What is actually done on a trigger job?

[teddy12b]

I've got a ruger super blackhawk that I'm considering getting a trigger job done on it because I have heard people say that they help the accuracy.  I have never had one done on any firearm I own and I've done a lot of easier modifications to guns myself. 

Is a trigger job just simply polishing parts and lightening springs or what?  I wouldn't mind learning how to do it myself, but I don't want to damage my gun either. 

I've looked at trying to find the "do it yourself" type videos and struck out there too.  I'd really appreciate any help.

[John Traveler]

A revolver trigger job and action smoothing consists of using fine flat stones to smooth trigger/hammer sear surfaces to remove tool marks, deburr mating surfaces, and generally smooth action parts to reduce rubbing friction.  It may involve lightening or replacing trigger, hand, and hammer springs, solvent cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly.  The emphasis is on smoothing action parts, not removing metal to the point that timing is affected.

The Ruger single action is particularly easy to work on, and well within the abilities of a home tinkerer/pistolsmith.  The action parts are heat treated all the way through, unlike Smith and Wesson and earlier Colt double action guns.  Colt single actions (and most of the clones) use casehardened action parts, and it's relatively easy to work through the case, making the gun unsafe to fire.

For action smoothing tips and procedures, try checking out some of the cowboy action shooting sites, particularly those by Paco Kelly.

HTH
John

[gunnut69]

Just remember the idea is to smooth not necessarily remove all the tool marks. Just polish any surfaces moved during the trigger motion. Be very careful with spring lightening as sufficient tension must remain to operate the piece successfully. Remember to [polish the contact surfaces of the springs themselves and the pivots and sides of rotating parts. Some of the Ruger pistols use a single spring for two purposes. This makes a really refined trigger more difficult. Also you must avoid altering angles on sear engagements. This can create a dangerous situation! Although polishing the engagement surfaces is a good idea.

[p15camborne]

Here's an article for you.  http://gunblast.com/Poorboy.htm

[teddy12b]

I've read that article before, several times actually.  I go to their website also and I really enjoy reading their objective reviews.  That's a good article to post for everyone else to see too. 

[gunnut69]

I suppose this is a good article but it restates the obvious. Before rushing off to the gunsmith shoot the gun!!! At least dry fire it a bit. The idea of pushing on the rear of the hammer is to accelerate the normal break in. I wonder a bit about the effecacy.. When I bought my 2nd handgun and old friend, gunsmith and MasterClass shooter told me his procedure for breaking in the new M27 S&W. Be sure the piece is empty, very sure!! then dry fire at least a few hundred times. Each dry fire should be as deliverate as if shooting in earnest. He suggested the time spect in front of the idiot box as especially suited to the activity. This is followed by a thorough cleaning and careful lubrication. It required nothing else. I'll never forget the demonstration he gave that day. The group was just a few inches in diameter and fired off hand at 50 yards or so. He returned the weapon and said that it was a bity rough but it would likely smooth out after a few thousand rounds...

[OLDHandgunner]

I do all my own action work ( I'm not a gunsmith ). I've got 30 + yrs of doing this for myself. I own some very good gunsmithing books & good tools. Most of it is common sense & knowledge off the working parts of the gun you're working on. If the gun has an OK action, shoot it for awhile. Don't start honing on it until it is broke in & dry fired alot. Then you can start smoothing it up with some fine small Arkansas gunsmithing stones. DON'T do alot. A little at a time. Just remember if you go to far, you've got a real safety problem. Once I have the action close I polish it a little with my dremel. Then you can do the spring kits if you want the trigger pull lighter.
My 2 steps are: Step1-Smooth then Step2-Lighten.
If you don't feel like this is a job for you, have it done by a gunsmith.
THINK SAFETY & SHOOT SAFELY.