Suggestions for j frame rebound spring

[Greymann]

I was going to order new main spring and rebound springs for my M49 form Wolff. Any suggestions on which pound rating to use? Wilson and Wolff show main springs 8-9lbs and rebound springs from 11-18 lbs. I plan on using a 8lb main, but I wasn't sure on the rebound springs. My j-frame is for carry. Thanks in advance.

[rickflst]

I went 8 and 14 on a 638

[Greymann]

Thanks, that seems like a popular combination.

[Continental Op]

I recommend trying switching the rebound spring only and leaving the mainspring alone. Give it a shot and see how it feels. The stock mainspring will give you better reliability for your carry gun. The rebound spring is overly strong from the factory, in my opinion, and contributes to a stiff trigger pull.

[Waveski]

Greymann Post #4 says it all.

Remember - it's your SD carry gun.

[Pef]

You can buy a kit with multiple rebound springs ranging from 11 - 15 pounds: https://www.gunsprings.com/SMITH%20&...D58/dID263#444

Some j-frames are fine with 13 pounds, some can be slicked and function will with 11 pound rebound spring.

You can swap out a mainspring with an 8 pounder, but test it out to make sure you have reliable ignition. I've used 8 pound springs without any problems for hundreds of rounds.

I have a 642 that works well with an 11 pound rebound spring, but my 637 needs a 12 pounder. I have a Model 36 that needs a 14 pounder. Each may differ...

[BlackTalonJHP]

I agree that it depends on the gun. I've tried 12 lb return springs but prefer the faster reset of the 13 lb spring even if it provides a slightly heavier pull.

[notsofast]

On a model 36, dated 1965, could I get a lighter da trigger pull with using a #14 rebound spring and leaving the hammer spring original?

[Pef]

Originally Posted by notsofast

On a model 36, dated 1965, could I get a lighter da trigger pull with using a #14 rebound spring and leaving the hammer spring original?

Both the hammer spring and rebound spring contribute to pull weight, so yes, provided the rebound spring in your 36 is greater than 14 pounds, putting in a 14 pound spring should reduce the pull.

[lefty_jake]

Originally Posted by notsofast

On a model 36, dated 1965, could I get a lighter da trigger pull with using a #14 rebound spring and leaving the hammer spring original?

I am going to say "maybe" on this question. The rebound spring has at least two important functions. First, it returns the trigger. And second, the rebound spring has a significant effect on the single action pull weight.

So if you go to a lighter rebound spring, you need to check that the trigger return is still absolutely consistent, and is also fast enough for your liking. These aspects will most likely be fine with a 14lb spring, but you won't know for sure until you test the spring in your gun.

Then you need to check that the single action trigger is still safe for your intended use of the gun. In my experience, problems in this area are pretty common when changing the rebound spring. I believe the S&W armorer's manual states that 3 lbs is the minimum single action trigger weight, but even that is pretty light for a carry gun. On a target only gun, my personal minimum is 2.5 lbs, but many people feel that is too low.

If the lighter rebound spring makes the single action too light, there are two general solutions. One is to stone the single action engagement surface on the trigger. But this is a very delicate operation that should be done by an expert. The other option is to modify the gun to make it double action only. There are a number of ways of doing this, but this is often not the solution that people want.

One solution that I would never use is to just leave the single action extremely light, and then plan never to use it. I feel strongly that the single action pull must either be safe or be eliminated.

With all of this said, there is still the broader question about how to get a better double action trigger, which I think is what you are really after. Getting a good double action trigger generally requires some judicious stoning of internal parts. This stoning requires more time and skill than changing springs, but the results are also much more rewarding.

So overall, changing a spring and then doing careful testing afterwards is an acceptable thing to try in my opinion. But it is important to test your results carefully and critically. And a trigger scale is a necessary tool for proper testing.

[earlthegoat2]

My method is to use the lightest return spring that will allow a clean gun to function and is an acceptable trigger pull weight for your intended purposes.

Then install the next one heavier just in case that gun gets dirty enough to cause resistance in the trigger reset. Carry guns are subjected to all kinds of crud.

[AJR337]

Anybody know what weight springs are included with the Apex J frame kit?