I’ve a had a 6” Model 14-3 (.38 Spec.) for a few years and it has the typically smooth and light trigger these are known for. l recently picked up a 6” Model 19-4 (.357 Mag.) and was surprised how heavy and “sluggish” the D/A trigger is, given that AFAIK they are basically the same revolver, the Model 19 just having a slightly longer cylinder. Both are, as far as I can see, stock, with no aftermarket parts. They even sound different when dry-fired; the Model 14 has a bright “click” whereas the Model 19 is a duller “thunk.” The Model 14 also feels smoother througout the D/A pull, whereas the I'm aware of a little "more stuff going on" on the Model 19
Thinking the Model 19 might need some attention internally, I completely stripped it down, disassembling everything except the cylinder release. Internally it looked pretty good, the only real surprise being a small section (1/4”) of roughness on the bottom of the rebound slide. This couldn’t be polished out, but I reduced it as much as was practical with 320 grit w&d, followed by 400, 600 & 1200, along with the parts of the frame it slides against. I used 600 or 1200 on all other friction parts of the action as required, with some surfaces of the trigger, hammer and cylinder stop being finished with a Spyderco ultra-fine ceramic stone. (The critical contact areas of the sear & trigger. were left alone, though.) Basically all the sliding surfaces of the action were polished to a mirror finish. The cylinder was also stripped to its component parts, cleaned and polished. I did notice some wear lines (rings) on the cylinder tube and extractor rod collar which was I was able to smooth out. I even polished the spring tube of the rebound block, and the slot in the recoil plate where the hand/pawi showed signs of rubbing against the frame. All parts were degreased and then treated with Sentry Solutions Smooth-Kote and BP 2000 (same as Brownells Action Magic II) In short, it got a complete cleaning, polishing and lubrication. I went very slowly and carefully - it took about 4 hours!
Yet the trigger feels about the same
Now I can put in Wolff or Wilson aftermarket springs, which will no doubt improve things, but I’m curious to know from those who have them, whether this heavy trigger pull is typical of S&W’s .357 duty revolvers of the era. The Model 14 was intended as a target revolver, so it’s possible that it received some special attention at the factory before it was shipped. But the Model 19 is also a “3T”, with the matte rib, checkered hammer, target grips and grooved trigger. Some of this may be due to the Model 19 having a heavier cylinder, which would increase the inertia during the cocking cycle, but I’m still a bit surprised.
Thinking the Model 19 might need some attention internally, I completely stripped it down, disassembling everything except the cylinder release. Internally it looked pretty good, the only real surprise being a small section (1/4”) of roughness on the bottom of the rebound slide. This couldn’t be polished out, but I reduced it as much as was practical with 320 grit w&d, followed by 400, 600 & 1200, along with the parts of the frame it slides against. I used 600 or 1200 on all other friction parts of the action as required, with some surfaces of the trigger, hammer and cylinder stop being finished with a Spyderco ultra-fine ceramic stone. (The critical contact areas of the sear & trigger. were left alone, though.) Basically all the sliding surfaces of the action were polished to a mirror finish. The cylinder was also stripped to its component parts, cleaned and polished. I did notice some wear lines (rings) on the cylinder tube and extractor rod collar which was I was able to smooth out. I even polished the spring tube of the rebound block, and the slot in the recoil plate where the hand/pawi showed signs of rubbing against the frame. All parts were degreased and then treated with Sentry Solutions Smooth-Kote and BP 2000 (same as Brownells Action Magic II) In short, it got a complete cleaning, polishing and lubrication. I went very slowly and carefully - it took about 4 hours!
Yet the trigger feels about the same
Now I can put in Wolff or Wilson aftermarket springs, which will no doubt improve things, but I’m curious to know from those who have them, whether this heavy trigger pull is typical of S&W’s .357 duty revolvers of the era. The Model 14 was intended as a target revolver, so it’s possible that it received some special attention at the factory before it was shipped. But the Model 19 is also a “3T”, with the matte rib, checkered hammer, target grips and grooved trigger. Some of this may be due to the Model 19 having a heavier cylinder, which would increase the inertia during the cocking cycle, but I’m still a bit surprised.
