Mushy trigger?

JohnB · 01-06-2004, 11:13 PM

Hello all, it's been awhile...I have a 1917 DWM, apparently all original (#s matching except for mag) and it's quite nice...

Except for the trigger action. When "charged" (cocked, if it had a hammer <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> ) and you pull the trigger, you have to squeeze it almost all the way to the frame before it releases. One almost gets the impression it won't release the striker at all!

I'm not expecting a crisp, 4.2 lbs trigger release, but surely it must have been better than this in its prime! Is there something that can be tightened or tweaked to make the trigger more...positive?

thx for any help/tips.

Doug G. · 01-06-2004, 11:18 PM

John, you need to have your sear bar "tweaked" This involves gently bending the bar in or out to get the desired results. There are a number of board members who can do this if you are not confident. Off the top of my head it would be Thor, Hugh or Tom Heller. Hope this helps.

JohnB · 01-07-2004, 12:08 AM

Ok, I've got my visegrips warmed up and waiting... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Truly I will be gentle, if someone could give instructions on where to apply the appropriate force.

Thanks, Doug G!

Doug G. · 01-07-2004, 12:17 AM

When I did it to my shooter, I locked the bar in soft vise jaws. Using a tap hammer I gave it a few taps then tried it in the gun. The point that you are trying to bend it at is the U shaped area. Be forewarned that you CAN break the bar if you are not careful. You will find that a couple thousands will make allot of difference.
Good luck! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

John Sabato · 01-07-2004, 09:51 AM

I think I would send the gun to one of the Lugersmiths mentioned before whacking it with a mallet and possibly breaking an original numbered part... the choice is up to you.

01-06-2004, 11:13 PM	#1
JohnB Banned Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mushy trigger? Hello all, it's been awhile...I have a 1917 DWM, apparently all original (#s matching except for mag) and it's quite nice... Except for the trigger action. When "charged" (cocked, if it had a hammer <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> ) and you pull the trigger, you have to squeeze it almost all the way to the frame before it releases. One almost gets the impression it won't release the striker at all! I'm not expecting a crisp, 4.2 lbs trigger release, but surely it must have been better than this in its prime! Is there something that can be tightened or tweaked to make the trigger more...positive? thx for any help/tips.

01-06-2004, 11:18 PM	#2
Doug G. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 713 Thanks: 1 Thanked 53 Times in 17 Posts	John, you need to have your sear bar "tweaked" This involves gently bending the bar in or out to get the desired results. There are a number of board members who can do this if you are not confident. Off the top of my head it would be Thor, Hugh or Tom Heller. Hope this helps. __________________ Suppose you were an idiot.....and suppose you were a member of Congress.....But I repeat myself" ~~ Mark Twain

01-07-2004, 12:17 AM	#4
Doug G. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 713 Thanks: 1 Thanked 53 Times in 17 Posts	When I did it to my shooter, I locked the bar in soft vise jaws. Using a tap hammer I gave it a few taps then tried it in the gun. The point that you are trying to bend it at is the U shaped area. Be forewarned that you CAN break the bar if you are not careful. You will find that a couple thousands will make allot of difference. Good luck! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> __________________ Suppose you were an idiot.....and suppose you were a member of Congress.....But I repeat myself" ~~ Mark Twain

01-07-2004, 09:51 AM	#5
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,155 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,308 Times in 1,098 Posts	I think I would send the gun to one of the Lugersmiths mentioned before whacking it with a mallet and possibly breaking an original numbered part... the choice is up to you. __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

01-07-2004, 12:08 AM	#3
JohnB Banned Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ok, I've got my visegrips warmed up and waiting... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Truly I will be gentle, if someone could give instructions on where to apply the appropriate force. Thanks, Doug G!