Rebound spring question.

Stonehorse

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Hello, brand new member here and very first post. :)

I have just recently gotten into S&W revolvers (third revolver inbound since last September) and I have questions regarding rebound springs.

Pardon the newbie question but I'm not entirely sure how the rebound spring affects the D/A trigger pull. I understand a reduced power hammer spring lightens the D/A pull but does a lighter rebound spring help lighten the D/A pull as well?

Or is the sole purpose of the rebound spring is to reset the trigger by pushing the trigger forward?

Thanks in advance.
 
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As noted rebound spring affects DA pull, different spring weights are available. When reducing spring weight you must ensure proper reset and action. To light can cause significant operational issues.
 
Just something to take note of, the rebound spring is driven back by what is termed a Toggle Link. Basically as the spring is compressed the toggle link acts to INCREASE the mechanical advantage of the trigger. End result is the Rebound spring has a minor role in the DA trigger weight and about 80-85 % of the effort is determined by the MAinspring Tension. Where the Rebound Spring has it's most notable effect is on the Single Action trigger weight. Typically with the factory 16 lbs. rebound spring a well broken in hammer and sear will produce a Single Action trigger pull of about 4 lbs. Change to a 14 Lbs Rebound spring and you'll see the Single Action pull reduced to a smidge over 3 lbs. Go to a 12 lbs. Rebound Spring and you'll reduce the SA trigger to about 2.5 lbs. but if you haven't fully detailed the lockwork cavity and all friction points you may see a failure to reset or a sluggish reset. Since most accuracy competition shooting venues mandate a 3 lbs. minimum weight for a Single Action trigger most of us use a 14 lbs. Rebound Spring.
 
Scooter is correct. Post #2 & #3 are incorrect.

Prove it (to yourself) by testing the trigger pull weight (using a trigger gauge) with the mainspring & hammer removed. Almost all the pressure needed to pull the trigger rearward will be what you see with everything assembled & using the same trigger gauge to test it's SA pull. That's because only the rebound spring is involved.

The DA pull weight largely comes from the mainspring.

.
 
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A lighter rebound spring will lighten the DA trigger pull. As stated in post #4, going too light can result in a failure to reset the trigger. The failure occurs because there isn't enough pressure on the trigger, therefore, the trigger is lightened.
 
Stonehorse,

Welcome to the Forum. Lot's of great people around here that are willing and able to help with all kinds of questions. As I am sure you have noticed. Stick around and before you know it you will be answering newbie questions.

All the best,
 
Thanks for all the replies and I have definitely learned a few things already. I will be sticking around and surfing this forum for quite some time.

Cheers.
 
An update. My Wolff spring kit arrived in the mail. I've installed the #14 rebound spring as suggested by scooter123. I have also installed the reduced power ribbed hammer spring. I'm using Federal primers in my .38 Special reloads so light primer strikes should not be an issue.

I will find out for sure when I get to the range tomorrow. :D
 
Keep in mind that changing springs only alters the mechanical forced required to pull the trigger, either single or double action. The proper stoning (smoothing) of the mating surfaces of the trigger and hammer are what make a really good trigger pull. This should not be attempted until you have the knowledge and expertise to do it. You can ruin some expensive parts fairly easily.
 

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