LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Caught a post on another forum about installing spring kits in revolvers, which in S&W revolvers usually includes the mainspring (powering the hammer fall) and the trigger return spring.
Looked around on-line, found that Wilson Combat offers a simple spring replacement set for K-L-N revolvers for $16. Decided to give it a try. Ordered two sets, delivered to my house in 5 days for $36 with shipping.
Each set includes a new mainspring and 3 trigger return springs in rated weights of 14, 13, and 12 pounds. Having been inside S&W revolvers many times over the years there are no mysteries involved, fairly straightforward 10 minute job to replace those two springs.
First project is a Model 64, vintage 1979, round-butt 2" received as surplus from the local police department several years ago. Been a while since anyone has been inside this one, so I spent a half-hour total giving it a good scrubbing to remove all the accumulated crud.
Mainspring is pretty easy to understand, just take the pressure off the strain screw until it pops out easily, then insert the replacement.
Trigger return spring is pretty easily done. Lift the tail end of the rebound slide until the spring comes free, then insert the new spring, compress, and return to the completed position.
Tried the 14# spring first and found that it functioned very positively. Then the 13# spring was installed, and the result was equally satisfying for positive function. Felt no need to try the 12# spring, but will keep it on hand.
Reassembled, fully cleaned and lubed, and the old Model 64 feels great! Once again, very positive action on the return spring. Appears to be plenty of "slap" on the hammer fall. DA function is very smooth and noticeably lighter than the factory springs (even after 40-plus years and thousands of rounds downrange).
Next stop will be the indoor range for live fire testing.
For now, these $16 spring kits are looking like a decent "action job" without involving a gunsmith. The second set is waiting for an equally old, but very reliable, Model 66 .357 4".
I am not one to tinker endlessly, and parts replacement is not something I do without a lot of thought. I tend to trust the factory engineers more than anyone selling parts to "improve" my handguns. I admit coming late to this party, but I think Wilson Combat may just have something worth considering. Springs do tend to wear over time, and factory settings may be more attuned to liability lawyers than performance. Maybe, just maybe, this will be a worthwhile exercise.
Looked around on-line, found that Wilson Combat offers a simple spring replacement set for K-L-N revolvers for $16. Decided to give it a try. Ordered two sets, delivered to my house in 5 days for $36 with shipping.
Each set includes a new mainspring and 3 trigger return springs in rated weights of 14, 13, and 12 pounds. Having been inside S&W revolvers many times over the years there are no mysteries involved, fairly straightforward 10 minute job to replace those two springs.
First project is a Model 64, vintage 1979, round-butt 2" received as surplus from the local police department several years ago. Been a while since anyone has been inside this one, so I spent a half-hour total giving it a good scrubbing to remove all the accumulated crud.
Mainspring is pretty easy to understand, just take the pressure off the strain screw until it pops out easily, then insert the replacement.
Trigger return spring is pretty easily done. Lift the tail end of the rebound slide until the spring comes free, then insert the new spring, compress, and return to the completed position.
Tried the 14# spring first and found that it functioned very positively. Then the 13# spring was installed, and the result was equally satisfying for positive function. Felt no need to try the 12# spring, but will keep it on hand.
Reassembled, fully cleaned and lubed, and the old Model 64 feels great! Once again, very positive action on the return spring. Appears to be plenty of "slap" on the hammer fall. DA function is very smooth and noticeably lighter than the factory springs (even after 40-plus years and thousands of rounds downrange).
Next stop will be the indoor range for live fire testing.
For now, these $16 spring kits are looking like a decent "action job" without involving a gunsmith. The second set is waiting for an equally old, but very reliable, Model 66 .357 4".
I am not one to tinker endlessly, and parts replacement is not something I do without a lot of thought. I tend to trust the factory engineers more than anyone selling parts to "improve" my handguns. I admit coming late to this party, but I think Wilson Combat may just have something worth considering. Springs do tend to wear over time, and factory settings may be more attuned to liability lawyers than performance. Maybe, just maybe, this will be a worthwhile exercise.
