S&W 27: Target or Combat Trigger Preference?

F

FLChinook

New member
We're really getting down into the weeds now... but is there a preference amongst S&W 27 users for the target (wider/ridged) trigger or the combat (narrow/smooth) trigger?

My rather boney fingers like wide triggers so that's where I'm leaning but is there a compelling argument for the other? I suppose you could get the combat trigger and add a shoe if more width is needed... :)

Thanks
 
My used Model 27 came with the target trigger and it is wide enough that the actual joint behind that last knuckle we pull the trigger with makes less contact than the flesh just before and after the joint. To me the N-frame is just a little too big for my hand to have optimal ergonomics but I still like it.

In theory, the wide ridged trigger is supposed to allow finer control in single action with the finger tip - or so I've heard. I believe the thought goes like this: a wide flat surface decreases the likelihood that you'll wrap your finger tip around the trigger and pull or push laterally. In DA everyone's index finger slides deeper into the trigger guard and lower on the trigger too whether they know it or not. A smooth trigger would (in theory) let the finger slide rather than gripping/pushing the sights off target.

Is the wide trigger a problem for me? No. I have an updated trigger too that I decided to not put on just because I like to have the original on there. It too is ridged, just a little narrower and not case colored. With practice it's not too hard to accommodate the quirks even in double action. My standards are not exactly a pro's either but it's good enough for me.
 
Depends, if you're gonna shoot single action get the target trigger. If you're gonna shoot double action get the combat trigger.
 
I actually prefer the regular narrow grooved trigger for D/A and S/A shooting. The smooth combat trigger is OK, Don't like the wide one at all, I think my finger is too wide, it seems like the wide trigger is curved too much and the end of the trigger bothers me. Don't know if I explained this well enough.
 
FlChinok:

I don't shoot combat style shooting so I can't comment on the triggers that work best. My style of shooting, target, I like the wide trigger. I have Ace trigger shoes on my Model 27 and my Ruger Single Six.

Semper Fi.

Gunnery Sergeant
Clifford L. Hughs
USMC Retired
 
Although some shooters will disagree, I prefer a wide (.400), smooth trigger for double action shooting. If it does not come with one, I swap them out. I also only shoot double action with double action S&W's, bob the spurs from the hammers (save for one M66), also.
The wide, smooth trigger seem to distribute the weight of the pull over a larger area, making the pull feel lighter...to me anyway.
 
Years back when I got my M29 there were three triggers available. 1/4" grooved , 3/8" smooth, 1/2" grooved. The widest was not comfortable for anything ,and the same can be said about the narrow. The 3/8" smooth was the best for everything. I rarely use DA .Most of my use has been metallic silhouette and hunting.
 
I think it depends on how big your hands are.../ and what grips you have on the gun .....but I prefer the target trigger...( although I have model 27's with both styles ).
 
I have both wide target and narrow service type in grooved, and shoot both fine. I really don't care for the smooth triggers in any event. I swap them out for grooved if I get a Smith with a smooth trigger. I put grooved triggers in my Ruger SA's also.
 
I've always found the grooved triggers to be a bit abrasive. I shoot almost exclusively double action and rarely ever shoot single. If any of you guys who replaced your smooth combat triggers with grooved ones want to sell your old smooth ones let me know.
 
I've had a couple that had small burrs on them that were sharp, often the lower edge, but never had any trouble with the grooved ones otherwise. When I was shooting more, it wasn't unusual to shoot 500-1000 rds in the K-22 at a time. Never had any discomfort.

An emory board or fine wet-or-dry paper can take the burrs off.

I'll look and see what I have for smooth triggers. I'm sure I have a trigger from a stainless gun, I may have sold or traded off any others. K, L and N use the same triggers.
 
I didn't know the frame sizes used the same trigger. Almost every S&W (I'm really a Colt guy) I own is an N frame. only have 2 K frames, a model 66 and a model 53. and have never owned a J or an L.
 
Since the OP asked for preference, my preference for all N-frames is the narrow standard trigger, polished to a smooth, rounded contour for DA shooting. YMMV!

Dave
 
kraigwy said:
Depends, if you're gonna shoot single action get the target trigger. If you're gonna shoot double action get the combat trigger.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

I rarely shoot SA, and prefer narrow triggers. The triggers on my go-to guns are radiused and polished.

BTW, if your fundamentals are strong, a narrow trigger works fine in SA. Conversely, a wide trigger won't fix poor technique.
 
Narrow and smooth on any S&W, if I had my choice...that smooth trigger makes a world of difference in my double action work and is no problem with precision single action fire as well. Best Regards, Rod
 
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