686 mainspring replacement question

[youngda9]

I bought the reduced power mainspring kit from Wolff.

I am more concerned with lightening up the DA pull and just want to replace the mainspring at this time. I am leary of taking off the sideplate as I've heard that can be tricky.

Can the mainspring be replaced without taking off the sideplate? (By reducing tension screw, sliding the spring off to the side at the grip end, and taking it out to be replaced in the reverse order)

If I do remove the sideplate and want to put in the 14lb rebound spring(which I've read is the right one to use, reduces SA pull by about 1lb)...do I really need to buy the $20 spring tool from Brownells to accomplish this one time task? It seems that I could manage with a small screwdriver...or am I kidding myself?

 

[RGPM1A]

These two videos will tell you everything you want to know.


YouTube - Gunsmith - How to smooth double action trigger pull on a S&W

YouTube - Gunsmith - How to smooth single action pull on S&W revolver

You don't really need the tool to remove the rebound spring but it helps. I made my own out of some 0.186" brass rod. If you take the side plate off make sure you use a proper hollow ground bit or you will ding up the side plate screws. If you don't have a proper screw driver find one whose blade matches the width of the screw slot in the head of the screw as closely as possible.

Photos of homemade tool attached.

 

[chief38]

If you are careful, you can replace a main spring without taking the side plate off, however it must be removed to replace the rebound spring.

If you are going to make this a one shot deal, you do not need to buy the special tool from Brownell's, and yes you can use a screwdriver. Just keep your eyes out for where the spring flies (lol).

If this is a Target Only gun, replacing the rebound spring and lightening up the main spring will make your gun's trigger lighter. I personally don't like to monkey with a Carry Gun's springs, I just prefer "cleaning it up". What I do is instead of replacing the main spring, I remove a little metal from the tension screw, then reshape it to the original tip shape. I would suggest doing this with a new screw and leave the original one full length. You can get new ones from S&W, Brownells, etc. This way if you screw up or go to far, you will still have the original. Get a few while your at it, they are cheap enough. You don't have to remove all that much for a noticeable improvement in the trigger pull.

Very easy job, just take your time.

Regards,
chief38

 

[youngda9]

Thank you for your help.