Model 60 no dash hammer strut question

[Rule3]

I have a M 60, 1969 version. I was going to do my usual Wolf spring replacement on the rebound and hammer spring. After popping the side plate off I notice this gun has a round, much heavier hammer strut compared to the flat versions of the newer guns.

I went to slip the new hammer spring on and it barely will go on. If I get it on, it is very tight which would negate the 1/2 lb difference of a lighter spring.

My question is is this a normal thing for these older guns as I have not seen one before?

I could smooth(sand)down the round hammer strut some and the spring would slide on better but wondered if there was a bigger (diameter) spring?

The rebound spring fit fine.

Thanks

 

[armorer951]

The round strut you describe is common in the older j-frames. I'm not sure when the change over to the flat strut occurred. I doubt it would harm the strut to remove enough material to accommodate the spring. You might check with Brownells and see if their reduced power mainspring is any larger internally.......I think they still have their own name brand action springs.

SWJ-200 PRO-SPRING KIT FOR S&W J-FRAME REVOLVER - Brownells

 

[Rule3]

Excellent! Thank you. I thought Wolff made all the springs for everybody. I wondered if the Wilson Combat were the same as Wolff just with their name on them.

Doesn't Wolff make the OEM springs for S&W? (now)

I'll call Brownells.

 

[chief38]

Personally I would not remove metal from the hammer strut. If the spring barely will push on, then I would say the spring is not the correct diameter. I would contact the spring manufacturer and request that they sent you the corrected diameter spring rather than screw up your hammer strut. In general it's NOT a good idea to reform parts that are absolutely correct to fit parts that are incorrect, AND the older parts are becoming more expensive and harder to find these days. Your choice, but that's my .02 cents.

Chief38

 

[Rule3]

I agree with you.

I was not planning on removing much, more of a smoothing of the rough areas. The spring goes on, but very tight.
For 1/2 lb difference I am not going to even mess with it. The rebound springs make the most difference.

I think Wolff only makes the one spring. If Brownells has a different one, I may get that.

 

[Rule3]

Just a FYI, Brownells springs are Wolff springs (I called them)

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Perhaps a Dremmel tool, a polishing wheel and a bit of jewlers rouge.
Or if that is too aggressive-than some polishing compound and your fingers.

 

[Sebago Son]

I peeled the sideplate on my 1966 Model 60...

Here's the guts...

Up close it sure looks like these parts are indeed a little larger than the carbon steel J Frames of the same period...

But looking at it, I bet that you could substitute a regular Model 36/37 strut and use your Wolff spring.

Drew

 

[Rule3]

Drew, yes, that is the same hammer strut (round, rather than flat), if you pull it out it has a "fork" rather than the flattened round head. You can see the round on the bottom of the strut.
No, the head of the strut is different on the new ones.

I put it back together, not going to mess with it, a clean, lube and lighter rebound spring and it's nice now.

I called Wolff also and he thought I was nuts, stating he never heard of such a thing in 20 years??

Brownells knew what I was talking about.

Thanks!

 

[Sebago Son]

Hey Roy, sometimes you are far better off with just replacing the rebound spring.... main springs can be a little touchy on J's. Glad it worked out. Drew

 

[H Richard]

I never replace a mainspring on a S&W. I do put a 14 lb rebound spring in those that need it. Most don't.

 

[Rule3]

I never replace a mainspring on a S&W. I do put a 14 lb rebound spring in those that need it. Most don't.

I have done almost all of mine, Small J springs and bigger leaf springs in the larger frame guns.. The Wolff power rib design really feels nicer than the stock spring.

The stock trigger pull on DA only J frames like the 442 and 642 is horrible, that's why most people can't hit anything with them. I gotta say the Ruger LCR has a much better trigger pull, but that's about all. I had one for a while, traded it for something.

On only one gun did I have a problem with light strikes so I put the stock spring back in. I use hard Wolf primers as I bought a bunch of them when they were available and cheap. I never have problems with them in revolvers or semis, large or small. So if they light those off, Federal or Win primers would easily go off.