Smith and Wesson 581 Trigger problem

[hunterkm77]

I am looking for a gun smith who can explain what is going on with my trigger and quote me how much it will cost to fix it.

I have this Smith and Wesson 581 got from one of my friend that was customized to DAO by cutting the hammer.

About once in 10times when I pulled the trigger, it fires before the trigger reachs all the way back.

I haven't fired this with live ammo because of this but I found out by doing dry fire.

Does any body know who can help me with this?

I just didn't want to spend couple of hundred dollars to fix it right now but wanted to have somekind of idea how much it will cost so I can prepare...

I really appreciate your help in advance.

[willssmithing]

S&W revolvers work on a two stage DA pull. Without looking at the revolver, I can't exactly say, however it sounds like not only was the single action taken out by removing the hammer notch,but also the second stage on the DA pull was taken out by removing it from the trigger, This was known as a short stroke double action. This modification became unpopular because it created misfires due to the hammer not having enough travel to pick up momentum.
Sounds like a new hammer and possibly a new trigger. The two hundred range is not out of line.

[9mmepiphany]

it does sound more like a hammer and trigger replacement, and fitting, than a "fix".

we have one of the country's best S&W pistolsmiths in CA. Randy Lee of www.ApexTactical.com

[swifty]

Was it just the hammer spur that was cut? Since the scenario you described is only happening 10% of the time, instead of all the time, you might just need a new DA sear. Relatively minor.

Pics of the hammer and trigger would greatly help. It's hard to diagnose without pics.

[hunterkm77]

Thank you everyone for giving me advices.

Here is the pictures of the internal.
Hope this can give some more details.

Thank you again.

[willssmithing]

It is hard to tell even with pictures, because these areas are so small.
The double action sear appears to be ok. The bottom of the hammer where the second stage double action pull takes over, appears to have been ground off at an angle to eliminate the second half of the double action, again called a short action or short stroke action. This also would explain the extra long overtravel screw installed at the rear of the trigger itself, this limits the travel of the trigger for a short stroke.

[9mmepiphany]

in the first picture...is your stain screw all the way in?...has it been shortened?

[hunterkm77]

not by me but it looks like it has been shortened by previous owner.

[BillCA]

It is hard to tell even with pictures, because these areas are so small.
The double action sear appears to be ok. The bottom of the hammer where the second stage double action pull takes over, appears to have been ground off at an angle to eliminate the second half of the double action, again called a short action or short stroke action. This also would explain the extra long overtravel screw installed at the rear of the trigger itself, this limits the travel of the trigger for a short stroke.

Best I can tell, I'd have to concur with Willssmithing here. If it were me, I'd replace the DA sear and trigger, ditch the stop screw and replace the mainspring strain screw.


Prices from Numerich Arms/e-gunparts.com
Trigger Assembly, .312, Smooth : $45.50
Sear : $6.95
Screw: $2.95

Nominally $56 in parts and a gunsmith's installation and adjustment fee.
I'd guess a gunsmith might charge you up to $50 max for that.

[swifty]

The 10% error is what you are trying to eliminate, the 90% we can call "normal". The safety goal is cylinder locked up and 100% ignition. The feel goal is shot to shot consistency in trigger pull.

The single action sear on the hammer has been cut away, and the single action sear on the trigger has been blunted. Since DAO was an option anyway, you may not need to replace the hammer and/or trigger.

Increase tension on the mainspring. Tightening the strain screw, if possible, will accomplish this. If the strain screw can't be tightened, add a piece of leather etc. between the screw and the mainspring. Function test the action again. If all functions seem "normal", replace the strain screw with a factory original.

If you still have an inconsistent let off, the DA sear may need refit or replaced to give a longer duration of trigger pull. The overtravel screw may need adjusted outward a bit.

[willssmithing]

If possible remove the overtraverl screw from the trigger, this will allow the trigger to have its most travel rearward, if the hammer restores its full travel to the rear in double action then the overtravel is your problem, if not, you can bet that the take over for the second half of the double action has been ground off the hammer.
I could be wrong on the double action sear since I don't have it in front of me, but the two adjusments on it seem to be correct, the wink and the let out angle.
If you want to restore the single action, you will need to replace at least the hammer.