J Frame spring kit

[rtmccoy]

I installed an Apex duty kit in my 442. Took about 20 minutes. The videos that Apex has online are very detailed. It dropped the trigger pull from 11.5# to 9.5#. Make sure you have the correct screwdriver for removing the side plate. Also, although not necessary, I found this tool to be very useful to remove and install the new rebound slide spring:

http://www.gunsmithertools.com/smithmaster-trigger-spring-/index.html

Dry firing about 1000 times also smoothed out the trigger. It's not as nice as my Det. Special but it's much better.

[Lead Waster]

What I did. Actually, I ended up with the stock hammer spring and just lightened the trigger spring.

I was just going to ask if that works. I also bought a spring pack from WC, it had the trigger return spring in a few flavors and the main spring. Does changing the return spring make a noticeable difference? Or is all the heaviness in the main spring?

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I tried the Apex kit in my 642-2. It was an utter disappointment. Trigger pull was lightened at the cost of reliable ignition. Removed that kit, threw it in the junkbox, installed a Wolf mainspring, and reinstalled the original firing pin, firing pin spring and rebound spring.

[Pofoo]

I was just going to ask if that works. I also bought a spring pack from WC, it had the trigger return spring in a few flavors and the main spring. Does changing the return spring make a noticeable difference? Or is all the heaviness in the main spring?

The trigger return spring made the biggest difference. Use the lightest spring that will get you reliable trigger reset. The lighter hammer/main spring produced a few light primer strikes. That is why I returned to using the stock spring.

[Old4eyes]

I gave a link to Midway USA selling Wolff TRIGGER REBOUND SPRINGS. I then see folks claiming they have tried lighter springs and had problems with light primer strikes. That is not going to happen changing the TRS. The TRS has no bearing on how hard the hammer/firing pin strikes, that's the job of the HAMMER spring.

[ojisan]

Just a thought...
For a revolver that might be used for self defense, the only real "jamming" concern is not letting the trigger go far enough forward to reset after firing a shot...this is called "short stroking".
With adrenaline pumped hand muscles that tend to naturally clench, you want a firm and strong reset...a trigger return that pushes forward with some authority against your finger.

Defense guns and guns for fun are two different animals.

Defense is set up for maximum reliability when thinking may be directed to other pressing needs and fine muscle control may not be working so well.

Guns for fun can be anything you want since real stress is not part of the equation.

[movie zombie]

like Mr K I used Wolff on my Model 60 S&W.
however, mine pistol isn't vintage as is his......

[RandyD]

Just a thought...
For a revolver that might be used for self defense, the only real "jamming" concern is not letting the trigger go far enough forward to reset after firing a shot...this is called "short stroking".
With adrenaline pumped hand muscles that tend to naturally clench, you want a firm and strong reset...a trigger return that pushes forward with some authority against your finger.

Defense guns and guns for fun are two different animals.

Defense is set up for maximum reliability when thinking may be directed to other pressing needs and fine muscle control may not be working so well.

Guns for fun can be anything you want since real stress is not part of the equation.

I'll second what you said. I changed the trigger rebound spring on my S&W 60 and the trigger does not reliably return forward, so I went back to the factory spring. I now realize that S&W selected their factory springs for reliability.

[Mail Clerk]

I've replaced the springs in my Model 60 (30+ year old CHP trade in) and my recent purchase Model 638 with Wolff springs.

The 638 improved a decent amount, the model 60 is amazing and neither one had a bit of change in their reliability.

Kestryll,

I'm heading to Turner's this weekend. If I get what I want I may go ahead with this project and have all the springs in all my revolver collection done. I'll also look into Wolf Springs to start. Is there a recommended item number or weight number I need to consider?

Mail Clerk

[L-2]

For Post#24:
Try reading Wolff's webpage regarding its J-frame springs,

https://www.gunsprings.com/SMITH%20&%20WESSON/J%20FRAME/cID3/mID58/dID263

Try the 8 pound hammer spring; and
the 15 pound rebound spring.

[JTROKS]

Polishing the action wil make it smoother and lighter, than just replacing the springs. An job with tuned springs is the way to go.

[200Apples]

I have a 351PD (Personal Defense) - a 10.8 oz (unloaded) 7-shot .22 Magnum that I did throw a Wolff hammer spring into. It made the DA pull tolerable. I was cautioned beforehand that this may result in light strikes with some WMR ammo.

AND, Coach Eddie was right. Now, since I cannot see 100% reliable ignition with all major-name-brand WMR (Winchester cartridges are where I'll see one or two FTF out of seven... CCI/Speer and Remington stuff has far more reliable ignition with this lighter spring), I am going to reinstall the factory hammer spring. No FTF is acceptable in a defensive situation. If I have the time to target shoot in a defense scenario, I can simply shoot single action. Wonderful little gun, otherwise.

I have a Model 60-15 that other than a grip change I haven't touched except to shoot and clean. With the grip change, 125-grain .357 loads aren't too bad! and this with Altamont wood. They seem to fit my hand better, taking the recoil impulse from the web of my thumb by filling better the palm of my hand. I may try the lighter Wolff from the 351PD since centerfire cartridge primers aren't so finicky. Be an interesting test.

Thanks for the thread topic!

[200Apples]

I may try the lighter Wolff from the 351PD since centerfire cartridge primers aren't so finicky. Be an interesting test.

After swapping the 351 mainspring, dryfiring (not much! since it's an aluminum alloy frame), then dryfiring the J-Magnum frame Model 60-15, a hammer spring change es no necessario mit der 60.

The 351PD went back to "agh. whatta pull." and the 60-15 stayed at "Is this a Performance Center gun?".

Leaving the 60 alone.