Main spring question

tominboise · #1 10-01-2019, 09:41 AM

Specifically on an N frame, what is the difference in usage for the short type main spring and the long type main spring? It doesn't appear that they are interchangeable, but I do not know enough about the differences to know.

armorer951 · #2 10-01-2019, 12:53 PM

I wasn't aware that there are two different versions of mainsprings for the N frame?

tominboise · #3 10-01-2019, 02:39 PM

There may not be a short type for the Nframe, but the short type exists, so I wonder what models it is for?

armorer951 · #4 10-01-2019, 02:55 PM

The old "top-break" revolvers use a 3" mainspring that's no longer in production if that's what you are referring to. I'm no aware of any others.

Of course, I'm new to revolvers though, My experience only goes back 50 years or so.

Alk8944 · #5 10-01-2019, 03:08 PM

For the most part there is only one mainspring used on all K-L-and N Frame revolvers. There is no "short" type. Back in the 1950s S&W did try both "U" and "W" shaped springs, but the difference from the standard straight spring is obvious. Might be an "I" Frame spring, but that would be really short for an N Frame.