Model 41 Cocking Indicator Question

[OldRN]

I have a model 41, with both barrels, that I got in a trade from former member of the army pistol team about 45 years ago. I haven't shot it in 30 years (still has the Aimpoint model III I put on the bull barrel for .22 silhouette lol). I thought I would fix a few issues and play with it again.

I have two questions. The cocking indicator was taken out and its spring is missing. First, as I cannot locate a spring, can anyone recommend a substitute that will fit or is of appropriate weight to trim? Second, does the hammer have to be removed to insert the cocking indicator?

I am also going to replace the trigger guard and play with some Wolff springs. I have a Volquartsen extractor but the original seems fine.

 

[armorer951]

Sorry I can't help source a spring for the cocking indicator. (did you try Jack First?)

According to my notes on re-assembly, the cocking indicator is inserted into the assembly before the hammer is installed.

 

[OldRN]

Thank you, I'll call Jack First tomorrow. I've done a good bit of searching and that spring seems as scarce as hens teeth. For anyone interested, Numrich still has cocking indicators but apparently no springs.

 

[chief38]

If you can not find a Factory Spring you could try making one. I started out making springs out of necessity and found that it's not all that hard! All you need is the proper gauge piano wire, a drill rod or similar of the proper diameter to use as something to wind it on and either a drill press or electric drill. Believe it or not, after a learning curve you can easily make an operational spring (even if it's not as even and purdy as Factory Springs).

Not only will this get your M41 Cocking Indicator working again, but it is satisfying to do and will help you out in the future. Springs for vintage models will only get harder and more expensive as time goes on.

Over the past year I also made springs for my Snowblower and for a storm door locking handle - both work great! The one for the Snowblower was available but I needed it immediately so I could get the machine back into operation during a snow storm. The one for the Storm Door locking mechanism was long out of production.

 

[OldRN]

Thank you. I'll keep that option in mind. Making a small spring certainly sounds doable. I have found a couple of photos of the spring in situ. I would think a cocking indicator spring would be about as low a risk spring one could make. It doesn't look any heavier than what you might find in a good ball point pen.

 

[chief38]

Thank you. I'll keep that option in mind. Making a small spring certainly sounds doable. I have found a couple of photos of the spring in situ. I would think a cocking indicator spring would be about as low a risk spring one could make. It doesn't look any heavier than what you might find in a good ball point pen.

Go for it! I don't know exactly what wire gauge to use, but it's fairly thin and it's a relatively weak spring. Trial and error - but you will get it to work!

Unless you need an absolutely accurate to OEM spec spring, springs are not high tech and not narrowly critical in many situations. They can always be made weaker or stronger and you will have the ability if needed going forward.

 

[mmande]

I looked in my stash of S&W parts and low and behold I found a cocking indicator with a spring taped to it. As close as I can measure it is .280" long, outside diameter is .115" and the wire is .011" diameter. Both ends are wound close together for one and a half loops with 6 total loops. (No it is not for sale.)
I hope that this helps.
Have a Happy New Year;
Mike

 

[chief38]

I looked in my stash of S&W parts and low and behold I found a cocking indicator with a spring taped to it. As close as I can measure it is .280" long, outside diameter is .115" and the wire is .011" diameter. Both ends are wound close together for one and a half loops with 6 total loops. (No it is not for sale.)
I hope that this helps.
Have a Happy New Year;
Mike

I though that was terrific for you to dig it up and post all the spec's!!! Now it's up to the OP to make it happen. My M41 doesn't have a cocking indicator and so I did not have that option. Good job Sir!

 

[OldRN]

I looked in my stash of S&W parts and low and behold I found a cocking indicator with a spring taped to it. As close as I can measure it is .280" long, outside diameter is .115" and the wire is .011" diameter. Both ends are wound close together for one and a half loops with 6 total loops. (No it is not for sale.)
I hope that this helps.
Have a Happy New Year;
Mike

Thank you for that information. I will make note of it. At least if I make a spring, I will know what to do to stay in the ballpark

 

[OldRN]

Those measurements made me drag out my calipers and, just for laughs, check a spring from a ballpoint pen. The spring OD was 0.157, the wire dia was 0.125, and six windings of the spring from finished end came out at 0.29". Looks like I will be checking some pen springs and playing with them while I continue my search.

 

[JohnHL]

Plastic disposable cig lighters have a couple of springs around that size.

Check under the flint.

Hope this is helpful.

John