I frame question

[robertrwalsh]

I have a very nice 1953 vintage .32 regulation police (New I Frame I am told) with a really mediocre trigger. Does anybody out there know if J frame spring kits will work on it? If not, a source for lighter springs? Any suggestions would be welcome.

[Green Frog]

I probably should wait and let Hondo44 answer this, but in my limited experience I'll say it should work to use a J frame spring set in an Improved or 1953 I frame. I'm reasonably sure the trigger rebound spring will work (and the lighter one will help that trigger pull) while I believe the coil mainspring will also work... at least they do in Baby Chiefs that have the same grip frame. Is the trigger pull too heavy or does it just feel grunchy? If the latter, you may need some polishing; not a job for the inexperienced.

Froggie

[robertrwalsh]

Very heavy and somewhat grunchy.

[Alk8944]

I Frame uses a flat mainspring, J Frame uses coil spring, so answer is NO, at least for that item. I suspect the cylinder stop spring is different too.

[robertrwalsh]

I guess I should have taken the side plate off and LOOKED. My bad.

[Hondo44]

Yes! Green Frog is correct. A model of 1953 new I frame main and rebound springs are the same as the .38 Chiefs Spl. As well as the previous model, the Improved I frame; the coil mainspring being the improvement!

To confirm you have the model of 1953 it has 4 screws, all in the side plate or 3 if made after 1956. It also has the elongated or egg shaped trigger guard.

Probably needs a good cleaning of the action as well.

Enjoy,

[Green Frog]

Brother Hondo44, did you like my technical term, GRUNCHY? I agree that a good cleaning is job one to get rid of any snot and dandruff that is causing drag. Another oft neglected step is to polish the rear (bearing) surface of the rebound block. That usually helps and requires no special skill or tools if you are able to take it out to replace the spring anyway. Other than that, any polishing and grinding should be left to an expert... I'm not being snooty, it's just too easy to mess up if you aren't sure of what you're doing. BTW, long use and repeated functioning usually makes these revolvers smooth out anyway, so I'm guessing clean and with the new springs it should be a lot better.

Froggie

[Hondo44]

Agreed. When I have the rebound slide out I always polished the three sides that slide against the interior of the frame and side plate.

[BC38]

Well, we've seen both YES and NO answers.
So, when you pull the grips, what do you see on YOUR revolver robertwalsh - a flat mainspring (Alk8933), or a coiled mainspring (Hondo44 and greenfrog)? Inquiring minds need to know...

[Hondo44]

Well the OP would have to be off by two evolutionary models to not see a coil spring when he takes off the grips but I doubt that he is.

[robertrwalsh]

Will let you know tomorrow. I was assured by this forum (Maybe Hondo himself, I don't recall) that it is a 1953 New I frame. I agree about the polishing of the rebound slide. I sometimes use a stone, sometimes #400 wet-and-dry, sometimes a cratex wheel on the dremel. Helps a lot. I have a Model 10 I smoothed out like that which has an unbelievable trigger. I have some J-springs now (arrived today) so I will pop off the plate and see what I've got. Thanks for all the kind assistance guys.

[hardknocks]

I suggest clean and polish before replacing mainspring.
If the spring is not the problem a new spring may increase trigger pull.
Good luck and neat I frame

[robertrwalsh]

Coil spring. Slightly dirty and BONE DRY. A little polishing, a little lube, maybe some new springs and I should have something much more shootable.

[robertrwalsh]

IT WORKED at least tentatively. Cleaned up inside. Polished rebound slide. Lubed sparingly. Put in new, lighter hammer spring and rebound slide. Will take it to the range tomorrow to check for reliable ignition. The trigger is now noticeably lighter and MUCH smoother. Will let you know how it work. thanks for the input guys.

[Hondo44]

Originally Posted by Green Frog

Brother Hondo44, did you like my technical term, GRUNCHY?

Froggie

Great word! It’s the ginchiest!!

[BC38]

Originally Posted by robertrwalsh

Coil spring. Slightly dirty and BONE DRY. A little polishing, a little lube, maybe some new springs and I should have something much more shootable.

No surprise there, Hondo44 knows his stuff, I figured he was right all along.
AND he's a nice guy too.