442 spring issue/ question

[seanc]

All need a bit of help here..
An older person, with arthritis and hand issues. Basically unable to work the Mass Ok double action 12+ lbs trigger.

I am thinking the best way to go is to swap out the springs with some Wolffs. But, I'd like to do this once. What is the recommendation of trigger hammer combo that will be light enough, yet safe enough?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Billsail]

Don't worry about safety when changing out your J-frame springs. The lightest trigger that will ignite a primer reliably is probably in the 5 lb range. Plenty safe. Mine is about 5.5 lbs, and a joy to shoot.

Bill

 

[seanc]

thanks...

I called Wolff and asked them for their insight/ opinions. I told them the issue and they sold me the shooter pack (for > $10). He told me that the lowest power spring they sell and can recommend was the 8lb and then the 13lb return spring. I will give that a try.

Where did you get the 5.5lb?

Depending on how the surgery and results go, I may need/ want to go still a bit lighter. But as this is not a safe queen, and a night stand gun, it has to be 100% and still be capable of being used by a person w/ arthritis.

 

[yanici]

Rather than fooling around with springs and possibly getting light primer strikes, why not sell the 442 and get a good reliable semi. You can have night sights or laser sights for a great night stand gun. Maybe a light attached to the rail if you're so inclined.

 

[Billsail]

thanks...

I called Wolff and asked them for their insight/ opinions. I told them the issue and they sold me the shooter pack (for > $10). He told me that the lowest power spring they sell and can recommend was the 8lb and then the 13lb return spring. I will give that a try.

Where did you get the 5.5lb?

Depending on how the surgery and results go, I may need/ want to go still a bit lighter. But as this is not a safe queen, and a night stand gun, it has to be 100% and still be capable of being used by a person w/ arthritis.

The 8 lb should be fine. Mine was 'adjusted' using careful trimming of the mainspring (not really recommended), but I haven't had a failure to fire yet. When you get your 8 lb spring installed, try to dry fire as much as your arthritis allows. It should improve the action. Believe me, I know about arthritis...It's a pain.

Bill

 

[In God We Trust]

I have no finger problems, but I was at the range today with my 442 and I realized that I really hate the trigger also. I have been shooting for years and I just can't get a good group beyond 8-10 feet because the damn trigger is so damn hard! It took me firing the Ruger LCP to realize that I have little confidence in my ability to engage targets with the 442.

I am now thinking about selling it and putting the $ towards an AK-47 I have had my eye on.

 

[seanc]

Rather than fooling around with springs and possibly getting light primer strikes, why not sell the 442 and get a good reliable semi. You can have night sights or laser sights for a great night stand gun. Maybe a light attached to the rail if you're so inclined.

This is for an older, non shooter. It has to be 100% reliable and without any sort of complexity. As it is a smaller person, on most modern semi's, the grip is too large. Fiddling with external safeties is too complex. The person will go to the range once in a great while. But, in the heat of the moment is not going to remember to take the safety off.

So, the snubbie is the right gun. It is just a matter of making it more easy to use.

 

[jasons]

So, the snubbie is the right gun. It is just a matter of making it more easy to use.

Probably not what you want to hear, but IMHO a 442 is not at all the right gun at all for an older non-shooter with arthritis, especially as a night-stand gun. First, the sights on a 442 are not great in low light. Second, it takes a lot of practice to be accurate with a 442. (And even without arthritis that practice gives my hands quite a beating.) Third, 5 rounds of .38 special (I assume you're planning to use low-recoil loads) are not as effective as some of the alternatives.

Personally I'd probably recommend a .410 shotgun - light weight, easy recoil, easy operation, and more effective. If you have your heart set on a revolver, something like a night guard would be easier to control, a lot less painful to shoot, and much better in low light.


Edit: Or a semi. There are plenty of DA only semis without an external safety.

By the way, I carry a 642 almost every day so I'm not bashing the gun. I just don't think it's the right gun for the scenario that you've described.