Need to lighten trigger pull

[Ferret]

I have an 1860 Pietta and an unnamed Remington 1858 that have incredibly heavy hammer and trigger pulls. I would like to lighten the trigger. Could someone please explain to me what I would need to do?
Thanks

 

[Steve499]

The Remington has a hammer spring tension screw in the front of the grip frame that can be used to change the tension on the hammer spring. I don't know about how to reduce the spring tension on the 1860 without actually grinding it narrower, which works but it's easy to ruin the spring if you're not careful.

In mec's book,PERCUSSION PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS, he describes putting a small amount of epoxy in the full cock notch on the hammer to limit the amount of engagement the trigger gets, thereby reducing the trigger pull without altering any of the bearing surfaces.

You might consider getting a copy of the book, you won't be sorry.

Steve

 

[denster]

I don't think he meant in the full cock notch but below it. One of the best ways is to drill a small hole just below the full cock notch and insert a pin tightly in place then dress down the pin until the sear engages the full cock notch enough to be safe but not so long a pull. The weight of pull is controlled by the tension of the hammer spring and the tension of the trigger spring both of which can be lightened.

 

[Derek]

carefull!

One of the biggest controling factors in a BP/SA revolver's trigger pull, is the angle at which the sear[trigger nose] and full cock meet.Have some-one who REALLY knows what he is doing check that out for you.Too sharp an angle and you have a last-turn-on-a-sardine-can pull-off.Too obtuse and you have a dangerous won't-stay-on-cock situation, and the two are only a few thou apart.The adjustment is usually made with a hard Arkansas stone, or something similar, sometimes just polishing is enough.

 

[denster]

Derek

True enough. A sharp angle causes the trigger to actually cam the hammer back a bit before release making for a heavy pull. Has nothing to do however with how long the pull is which is a function of depth of the full cock notch. You are right that changing the angle of the full cock notch is a job for someone with experience. This is why the pin or epoxy whichever you use to limit the sear engagement works so well as you haven't really altered anything permanently.

 

[oneshooter]

An old trick that works is to place a small leather washer between the mainspring and the retaining screw. I know that this works on the Colt style weapons.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[Derek]

Denster

You are quite right.Sometimes I need a slap upside the head to remind me that the K.I.S.S. pricipal is often the best solution.[kiss=keep it simple, stupid!]

 

[Smokin_Gun]

Take it apart and lightly deburr and/or polish parts. assemble lube with oil or grease. Put the movie "Outlaw Josey Wales" on and cycle the action while you watch the move. You'll be suprised what that will do. A couple outings, and back off the screw on the mainspring to your liking and you will be pleased.
That's what I do when I get a new Rev.