Trigger Pulls vs. Years....

[RainDodger]

I find this interesting and likely indicative of attention-to-detail during mfg, current public acceptance of mediocre quality, mass production, even liability concerns. Using a digital trigger pull gauge, I compared single action trigger pulls of 4 revolvers. These are the averages of 5 readings for each gun:

1955 S&W K-38 Combat Masterpiece: 2lb 12oz
1986 S&W Model 66-2: 2lb 11oz
2022 Colt King Cobra: 3lb 14oz
BRAND NEW Colt Python: 5lb 11oz

All the triggers break cleanly with zero creep. When I bought this Python (yesterday), I chose between the 2 available blued guns. The other one had perceptible creep. Never before have I felt a Python trigger that wasn't excellent. Colt may have made a more "robust" Python, but I certainly don't think they care as much about the shooter's experience as they used to! It does have Colt's beautiful fit and finish however.

 

[sgt127]

That’s not a great SA on the new Python.

I’ve owned Several Pythons. Still have one. The Python is, visually and mechanically, a stunning revolver. The SA has always been good. But, the Colt DA never really did it for me. I really shot more Smiths. And the DA trigger felt better for me.

Though, thinking back, I’ve shot thousands of rounds through my Diamondback .22. And, I really like the trigger.

Never mind. Inane rambling.

I would be curious what Colt finds an acceptable weight for a SA trigger on a new python though.

Edit:

I was curious. The consensus seems to be they adjusted the angle on the hammer hook to pass California drop tests.

If you gently lay your thumb on the hammer, in SA and pull the trigger, does the hammer come back slightly?

2020 Python trigger pull

My new Python trigger, although smooth it's horrifically heavy. Curious if anyone else found this to be the case. Reading and talking to people about how incredible the Python action is I expected more. Maybe some got lucky, or some never had a quality revolver or never a any gun to...

www.coltforum.com

 

[RainDodger]

I looked for that info on the Colt web site, and I looked for an email address for customer service to see what they had to say. Apparently you have to call them and talk to them rather than emailing them. One of the online reviews of the new Python reported a similar SA trigger pull to mine. Maybe it will lighten after 10,000 rounds; who knows.

 

[someguy2800]

Yeesh. Fixing that would be a requirement for me.

 

[RainDodger]

Sgt127, in answer to your question, yes, the hammer very slightly nudges to the rear before release. Interesting. That tells me that they did something in the sear/hammer engagement that isn't right... too much angle somewhere. I don't know anyone that does Python action work... anyone out there know of someone that does action work on new Pythons?

 

[sgt127]

Sgt127, in answer to your question, yes, the hammer very slightly nudges to the rear before release. Interesting. That tells me that they did something in the sear/hammer engagement that isn't right... too much angle somewhere. I don't know anyone that does Python action work... anyone out there know of someone that does action work on new Pythons?

I’m pretty sure it’s intentional to pass a drop test. Apparently California will fail a gun if the hammer falls. Even if it doesn’t fire and the safety block works perfectly.

So, they engineered it so that if it takes a blow to the hammer, rather than slip off, or shear, it will dig in deeper.

Unfortunately, the result is you are not just sliding against two contact surfaces, like a proper 1911 sear engagement. Or, old revolvers. You are fighting an angle and, adding mainspring weight before it trips.

There’s some gunsmiths mentioned in the Colt Forum thread I posted.

 

[MrBorland]

the hammer very slightly nudges to the rear before release. Interesting. That tells me that they did something in the sear/hammer engagement that isn't right... too much angle somewhere

It also tells me that extra trigger pull weight likely comes from having to work against (i.e, compress further) the mainspring to release the SA sear. If you're only shooting SA, the easiest fix might be to install a lighter mainspring.

EDIT...

You are fighting an angle and, adding mainspring weight before it trips

Looks like Sarge beat me to it.

 

[ms6852]

That’s not a great SA on the new Python.

I’ve owned Several Pythons. Still have one. The Python is, visually and mechanically, a stunning revolver. The SA has always been good. But, the Colt DA never really did it for me. I really shot more Smiths. And the DA trigger felt better for me.

Though, thinking back, I’ve shot thousands of rounds through my Diamondback .22. And, I really like the trigger.

Never mind. Inane rambling.

I would be curious what Colt finds an acceptable weight for a SA trigger on a new python though.

Edit:

I was curious. The consensus seems to be they adjusted the angle on the hammer hook to pass California drop tests.

If you gently lay your thumb on the hammer, in SA and pull the trigger, does the hammer come back slightly?

2020 Python trigger pull

My new Python trigger, although smooth it's horrifically heavy. Curious if anyone else found this to be the case. Reading and talking to people about how incredible the Python action is I expected more. Maybe some got lucky, or some never had a quality revolver or never a any gun to...

www.coltforum.com

I feel the same way. I believe Colt stacks their triggers it starts smooth and easy then gets stacked before breaking.

 

[.38 Special]

It seems to me that triggers have been getting worse for decades, to the point that apologists now claim a light, crisp trigger is not just unnecessary, but even counterproductive. I have lost count of the number of times I have been told (here and on other forums) that if I was a decent shooter, I wouldn't need a good trigger.

With that little bit of whining out of the way, I will simply note that I add the cost of a trigger job to the price tag of any new revolver. That's just the way it is in 2025, and I doubt the situation is going to improve.

 

[gwpercle]

This just proves ... Older can be Better !

Keep On Keepin On
Gary

 

[Jim Watson]

The New Pythons are notorious for tough SA even with pretty good DA (The one I shot had a fine DA, comparable to my Jungkind.) Mike Heffron seems to be doing a good business working them down.

 

[sgt127]

It seems to me that triggers have been getting worse for decades, to the point that apologists now claim a light, crisp trigger is not just unnecessary, but even counterproductive. I have lost count of the number of times I have been told (here and on other forums) that if I was a decent shooter, I wouldn't need a good trigger.

With that little bit of whining out of the way, I will simply note that I add the cost of a trigger job to the price tag of any new revolver. That's just the way it is in 2025, and I doubt the situation is going to improve.

Yet…five pound triggers. On striker fired guns. With no manual safety are perfect duty weapons.

Let’s just cock that Python and put it in a Kydex holster and carry it aimed at our femoral artery.

 

[MikeInOr]

I find this interesting and likely indicative of attention-to-detail during mfg, current public acceptance of mediocre quality, mass production, even liability concerns. Using a digital trigger pull gauge, I compared single action trigger pulls of 4 revolvers. These are the averages of 5 readings for each gun:

1955 S&W K-38 Combat Masterpiece: 2lb 12oz
1986 S&W Model 66-2: 2lb 11oz
2022 Colt King Cobra: 3lb 14oz
BRAND NEW Colt Python: 5lb 11oz

All the triggers break cleanly with zero creep. When I bought this Python (yesterday), I chose between the 2 available blued guns. The other one had perceptible creep. Never before have I felt a Python trigger that wasn't excellent. Colt may have made a more "robust" Python, but I certainly don't think they care as much about the shooter's experience as they used to! It does have Colt's beautiful fit and finish however.

When I bought my brand new Desert Eagle L5 (in 50ae) I looked all over for someone to do a trigger job because the trigger pull was quite bad, heavy and creepy. After about 1000 rounds the trigger pull is noticeably quite good, crisp and lighter. It has turned into a very nice shooter... what you would expect from a quality single action only pistol.

I suggest putting some rounds through your new Python. Maybe get some snap caps and do a little trigger practice which might be good for you and your python.

 

[MrBorland]

I have lost count of the number of times I have been told (here and on other forums) that if I was a decent shooter, I wouldn't need a good trigger

One can learn to accommodate a crappy trigger & shoot decently with it, but it’s certainly not optimal.

I add the cost of a trigger job to the price tag of any new revolver

It’s a rare factory gem which can’t be improved by a quality action job by someone who knows what they’re doing.

Let’s just cock that Python and put it in a Kydex holster and carry it aimed at our femoral artery

I’m not familiar with the Python’s lock work, but I’m guessing there’s gotta be a mechanism (transfer bar, hammer block) to prevent an ND (so long as there’s no finger on the trigger).

 

[Pat Riot]

Sgt127, in answer to your question, yes, the hammer very slightly nudges to the rear before release. Interesting. That tells me that they did something in the sear/hammer engagement that isn't right... too much angle somewhere. I don't know anyone that does Python action work... anyone out there know of someone that does action work on new Pythons?

I would give Frank Glenn a call.

Frank Glenn-Glenn Custom Complete Gunsmithing Service Glendale AZ

Frank Glenn master gunsmith Glenn Custom complete gunsmithing service

glenncustom.com

 

[RainDodger]

I've gotten a couple of recommendation... thanks all. I will make some calls this week to get this trigger straightened out...

 

[CraigC]

All the late model Colt DA's I've handled have had very good SA trigger pulls.

 

[vanfunk]

I adore my 2020 Colt Pythons but admittedly there is some variability with the quality of the triggers (largely due to the positive camming action that nudges the hammer back ever so slightly due to drop safety requirements). However, they respond well to subtle polish or, if you want a sublime trigger for not much $ and a quick turn around, send it to Frank Glenn in AZ. Absolutely capital guy. My “Glenn” Python has an 8lb DA and 2.5lb SA; simply marvelous.

 

[45 Dragoon]

A positive engagement (moves hammer to the rear) is a SAFE arrangement for the shooter AND those around them! Done correctly the trigger break should still be clean. It means the trigger HAS to be pulled for the gun to fire.

A neutral engagement (no hammer movement) is said to be "ok" but a "jar" could be detrimental.

A negative engagement of course is extremely dangerous (hammer moves forward as trigger is pulled) for everyone in the vicinity!! It should be corrected before any use of the gun.

I always make sure of a positive engagement before any revolver ships.

Mike

 

[unspellable]

So now besides a "lawyer trigger" we have a "California trigger".
I have two neo pythons and two neo anacondas. All four have too stiff a trigger and one or two a tiny bit of creep. Any caveats for a trigger job? Going through surface hardening, etc.?
Any of this affected S&W, Ruger, Taurus, et al?