Model 36 hammer and trigger spring questions

[MTC(SS)Ret]

I recently acquired a Model 36 no dash. This is my first J frame and absolutely love it, however I have been doing some research on what it takes to lighten the DA trigger pull. I don't have a gage to measure it but it's probably 12# or so. The SA pull is very good, maybe 3 or 4#.
I have found there are several companies that sell reduced power hammer and trigger return spring kits, Apex, Wolf and Wilson Combat. I am aware that care must be taken to not install too light of a hammer spring or you can get light primer strikes and too light of a trigger return spring can cause trigger reset issues (I've read 14# trigger springs seem to work good).
My questions are........
1. What are the stock S&W spring weights?
2. How far can these weights be reduced to get a lighter DA pull and still get reliable primer strikes on a wide variety of ammo?
3. Has anyone tried any of these spring kits I mentioned?

Any advice y'all have is greatly appreciated.

 

[armorer951]

1. What are the stock S&W spring weights?

OEM J frame hammer springs are 8.5 pounds. Factory rebound springs are common in all models, but may vary a bit in overall length. Stock rebound spring rates are 17-18 pounds.


2. How far can these weights be reduced to get a lighter DA pull and still get reliable primer strikes on a wide variety of ammo?

J frame mainsprings can sometimes be reduced a bit to around 8 pounds. The PC J-frames have 8 pound mainsprings. (hammer springs)
note: J- frame rimfire models do not respond well to reduced weight mainsprings in my experience.

J frame rebound spring tension can also be reduced a bit, depending on the particular model. Most advise that 14-15 pound rebound springs work well, and maintain proper function. Always test your single action with a quality pull gauge if you change springs. J frame models often have a very light SA rate, so caution should be exercised in terms of modification of the rebound springs. Lower rate rebound springs can result in very low (dangerous) SA rates.


3. Has anyone tried any of these spring kits I mentioned?

I have exclusively used Wolff reduced rate springs in the past, so I can't comment on the other brands you mentioned. (the other brands are probably made by Wolff)

As always use caution when changing spring rates. Wear eye protection. Always follow up any spring change and check the action with a pull gauge for safety. Your mileage may vary.


Carter

 

[mikerjf]

I tried lighter springs (Wolff) and did not like them… the trigger return felt odd and insecure compared to stock. Since then I’ve just shot them a bunch and they get better. Just my take, YMMV.

 

[MTC(SS)Ret]

1. What are the stock S&W spring weights?

OEM J frame hammer springs are 8.5 pounds. Factory rebound springs are common in all models, but may vary a bit in overall length. Stock rebound spring rates are 17-18 pounds.


2. How far can these weights be reduced to get a lighter DA pull and still get reliable primer strikes on a wide variety of ammo?

J frame mainsprings can sometimes be reduced a bit to around 8 pounds. The PC J-frames have 8 pound mainsprings. (hammer springs)
note: J- frame rimfire models do not respond well to reduced weight mainsprings in my experience.

J frame rebound spring tension can also be reduced a bit, depending on the particular model. Most advise that 14-15 pound rebound springs work well, and maintain proper function. Always test your single action with a quality pull gauge if you change springs. J frame models often have a very light SA rate, so caution should be exercised in terms of modification of the rebound springs. Lower rate rebound springs can result in very low (dangerous) SA rates.


3. Has anyone tried any of these spring kits I mentioned?

I have exclusively used Wolff reduced rate springs in the past, so I can't comment on the other brands you mentioned. (the other brands are probably made by Wolff)

As always use caution when changing spring rates. Wear eye protection. Always follow up any spring change and check the action with a pull gauge for safety. Your mileage may vary.


Carter

Thank you so much for your informative reply, sir.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO the first thing you should do is buy a gauge to check the real pull weight. Guessing never works because the weight sometimes feels either lighter or heavier because of other factors besides the spring weights.

Sometimes just stoning the contact points inside the works will smooth up the feel of the trigger. If you have never done this don't do it, have a gun smith do it because if the angles are changes all kinds of bad things happen. Also, the parts now are only surface hardened and if you stone through the outer hard surface the parts will fail very quickly.

If you go to the Wolff Gunsprings site and check the J frame springs they tell you what the factory spring weights are.