1872 open top springs

cheatin charlie · May 15, 2009, 05:46:06 AM

I just purchased a pair of Uberti 1872 open tops with Navy grips. I want to put in aftermarket
spring sets but do not know what brand to buy and which ones to get. How about some help
from the experienced guys?

Abilene · May 15, 2009, 06:27:24 AM

The OT uses the same trigger/bolt and main springs as the SAA (Model P, Cattleman, etc.). Lots to pick from. Everybody has their favorite and they will all work.

While some have had luck with a wire-type trigger/bolt spring, I think they tend to lose their "snap" after a while and suggest sticking with flat springs.

Flint · May 15, 2009, 11:26:11 AM

You want the springs for the Uberti Regulator. For the trigger/bolt, I prefer the flat spring, as the wire has too little "snap", as Abeline suggested. Regulator is a name Uberti had years ago for what is now called the Cattleman, Wolff never changed their label for it. The Uberti mainspring is a bit shorter than the Colt. If you do get a Colt mainspring, you will have to shorten it to get it to work.

http://www.gunsprings.com/Revolver/Colt_RvNF.html

Coffinmaker · May 15, 2009, 11:28:59 AM

I'll make two suggestions for the springs I have used in many action jobs.

Lee's Gunsmithing Gunfighter springs, available from Brownells

VITgunparts has their own reduced power main spring, very nice.

Coffinmaker

Fox Creek Kid · May 15, 2009, 12:03:40 PM

Coffinmaker, if you had to guess at the "poundage" of Lee's springs what would it be? I sure see a lot of positive comments about his kits but I hate a really light hammer throw. Are they that light?

RRio · May 15, 2009, 02:07:24 PM

You can take the stock springs from your gun and give them new and longer life by re-working them. In the years that I have been doing action jobs, I have had customers that do not want wire springs.

I take the bolt/trigger spring and deburr it to remove the rough edges from the punch press operation. All along the edges of a spring there are microscopic cracks from being punched out of the spring stock. That's were a crack will start in a spring, where the most pressure is put on it, at the largest microscopic crack.

Once I complete that, I tapper the trigger side of the spring. Then I start the polish process with 320 wet or dry paper, and work up to 2000 wet or dry. When I finish the the wet or dry papers, using my dremel tool and jeweler's rouge, I polish the hell out of it, then finish that up with some Flitz or Semichrome polish.

In the years I have been doing springs like that, I've never had a problem with one. You can do the same thing with a mainspring, starting with a .050 taper cut off each side with a pedestal grinder.

NEVER EVER LET THEM GET TOO HOT!!!

If you can feel heat with your fingers, dunk it in some water!

cheatin charlie · May 15, 2009, 06:45:08 PM

Thanks for all the input. I just ordered a set of Wolf Springs for the Uberti Regulator.
I believe these pistols will be a good match for my 1851 and 1861 c&b. Now I can
shoot Frontier Cartridge as well as Frontiersman.

Coffinmaker · May 18, 2009, 06:26:53 PM

FCK,

I couldn't begin to guess. I don't think anyone as actual compression figures for flat springs. They either work .................. or they don't.
With Lee's Gunsmithing and VTI springs, CCI primers are Iffy, unless the gun is really smooth. Federal and Winchester, no problem. I use/recommend Federal Magnum (more flame) for reduced cowboy loads and they work fine.
I use to re-grind springs until I found VTI's and Lee's. I hate the taste of ground steel, and now use after-market springs unless I need something special.

Coffinmaker

Coffinmaker · May 18, 2009, 06:31:19 PM

Almost forgot.

When the action job is complete and the timing and bolt rise are correct, I use Pietta flat trigger/bolt springs. I don't like wire springs. Mushy feel.
Same reason, nice light trigger/bolt spring and for what they cost, it doesn't pay my customers to pay me to re-work an OEM spring. The Pietta is cheaper and just as reliable.

Coffinmaker

Fox Creek Kid · May 18, 2009, 06:44:53 PM

I agree on wire springs as they are too mushy and can lighten the triger pull too much as well.

FWIW, I bought some EMF light hammer springs years ago from Brownell's and in one OT they worked fine but in the other light hits. Every gun is different unto itself for sure. The Colt factory bolt spring is still the best IMO, though cheap it ain't. I wonder if it's a Wolff?