odd new sound after I installed new springs in my 19-3

[jeffrey]

Today I installed a new Wolff mainspring and 15 lb. rebound spring in my 19-3. When I dry fire the gun, it has a new sound. Instead of the old sound (I don't know how to describe it, but it's like every other S&W revolver I've ever fired), there is a metallic ping -- higher pitched than the old sound.

This is the first time that I have ever removed a side plate and replaced springs. Is this new sound just the normal result of new springs? Have I done something wrong? Or is my gun just haunted?

 

[jeffrey]

Today I installed a new Wolff mainspring and 15 lb. rebound spring in my 19-3. When I dry fire the gun, it has a new sound. Instead of the old sound (I don't know how to describe it, but it's like every other S&W revolver I've ever fired), there is a metallic ping -- higher pitched than the old sound.

This is the first time that I have ever removed a side plate and replaced springs. Is this new sound just the normal result of new springs? Have I done something wrong? Or is my gun just haunted?

 

[tomcatt51]

Just how it is. Normal.

 

[Spotteddog]

If it sounds "tinny" after the hammer falls, it's normal. Some brands of rubber grips sometimes amplify it.

 

[jeffrey]

Thanks for the reassurance! I am using magnas with a Tyler-t grip adaptor.

 

[Katy]

I hate that sound too.
Before the springs are changed the sound is a solid SNAP!
After the spring kit is installed there is a dinging sound when the hammer falls and it makes the gun sound like a cheap toy.
What I usually do to remedy this is to leave in the lighter trigger rebound spring. (Provided the trigger snaps back quickly.) And use the original hammer mainspring but back off the strain screw about 1 revolution for starters. You will notice a definite change in trigger pull. Sometimes the dinging sound may appear so I just tighten the strain screw until it goes away. Usually a leaving the strain screw backed off half a revolution will result in a good compromise between lighter trigger pull and no dinging sound. And of course with any trigger pull lightening you should test fire at the range for ignition reliability.

 

[tomcatt51]

You only hear it when you're playing with it instead of shooting it.

 

[magnum12pm]

Originally posted by tomcatt51:
You only hear it when you're playing with it instead of shooting it.

I agree, proper hearing protection solves this problem completely!

 

[Spotteddog]

Look at it this way.
The soon to be departed likely won't be hearing the "ting" emanating from your K frame? Unless there are already six en route!

 

[Jimbob]

I have a 19-4 that I put the Wolff spring kit in and it sounds just like you describe. The mainspring is what is making the sound don't worry about it.

 

[roughcreek]

I recently bought a nice model 19-5. I dry fired it before I bought it and all was good. When I got it home I stripped it down and cleaned all the old grease and crud out of it and gave everything a light oil and re-assembled. Then I got that sound somewhat like a bell when I cocked and dry fired it. After thinking over everyhting I had done, I stripped it down again and replaced the light oil with a light grease and the "bell" sound went away.

 

[Shooter10]

I'm almost embarressed to ask this question, however, after reading all of the very knowedgeable answers, am going to risk it. I have owned, shot many various firearms, but have never had any reason to remove the sideplate from a S & W. Back close to 50 years ago, I bought a new J frame, 3 inch brl for my Mother's personal protection. I had taken her out, we fired one box of ammo, then I cleaned it for her, reloaded with five from the second box, and left it with her. Recently that pistol came back home, still with what appears to be the same five rounds in it, and the rest of the box of cartridges. Now it has a gritty feel with several hard spots on double action, and not a great feel for single action either, so I desire to lift the sideplate. However, even though I own a set of brownell's screwdrivers, feel like I can remove the screws properly, I have also seen some buggered up side plates, and have been told of needing to pry them off. This scares me, but there must be a proper way of removing them. I've tried in vain to spray oil up in the action, but that has not solved the problem. The little pistol still looks like new, in the box, and I would enjoy working with it.
Can somewone help me?

 

[magnum12pm]

DO NOT PRY THE SIDE PLATE OFF!! Remove the grips first carefully remove the side plate screws. Then place your thump lightly on the side plate so it does not go flying on to the floor. Take a wooden hammer handle smack the grip frame (which the grips were covering) couple of times briskly not like a body builder, and the side plate will walk itself right off in your hand. That plate is toe nailed in at the top near hammer spur, when the hammer is down. When replacing the side plate that same toe nail ( you will see it on side plate) goes in first, then press the rest of the plate down with your fingers not a hammer, do not force it, if done correctly it will go in with moderate pressure. I repeat no prying is to be done, when removing side plates or you will screw up side plate at the toe nail area, I guantee it. If you don't feel comfortable doing it get someone who knows how to show you, good luck.

Originally posted by Shooter10:
I'm almost embarressed to ask this question, however, after reading all of the very knowedgeable answers, am going to risk it. I have owned, shot many various firearms, but have never had any reason to remove the sideplate from a S & W. Back close to 50 years ago, I bought a new J frame, 3 inch brl for my Mother's personal protection. I had taken her out, we fired one box of ammo, then I cleaned it for her, reloaded with five from the second box, and left it with her. Recently that pistol came back home, still with what appears to be the same five rounds in it, and the rest of the box of cartridges. Now it has a gritty feel with several hard spots on double action, and not a great feel for single action either, so I desire to lift the sideplate. However, even though I own a set of brownell's screwdrivers, feel like I can remove the screws properly, I have also seen some buggered up side plates, and have been told of needing to pry them off. This scares me, but there must be a proper way of removing them. I've tried in vain to spray oil up in the action, but that has not solved the problem. The little pistol still looks like new, in the box, and I would enjoy working with it.
Can somewone help me?

 

[Shooter10]

Magnum: Thank you for the helpful info. I knew there had to be a process which did not damage anything, and this sounds like it. I still feel like an idiot having to ask for such basic info, but would much prefer to do so rather than mess up a real nice old girl. Thanks again.