kit.
Agreed. The kit is good, and not hard to install.
The fish is mute, expressionless. The fish doesn't think because the fish knows everything. October 09, 2018, 11:30 PM
mikey357quote:
Originally posted by PASig:
One of the quickest ways to improve a J-frame’s action is to sell or trade it for a Ruger LCR
Seriously I think the stock trigger on an LCR is 100x better than the S&W, it’s like DAO butter!
Methinks thou dost EXAGGERATE somewhat...While SOME LCR Triggers are better than SOME J-Frame Triggers, it's not all the time or even most of the time in my experience...The Apex Kit is probably the most sure-fire way of improving a J-Frame Trigger without having to take out a Second Mortgage or being without your Snubby for months on end...
October 10, 2018, 03:27 AM
mikey357quote:
Originally posted by Greymann:
quote:
Originally posted by tatortodd:
Gray Guns has done all of the actions on my P229s (1 competition and 2 CRRAP) and my P239 (perfecto). Who is the Gray Guns of the j-frame world?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Grant Cunningham was the Bruce Gray in the S/W revolver world, but sadly has retired. Grant still has a blog and his website is still up. On his
website Grant recommends Frank Glenn at glenncustom.com
Grant Cunningham might have been the Bruce Gray of Colt or Ruger Roundguns, but Randy Lee is generally acknowledged to be the "Picasso" of Smith & Wesson Action Work--Unfortunately for us all, I don't believe he's accepting any new Revolver work presently...
