2ifbyC
Member
Now that I have the firearms juices flowing again, I decided to modify my forty year old Model 19-3 by installing a Wolff reduced power spring kit. Since I am using the revolver for recreational purposes only, I prefer the feel of a light trigger pull. I appreciate the safety and reliability issues this change may bring and understand the modification is not right for everyone.
For those contemplating the mod, I am posting some notes that may warrant your attention:
The screws on the side pate were very tight so having a proper fitting gunsmith style screwdriver is imperative. I had to use vise grips on the screwdriver shaft to turn while forcing down to prevent slippage.
The machining on the side plate is so precise that I had difficulty removing the plate once the screws were removed. I used a dead blow and low density rubber mallet to rap the opposite side and a liberal application of Kroil along the side plate seams to begin losing the side plate. Once the side plate began lifting, I was able to pry from the handle area to lift the plate without marring.
Removing the rebound spring is a challenge. I was able to compress the spring with a small blade screwdriver which in turn causes the rebound slide to lift. I was then able to get a pry bar underneath and lift the rebound slide past the pin holding the assembly in the revolver. I used my thumb to catch the spring since it decompresses quickly upon release. I had no issues replacing the spring and rebound side.
Replacing the side plate was not difficult but it must be completely flush with the mating surfaces. I did not notice the slight ridge until I tried to replace the grips. The right portion of the grip would not mate with the left half upon reassembly. I had to remove the side plate screws and use a soft rubber mallet to tap down the plate until flush.
Beside the Wolff mainspring, I used a 13 lb rebound spring. I don’t have a trigger pull gauge but do notice the lighter pull, especially DA. The kit also includes a 14 and 15 lb rebound spring. I plan on testing at the range before any decision to go with a heavier spring.
I paid $140 for a trigger kit for my XDM, so for $15 I am quite happy with the result.
For those contemplating the mod, I am posting some notes that may warrant your attention:
The screws on the side pate were very tight so having a proper fitting gunsmith style screwdriver is imperative. I had to use vise grips on the screwdriver shaft to turn while forcing down to prevent slippage.
The machining on the side plate is so precise that I had difficulty removing the plate once the screws were removed. I used a dead blow and low density rubber mallet to rap the opposite side and a liberal application of Kroil along the side plate seams to begin losing the side plate. Once the side plate began lifting, I was able to pry from the handle area to lift the plate without marring.
Removing the rebound spring is a challenge. I was able to compress the spring with a small blade screwdriver which in turn causes the rebound slide to lift. I was then able to get a pry bar underneath and lift the rebound slide past the pin holding the assembly in the revolver. I used my thumb to catch the spring since it decompresses quickly upon release. I had no issues replacing the spring and rebound side.
Replacing the side plate was not difficult but it must be completely flush with the mating surfaces. I did not notice the slight ridge until I tried to replace the grips. The right portion of the grip would not mate with the left half upon reassembly. I had to remove the side plate screws and use a soft rubber mallet to tap down the plate until flush.
Beside the Wolff mainspring, I used a 13 lb rebound spring. I don’t have a trigger pull gauge but do notice the lighter pull, especially DA. The kit also includes a 14 and 15 lb rebound spring. I plan on testing at the range before any decision to go with a heavier spring.
I paid $140 for a trigger kit for my XDM, so for $15 I am quite happy with the result.
