Interesting 5" Pre-27 357 Magnum

[Muley Gil]

That U spring is pretty cool. This is the first time I have ever seen one or even heard of one. I've seen the W spring before, and it just seems overly complicated to manufacture.
I wonder why they didn't continue using the U spring once it was tried and found to work. It eliminates one part (rebound spring) and looks like it should work just fine.
As Arty Johnson would say...
Veeeely INTerestink!

I have read that both the W and U mainsprings tended to weaken over time and didn't rebound as well as the original slide/spring combo.

 

[BC38]

I have read that both the W and U mainsprings tended to weaken over time and didn't rebound as well as the original slide/spring combo.

OK, assuming that is the case, then that makes sense.

 

[TheTinMan]

Richard - thank you for sharing so much in this thread. The interior view of the U-spring is great. I had heard about it but didn't realize it served as the hammer and rebound spring simultaneously. Your cleaning procedure has been copied (and I doubt I'm alone in doing that). And I always enjoy seeing your "scratched up" treasures.

Chip

 

[RKmesa]

The trigger rebound portion of that spring does not look very efficient. How well does it work?

With the design, consistent with several above comments, I too would be concerned with the longevity... That said, the trigger pull on this one is VERY SMOOOOOTH.

 

[Frailer]

I love it when I learn something new. Fascinating stuff.

 

[RKmesa]

Following up - I just learned that the gun shipped in January 1954. Still no clue as to whether the gun is documented shipping with either the bobbed hammer or the U mainspring - still more work to do.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Thanks for the update

PM sent also.

 

[StrawHat]

Following up - I just learned that the gun shipped in January 1954. Still no clue as to whether the gun is documented shipping with either the bobbed hammer or the U mainspring - still more work to do.

Richard,

Any new information on this revolver?

Kevin

 

[RKmesa]

Not yet. I haven't done much with the research in the last year...

 

[SS336]

Just noticed this thread, late to the party as usual.
Beautiful revolver. Very interesting modifications for sure.
I have never seen that style trigger shoe, does anyone know who made them?
If you had to take out the U-shaped mainspring to clean and lube the inside would it be difficult because it holds the rebound spring also?
Again gorgeous revolver, uber cool.

 

[Jim Watson]

Still cooking after a year, I see.
OK I will add that the tip of the strain screw is mushroomed a bit like it had been pressing on a hard leaf spring for a while. Does this mean that the "U" spring was an add-on?

 

[raljr1]

And Richard bought one without scratches?

 

[Truckman]

And Richard bought one without scratches?

All in good time I'm sure......Ben

 

[Muley Gil]

Still cooking after a year, I see.
OK I will add that the tip of the strain screw is mushroomed a bit like it had been pressing on a hard leaf spring for a while. Does this mean that the "U" spring was an add-on?

Good question. It is possible that the assembler at the factory stuck in a used screw just to fill the hole in the grip frame. At this point in time, we'll never know.