J frame spring kit

p_jackson · May 21, 2023

Bought a 442 in March and gave it 1000 to 1500 dry fires with snap caps. Nice gun. Then I bought a 640 with an Apex spring kit installed. The 640 breaks around 8# and the 442 breaks past 12#+. Looking at the Apex spring kit and the Wilson Combat spring kit to put in the 442.
Please share any pros or cons of either kit.
Thank you for your replies. Pete

malph · May 21, 2023

I tried the Apex kit in my M&P340. It indeed reduced the trigger pull but I start experiencing occasional reliability issues.

Seems like these kits work in some guns and not others.

I backed out of the kit and went back to stock. A little stouter pull but it goes boom now. Every time.

Rpg · May 21, 2023

Dry fire is a common method of trying to lessen the trigger weight on J frames.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t produce a measurably lighter trigger pull. It may smooth things out a bit, but unless your gun has uneven surfaces or burrs it doesn’t help.

It may improve your grip strength, leading to a perceived lighter trigger, but it doesn’t measurably lighten the trigger pull.

71vette · May 21, 2023

I’ve used Wilson but I just replaced the rebound spring. Didn’t want to risk ignition issues. I’ve done it to my 442 and my 360. That made them just about as good as my older stock 60.

The other option would be to just get some lighter rebound springs from Wolff.

rockquarry · May 21, 2023

I don't dry fire; the benefits are insignificant in comparison with shooting ammo. As for improving the trigger, etc., I've always had excellent results becoming accustomed to the trigger as is, straight-out-of-the-box. No aftermarket spring kits for J-frames or anything else.

I've had many J-frames over many years, none of which have had the internals molested or "upgraded". They've been 100% reliable with factory ammo or any handloads using any primer.

An alleged improved trigger is no substitute for developing good shooting skills. Try that first.

Eddietruett · May 21, 2023

Wilson. Zero problems

smoothshooter · May 21, 2023

malph said:
I tried the Apex kit in my M&P340. It indeed reduced the trigger pull but I start experiencing occasional reliability issues.

Seems like these kits work in some guns and not others.

I back out of the kit and went back to stock. A little stouter pull but it goes boom now. Every time.

Did you also install the longer firing pin that comes in the Apex kit in your gun?
I am having the same problem with light strikes after installing an Apex kit. Going to put the factory mainspring back in and leave the lighter Apex trigger return spring in the gun.

sophie · May 21, 2023

I’ve used Wolff Gunsprings and had good luck with them.

Paul105 · May 21, 2023

I generally leave everything factory stock when it comes to springs. Broke down and tried the Apex kit in my 340 PD. Experienced occasional light hits so I went back to the factory hammer spring (left the Apex extended firing pin and rebound slide spring in the gun). No more light hits but trigger return a bit sluggish (probably not noticeable to others).

FWIW,
Paul

pete950 · May 22, 2023

My opinion I like the apex, but never had an ignition problem when I also install the apex extended firing pin.

H Richard · May 22, 2023

I know the Wilson spring kit mainspring is 8 Lb, but what is the actual original spring weight? Is it around 11-12 lb?

Old cop · May 22, 2023

Got my first J Frame for off-duty carry in 1968 & learned to shoot it (we had to qualify w/an off duty gun) the way it came from the factory. I’m not an engineer and don’t want to risk problems when/if I really need to defend myself.

rockquarry · May 22, 2023

Old cop said:
Got my first J Frame for off-duty carry in 1968 & learned to shoot it (we had to qualify w/an off duty gun) the way it came from the factory. I’m not an engineer and don’t want to risk problems when/if I really need to defend myself.

Yes, but many have an aversion to simple logic.

p_jackson · May 22, 2023

Thanks for all the replies. I was urged to dry fire with snap caps by a handgun instructor to improve muscle memory holding the hammer prior to break and smooth out my double action pull.
Pete

Paul105 · May 22, 2023

H Richard said:
I know the Wilson spring kit mainspring is 8 Lb, but what is the actual original spring weight? Is it around 11-12 lb?

According to Wolff, 8.5 Lbs is factory standard. J Frame 22s factory standard are 12.0 lbs.

From Wolff Website:

Hammer Springs

Hammer Springs (mainsprings)

Reduced Power...: 8 Lb.
Factory Standard.: 8.5 Lb.
Extra Power.........: 9 Lb.

Note: Models 317, 650, 651 have a 12lb rated hammer spring.

Paul

upcountry · May 22, 2023

I've used Wolff in several guns and never had a problem

malph · May 24, 2023

smoothshooter said:
Did you also install the longer firing pin that comes in the Apex kit in your gun?
I am having the same problem with light strikes after installing an Apex kit. Going to put the factory mainspring back in and leave the lighter Apex trigger return spring in the gun.

Yes. The longer firing pin was used.

BLUEDOT37 · May 25, 2023

No problems

APEX Tactical Carry action kit (#103-106) installed in (3) J-frames.

.

Old cop · May 25, 2023

Pls understand I’m not calling anyone out who modifies their J Frame springs. I’m not mechanically inclined and would likely foul up any attempt to change much of anything beyond grips or painting the front sight. To each their own . . . .

surfgun · May 25, 2023

I have used wolff and Wilson spring kits. Slightly prefer the Wilson kits. Took the standard mainspring and put it my 317. No issues.

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