New Guns

[Digger]

I finally received my guns the other day.  6 months on order.  Pair of 4 3/4" .38 specials.  Dome blue, CCH frame, walnut grips with checkering.  I like the grips much better than my Rodeo's rubber grips.  Beautiful revolvers.  Probably be shooting them this weekend.


Digger

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Way to go, Digger!  Hope to see more of you here on the USFA board.  Let us know how the shoot goes.
CJF

[Digger]

Hi All,

Finally got around to running a box through them.  At twenty-five paces you could cover the off-hand groups each one made with a luncheon plate.  I attribute the spread to my shaky aim.  I wasn't obsessive about cleaning them after each round like you're supposed to, but I did run a swab down each barrel after each cylinder full.  A little stiffer actions that I might want, but after I've had a chance to exercise them a little, maybe I'll turn them over to a good cowboy gunsmith to lighten the actions a touch.

It'll be interesting to swap hands with them next time to see if the difference in group placement is the revolver or the hand.


Digger

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Digger,
Before you go spending money on a gunsmith, try installing these two springs, available from Brownells.

Wolff reduced power mainspring (hammer) part # 969-322-800

Heinie wire trigger/bolt spring - part # 394-630-000

Above part numbers are Brownells and installation is easy, as I am sure you are aware.  Just make sure you use a good set of hollow ground screwdrivers so that you don't mess up the screws.
Believe it or not, the insides of a USFA revolver look just as good as the outside.  Using the above two springs will smooth and lighten the action noticeably.  I use these springs in all of my guns.  Total cost, around $22.00 and 10 minutes of your time.
CJF

[Digger]

Hi All,

Got to thinking about it after I logged off, and I realized I "misspoke".  My whole range is 25 yds (paces) long.  I was shooting at 15 yds.  At my age, conflating details happens.  I wouldn't want my mouth to write any checks my ... well, you know.

BTW, thanks for the suggestion on the springs.  I have a Rodeo that I bought to practice with while I waited for my SA that I plan to make my project gun now.  I'll give it shot swapping the springs.


Digger

At twenty-five paces you could cover the off-hand groups each one made with a luncheon plate.
Digger

[Doc Sunrise]

Digger,

The Capt. is on the money about the springs.  I have found USFAs usually leave the factory with a nice but firm 3.5 to 4 lbs. trigger pull.  After trying different methods, the Wolff springs are the best idea.  Some smoothing of the action is sometimes possible on USFAs if you are picky, but this will not lighten the trigger pull as this area is not a problem in USFA guns.  And lately, the hand window and channel have been very smooth right from the factory with no burrs detectible on the hand or hammer.  I tried some different ideas including the leather trick and the rubber spacer trick, but they made the hammer fall just as light as the trigger pull.  On some loads the hammer failed to fire due to strength or reach problems.  Then I tried the Wolff springs.  They reduced trigger pull to 2.5 lbs. while allowing the hammer to have more than plenty of strength for ignition.  On top of that, you won't have to worry about the leather or rubber keeping moisture against the metal and cuasing any rust in the future.  Use Wolff, feel butter, hit POA!  Smile from ear to ear!   

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Digger
The Wolff springs will make a Giant improvement in the action on your pistol . so call the boys at Brownell's and they will fix you up .

[Grogan]

Digger,
Before you go spending money on a gunsmith, try installing these two springs, available from Brownells.

Wolff reduced power mainspring (hammer) part # 969-322-800

Heinie wire trigger/bolt spring - part # 394-630-000

Above part numbers are Brownells and installation is easy, as I am sure you are aware.  Just make sure you use a good set of hollow ground screwdrivers so that you don't mess up the screws.
Believe it or not, the insides of a USFA revolver look just as good as the outside.  Using the above two springs will smooth and lighten the action noticeably.  I use these springs in all of my guns.  Total cost, around $22.00 and 10 minutes of your time.
CJF

Yep those springs are the trick.

I doubt after installing those you'll need anything more done to your revolvers.

They almost make it like an entirely different revolver. 

My CAS Colts have that done to them and it's the cat's meow.

[Tommy tornado]

I am jealous.  The stupid hurricane but the brakes on me ordering my .44 special/.44-40 USFA from Five String.  Instead that money has to go towards a new roof and sheet-rock.

[Digger]

Hi All,

Thanks.  I added the springs to my wish list so I could remember next time the eagle flies.  I'll keep you posted on how it goes.


Digger

[Digger]

Digger,
Before you go spending money on a gunsmith, try installing these two springs, available from Brownells.

Wolff reduced power mainspring (hammer) part # 969-322-800

Heinie wire trigger/bolt spring - part # 394-630-000

Hi Capt,

What's the difference/advantages between the wire trigger/bolt spring and the flat trigger/bolt spring?


Digger

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Digger,
The wire springs are more durable than the flat springs.
CJF