It seems that most folks love the 1077, with the one weak point being the trigger. Rather than trying to smooth the double-action, a way to cock the gun for single-action would seem to be easier. Has anyone tried this?

I've thought about doing that, and it wouldn't be difficult to cut the plastic and add a cocking lever/tab/pullstring or whatever. Something like an external hammer, and the added weight would certainly be useful.

For a long time, I have been thinking of ways to cock my 1077 other than the trigger mechanism. I mounted a cap screw in the left side of the hammer. It protruded through the left side of the breech about 1/2 inch. The screw was mounted on the left side so it would not interfere with the trigger mechanism. It works. It is very easy for a right-handed shooter to cock the gun with the thumb of their right hand. It did not improve the trigger pull at all. The only advantage is it allows you to lubricate the cocking mechanism without taking the gun apart. A small hole on both sides of the breech would allow lubrication.