Mainspring issues on .32 Safety Hammerless 1st Model

[ClickBang!]

Hi all,

I am trying to diagnose an ongoing issue with a first model .32 Safety Hammerless. I've recently replaced the firing pin bushing/pin/and spring with parts from Jack First. While the pin retraction seems to work fine, I am getting way too much forward pressure with the existing spring. The new firing pin and spring work fine, as does the grip safety, but with the existing main spring, I am getting too much forward pressure on the pin and it keeps it pressing forward of the frame. What else do I need to check? See images. Without the main spring installed, the hammer, firing pin, and grip safety engage flawlessly. I am wondering if the spring a) isn't correct for the frame or b) if the spring has taken a set over the years and either needs to be replace or re-tempered and re-bent

 

[mmaher94087]

If possible, please give us a photo of just the stirrup. That's the part that connects the hammer to the mainspring and I think it was installed backwards. The stirrup is what makes the hammer rebound.

 

[ClickBang!]

Interesting, I hadn't thought of that. Here are two images that focus on the stirrup. The first image shows it moved as far as it will go clockwise and the second shows it pushed counterclockwise.

I haven't been able to remove the hammer, I'm sure there is a trick I'm missing. Any tips on that? I wonder if someone possibly replaced the stirrup with one from a DA or possibly just a poor aftermarket part?

 

[mmaher94087]

Thanks for the photos. The second photo shows the stirrup is installed correctly. I now suspect that the mainspring is not correct and is too long. Measure the length of the spring, in a straight line, from the butt to the tip of the hooks with it Uninstalled and again installed. This is a bit tedious and could be done in two minutes with the revolver in hand. This will give me the info I need... I hope.

 

[ClickBang!]

It is 2 7/8" from the base to the tip of the hooks when pressed flat against a ruler.

Re: the stirrup, does it look like its correct for the 1st model SH hammer? Also does the hammer seem correct for the 1st model as well? A lot can happen over 130+ years...

 

[mmaher94087]

Right now, the only thing that looks suspect is the mainspring. The hammer and stirrup look correct, but the mainspring looks about 1/8" too long. I want to say that it is from a .32 HE. Another thought is that the strain screw has been shortened or is not seated tightly to the frame.

I'll be away most of tomorrow, but I'll try to check the mainspring size against what I know is correct. We'll get this sucker figured out.

 

[mmaher94087]

I forgot to say that the mainspring appears to pull straight up or close to it. The spring should pull to the rear at about 45 degrees. That is my reasoning for the HE spring.