Mainspring

[jculloden]

Is it possible to change the mainspring in a K frame without removing the sideplate?...TIA

 

[Muss Muggins]

Is it possible to change the mainspring in a K frame without removing the sideplate?...TIA

No. It hooks to the hammer.

 

[KAC]

Prior to MIM it was possible to remove the mainspring without taking off the side plate. The stirrup on MIM hammers make this more difficult, if not impossible.

 

[armorer951]

You can bend the mainspring forward by inserting a wooden wedge into the grip frame just behind the mainspring, and then cock the hammer.....the stirrip catches (or is supposed to catch) on the hooks of the mainspring during this maneuver. (works on forged hammers with pinned stirrip)
I never was able to master this technique, although some of the armorer instructors were pretty good at it. For me, it was always easier to remove the plate.

 

[jimbo728]

I must be lucky. Replaced a mainspring a couple of times on Model 10-6
revolvers and a couple of L frame Smiths easily without having to remove the side plate. Older guns though. Never had the need to do it to post 90`s revolvers.
Jim

 

[jculloden]

Help What's MIM ?

 

[Hapworth]

Help What's MIM ?

Metal Injected Molding -- the process S&W now uses to make their internals, versus the previous forged method.

 

[KAC]

If your centerfire revolver has a frame mounted firing pin it more than likely has a MIM hammer.