3rd gen 6946 hammer spring

[shaft1]

I recently purchased a used 6946 DAO from Gander for $231 out the door after my discounts ..... marked NPD (Newark Police Dept?). Plenty of holster wear but for the price it's a decent gun.

In any case, I'm in the process of replacing the hammer spring to the lighter 17-pounder wolff spring. I'm having a heck of a time reinstalling the grip I think because the spring is longer. I don't want to force things and end up breaking something.

Any tips or tricks to make this task easier? I've searched online with no avail. This is my first 3rd gen so I'm clueless. Your help is greatly appreciated.

[Old_Cop]

Are the same number of coils is each spring, if so I think that it will fit and work. If not, then is there a difference in spring length between 5900 and 6900 springs? Maybe one of our experts will have the answer.

[justicetyme]

One thing I've found helpful in replacing 3rd gen grips is to make sure the hammer is NOT in the reset / cocked position.
James

[torizus]

^^^^^^^^^ What Justicetyme said, that will get ya everytime when installing original grips. Hammer up and be aware of thegrip's inside tangs at the front end of the grips,they must go inside and around the the front struts of the grip frame.

[shaft1]

The 17-pound wolff spring is actually .39 inch longer by design per wolff tech.

The new spring is in the gun now and a lighter trigger pull.

My issue when reinstalling the grip was that I didn't realize the new spring was not completely straight while pushing the spring down -- so there was no give. Another rookie mistake. Thank you for all the input.