Trigger teturn

salvadore · July 31, 2017, 12:54 PM

When Smith marketed their model 60 with the 3" lugged barrel and adjustable sights, I bought one. It's been shot moderately over the years, a lot more 38s than .357s. Anyway, It's trigger hasn't been returning all the way forward. I took it apart but can see no obvious reason. Any help would be appreciated.

dahermit · July 31, 2017, 06:01 PM

I could be a number of things. If the gun was "pre-owned" a previous owner may have installed a lighter rebound spring or installed a heavier main spring (the rebound slide spring has to over come the mainspring to reset. However, you post seems to suggest you bought it new and the trigger has been returning until now.
My advice would be to remove the side plate and observe what is going on when the gun is cycled. In any event, diagnosing why the trigger is not returning without examining the gun, is not likely to yield the desired results.

T. O'Heir · August 1, 2017, 12:35 PM

Sounds like a previous owner did a trigger job without knowing how to me too. Easily fixed with a new one that you know exactly what weight is.
Factory is an 18 pound spring. Wolff Springs has assorted rebound springs individually and in packs for reasonable money.
The rebound slide spring (All J, K, L and N frames have one. Exploded drawing of a K38 is below.) needs a special tool to remove without it heading for the Twilight zone. Easily made with a lathe or for $20 from Brownell's.
http://stevespages.com/ipb-sandw-k38.html

**Unclenick** · August 1, 2017, 01:39 PM

It is also possible for little unburned powder fragments to get blown into the works and drag somewhere. Full disassembly and detail cleaning may solve it. Look for burrs near rub marks while you are at it, and stone those off.

dahermit · August 1, 2017, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Sounds like a previous owner did a trigger job without knowing how to me too. Easily fixed with a new one that you know exactly what weight is.
Factory is an 18 pound spring. Wolff Springs has assorted rebound springs individually and in packs for reasonable money.
The rebound slide spring (All J, K, L and N frames have one. Exploded drawing of a K38 is below.) needs a special tool to remove without it heading for the Twilight zone. Easily made with a lathe or for $20 from Brownell's.
http://stevespages.com/ipb-sandw-k38.html
__________________

The original post seemed to suggest he bought it new and it has been working correctly for some time...no previous owner to blame.
Also, your posted schematic is not for a Model 60 (J-frame). J-frames have coil mainsprings, not flat. They do, however, have the standard rebound slide springs.
Without observing the working parts, I would go with the post that suggested dirt in the mechanism...or a lack of lubrication.

salvadore · August 1, 2017, 04:53 PM

I already took it apart and made sure it was squeaky clean. I bought a 3" model 36 new in 1971. Have worked on J frames a lot but never had this problem. Recently replaced a lighter main spring with factory spec. Have a few return springs that may be heavier than current. Thanks for the help gang.

**4V50 Gary** · August 2, 2017, 04:27 PM

1) Lube/oil?
2) Is the pin the rebound slide bent? If so, it can cause binding and hence the sluggishness of the trigger return. The rebound slide is what pushes the trigger back to its position of rest.
3) Trigger block moving freely in its channel?
4) Long shot, but is the sear moving freely in the hammer?
5) Hand hanging up in its window?

July 31, 2017, 12:54 PM	#1
salvadore Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,282	Trigger teturn When Smith marketed their model 60 with the 3" lugged barrel and adjustable sights, I bought one. It's been shot moderately over the years, a lot more 38s than .357s. Anyway, It's trigger hasn't been returning all the way forward. I took it apart but can see no obvious reason. Any help would be appreciated.

August 1, 2017, 12:35 PM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Sounds like a previous owner did a trigger job without knowing how to me too. Easily fixed with a new one that you know exactly what weight is. Factory is an 18 pound spring. Wolff Springs has assorted rebound springs individually and in packs for reasonable money. The rebound slide spring (All J, K, L and N frames have one. Exploded drawing of a K38 is below.) needs a special tool to remove without it heading for the Twilight zone. Easily made with a lathe or for $20 from Brownell's. http://stevespages.com/ipb-sandw-k38.html __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

August 1, 2017, 01:39 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	It is also possible for little unburned powder fragments to get blown into the works and drag somewhere. Full disassembly and detail cleaning may solve it. Look for burrs near rub marks while you are at it, and stone those off. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

August 2, 2017, 04:27 PM	#7
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	1) Lube/oil? 2) Is the pin the rebound slide bent? If so, it can cause binding and hence the sluggishness of the trigger return. The rebound slide is what pushes the trigger back to its position of rest. 3) Trigger block moving freely in its channel? 4) Long shot, but is the sear moving freely in the hammer? 5) Hand hanging up in its window? __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

July 31, 2017, 06:01 PM	#2
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	I could be a number of things. If the gun was "pre-owned" a previous owner may have installed a lighter rebound spring or installed a heavier main spring (the rebound slide spring has to over come the mainspring to reset. However, you post seems to suggest you bought it new and the trigger has been returning until now. My advice would be to remove the side plate and observe what is going on when the gun is cycled. In any event, diagnosing why the trigger is not returning without examining the gun, is not likely to yield the desired results.

August 1, 2017, 04:53 PM	#6
salvadore Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,282	I already took it apart and made sure it was squeaky clean. I bought a 3" model 36 new in 1971. Have worked on J frames a lot but never had this problem. Recently replaced a lighter main spring with factory spec. Have a few return springs that may be heavier than current. Thanks for the help gang.