Rebound spring

[444 Magnum]

I've got the K32 and the K38 broken down. The rebound spring on the K38 is much longer than the K32. Both of these are postwar made 1948/49.

Is there a reason for this or has it been replaced? It's so long and stiff, I haven't been able to get it back in place. Could I just snip a little of it off?

Thanks, Steve

 

[Alpha426]

rebound spring is not original

the bottom spring looks like a non-factory spring as the end coils are not ground flat.

 

[series guy]

Cutting a coil spring makes it stiffer. There are videos online to help with reassembling your revolvers.

 

[steelslaver]

Compressing a coil spring of a known diameter from on set of points to another is a function of the wire diameter spring was made from. The overall length of the spring will effect the preload and final load, the longer spring having the greatest in both locations.

There is no reason a 32 should need a different one than a 38 in same frame size. Plenty of factory and after market springs available.

Place spring in slide, place slide in frame at an angle with trigger lever in slide socket. Press forward on top of spring with screw driver tilll it clears stud and press down on slide.

You can buy or make a tool to do it easier. Basically a screwdriver with a double bent tip section so you press straighter, The tip just fits in the springs hole to compress it and allows you to keep a better angle as you do it. More than one way to skin the cat

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0nUJePqV_U[/ame]

 

[ken158]

Replace with a factory K frame spring with flats on each end. I use a small Phillips screwdriver that barely fits in the spring end to push into block and behind retainer. Takes a few seconds and no need for fancy tools.

 

[chief38]

The bottom spring does not look like a factory one to me. Factory springs always have finished flat ends - that one does not. Spring's are easy enough and cheap enough to get, so why give it any thought? Just buy a few new springs either from the factory or if you want lighter ones - Wolff Springs. That's what I'd do.

 

[Mike-AK]

I'd replace them both with Wolff springs while you have them apart. I use the Gunsmither spring tool to remove and install rebound springs. It makes it super easy.

 

[444 Magnum]

Thanks everybody. I ordered a couple of factory springs from Numrich.

I was hoping to get finished with this, but it looks like it will be a few more days.

I have one of the spring tools that came with my tool set, but I still couldn't get the long spring back in. Its just too long and flexible.

 

[Fullmetaljacket]

IMO the reason you are having trouble installing the long spring is because that's not the factory spring. Betting that when you get your factory replacement spring it installs easily.

 

[DWalt]

Fairy easy to make a tool that works as well as, or better than, any rebound slide tool you can buy. I have been using this one for 40+ years.

 

[556A2]

Another great rebound slide spring tool option.

 

[Muley Gil]

I've used a Phillips screwdriver and also a thin bladed pocketknife.