Putting the trigger back in Dan Wesson 357 SM

[blhof]

Does anyone have a link to reassembly of a Dan Wesson large/super mag frame.  I took out the trigger unit to upgrade the springs; can't get it back together.  I don't want to spend a fortune sending it to CZ.

[David Carey]

I have the written directions from DW if this link does not work let me know and I will figure out where I have it stored. This link is taking it apart but it would be the opposite.

The next step was the removal of the modular trigger assembly which holds most of the internal lock work. This is snapped in place by a catch at the front, and by a spring loaded latch at the rear. The latch can be pushed forward with a hex wrench or a screw driver, which allows the trigger housing to be pulled down. It is then pivoted down to release from the front catch, and removed as a single unit.

http://www.notpurfect.com/main/restoring.html
Dave

[blhof]

I had seen the disassembly blog.  My problem is getting the trigger group, transfer bar and hand to all go in their proper place upon closing the unit.  Is there a way to guide both the transfer bar and hand into their appropriate place?

[David Carey]

Dan Wesson Disassembly Instructions

Remove rear sight by punching out the retaining pin (this is to make hammer reinsertion later easier).
Remove the grips.
Pull the hammer back and tighten the 3/48th screw 1 or 2 turns to capture the hammer.*
Pull trigger to release the hammer into its captured position.
Pound out the hammer pivot pin left to right.
Pull trigger and lift hammer straight up out of its slot.
Punch out the trigger guard.
Remove half-moon lock on lower crane leg. use needle nose pliers to remove the crane lock.
Hold revolver upside down and work cylinder back and forth on crane to remove it.
Remove cylinder and crane assembly.
Unscrew the ejector rod, spinning it counter-clockwise.
Use empty cleaning rod to remove the main spring guide bye inserting the empty end over the spring guide where the guide meets the hammer. compress the spring and unscrew the 3/48 screw.
*On my own Dan Wesson, turning this screw did not capture the hammer, nor could I see how it would be possible. Your mileage may vary.

I know this is not exactly what you are looking for just trying to help, did you get anything from you know who?

Dave

[blhof]

I'm waiting for some parts from CZ/DW; I broke the hand spring on one of my attempts and the mainspring seat was already stripped by a previous owner.  Gary said to replace the trigger unit while holding the frame with the muzzle pointing up so gravity will keep the hand and connector in their proper positions upon reassembly.  I'll try that as well as removing the mainspring to keep pressure off the hammer, as the screw doesn't capture the spring on mine either.  Thanks for keeping in touch.

[blhof]

I finally got the right part; connector/transfer bar to put it back together.  When the mainspring is captured and the transfer bar is shifted into its proper position before locking in the trigger group; it's a snap.  Now I'm itching to go fire it with the new springs.  Thanks for the advice, enlarging and studying the exploded diagram while waiting for the part, I think was also helpful; it helps to have a life size schematic while fitting it together.

[blhof]

I thought I would give detailed instructions for anyone trying to replace the trigger group on any large/supermag frame DW:  Remove allen screw from right rear of frame, replace mainspring and guide, replace hammer and pin in place, turn frame over with mainspring base up, insert allen screw into grip screw hole, cock hammer and hold in place while tightening allen screw(just finger tight) mainspring is now trapped, unpin hammer and remove. reinvert frame with trigger slot up and muzzle slightly up, place front of trigger group in slot and engage front retainer notch, lower group until it rests on rear notch, while holding group in place turn over and insert a small flat screwdriver into the hammer slot and lift the transfer bar until it touches the the front hammer slot (you may have to lower the trigger group slightly to allow the bar to slide forward) once in place it will stay as long as the trigger group is held in place, turn over and snap in rear of trigger group by pushing down and depressing the catch with an allen wrench or small punch, try trigger to insure hand is in slot and transfer bar is in forward slot, turn over and place in trigger, lower with hammer against firing pin slot(you may have to remove the rear sight, I didn't), move hammer to rear and you may have to pull the trigger some to align the hole for the pin, when pinned; remove allen screw from mainspring base and replace on frame, try trigger single and double action, if all ok, replace grip and you're done.