Old airweight compared to new airweight

[FW]

While a new j-frame is virtually the same as an old one, there are some very noticable differences between a new airweight and one made fifty years ago.

Most of the differences seem insignificant, but there are two differences making the new one easier to use.


Neither is modified, but the newer one has much better trigger pull. The double action pull is noticably heavier on the old one. When cocking for single action, the old one seems to be a little stiffer. The return of the trigger seems to be a little more powerful on the older one also.

Does S&W use lighter mainsprings and trigger return springs on newly manufactured J-frames than they did on older ones? If one was to purchase a spring kit, what weight springs would be equivelant to the new revolvers assuming this is true?

The second issue is the serrated trigger on the old one. It is a definite disadvantage. Is there any reason to not take a little emery cloth to this, or even something a little more aggressive?

 

[Old Fuff]

Your observations about the respective trigger pulls is interesting, because most people that post here seem to say that the older guns are equal or better when they are compared to the new ones. In any case the lockwork changes between the guns shouldn't make any marked difference in how the actions feel, although about 1000 "clicks" of dry firing will smooth out both. Be sure to use snap-caps to protect the firing pin.

You can make an action feel lighter in any revolver by going to lighter aftermarket springs, but in doing so you reduce the reliability factor - which is the reason factory springs tend to be heavier. If the revolver in question is carried or used as a weapon I'd much rather have the heavier springs that insure that no matter what, when necessary the gun will go BANG!

I agree with you concerning the serrations on the trigger, and no - there is no reason you can't polish them out - and many users do. You may cut through the case hardning but it doesn't matter because there are no wear points on the trigger face that would effect the gun's function.

 

[FW]

Smoothness between the two is not the issue, it is the actual weight of the trigger.

I didn't want to simply get a light spring kit for reliability reasons, but if the new ones do have lighter springs out of the factory, I'm assumining springs from a new one would be ok to use in the old one.

 

[Diamondback]

While a new j-frame is virtually the same as an old one, there are some very noticable differences between a new airweight and one made fifty years ago.

Most of the differences seem insignificant, but there are two differences making the new one easier to use.


Neither is modified, but the newer one has much better trigger pull. The double action pull is noticably heavier on the old one. When cocking for single action, the old one seems to be a little stiffer. The return of the trigger seems to be a little more powerful on the older one also.

From this statement it is obvious you have not handled many older J Frames Airweights at all !........while this statement my hold true for the two individual J frames you are comparing.......you couldn't be more wrong about the trigger pull on old airweights.....or new ones for that matter !

- Regards

 

[FW]

From this statement it is obvious you have not handled many older J Frames Airweights at all !........while this statement my hold true for the two individual J frames you are comparing.......you couldn't be more wrong about the trigger pull on old airweights.....or new ones for that matter !

And just how many does one need to handle? Are the springs (as originally equipped) the same for both or not? I've handled several older J frames. Perceived trigger weight does feel heavier to me; it is not a smoothness issue I'm asking about.

 

[Sistema1927]

Virtually identical?

Did you miss the difference between the older J frame and the newer J "magnum" frame. Hold an older model (I have a 1980 vintage 37) next to a newer one (in my case a 642) and you will notice that the newer model is much beefier than the old one. The thickness of the top strap alone is enough to consider it to be a different design.

As far as trigger pull is concerned I can't tell any difference in the DA pulls.

 

[PX15]

Five of the six snubbys I own have the older serrated triggers.. Only the newer S&W 638 Airweight Bodyguard has the smooth, wider target trigger...

There is a light years difference in shooting the smooth triggered Airweight vs the older models..

Light years, BETTER..


JMOFO

J. Pomeroy

 

[Old Fuff]

FW:

There are some differences between the new vs. old actions, and while S&W might have lightened up on the springs I have my doubts, and they might not be interchangable. I suggest that you contact Smith & Weson's customer service department and see what they might suggest. There are limitations on what you can do with a coil mainspring and still have a reliable action.

 

[jad0110]

Could it also be that the older one has never had the lockwork cleaned out good and regreased? I know a dirty action may lead to a "gritty" feel, but I don't know if that would cause a "stiffness" issue in the pull or not.

FYI, I have older and newer Smiths and all have very smooth pulls in both DA and SA. The 642 is noticeably heavier feeling than the others, but it still is not bad. I prefer heavy in a pocket gun anyway.

 

[Checkman]

Yes it could be that the older model is in need of some long overdue (i.e. decades) maintanence. Might be something that a good deep cleaning and lube would fix.

 

[FW]

The internals are in very good shape, cleaned and well lubricated. Nothing wrong with it, just a noticably stiffer trigger pull than the newer ones.

 

[Checkman]

Okay I give up. Take it into a gunsmith and have them gauge the trigger pull on both models to see if there is a difference in lbs required.

 

[Ala Dan]

Most new S&W Airweight J-frames are of the stainless construction,
with a few model 442's trickling in every once in a while. Personally, I like
the older versions much better, as the only one more handsome than the
factory nickel model 36's, 37's, 38's, 40's, and 42's is the factory nickel
model 39-2 9m/m~!

I have a S&W 642-2, along with a 37-2 (matte finish from '92) that
I like very much.