'72 Open Top Hand/Spring

[Joe Lansing]

    I just broke the hand spring on my new Cimarron '72 OT. It was too tight and I applied pressure to bend it and it cracked. Some hand springs are soft and can be bent.
    Can anyone tell me where I can get a superior hand /spring? I already ordered a replacement from Cimarron, but I keep having visions of being disappointed.

                                                              J.L.

[Major 2]

VTI.... www.vtigunparts.com

[Sgt.Jake]

  VTI or convert it to a coil spring and plunger,I had Happy Trails do a couple for me,last time I will ever have to worry about them.   Adios  Sgt.Jake

[Flint]

Converted mine when the first leaf spring broke...  The coil and plunger are Ruger parts.

The set screw retainer is not really necessary, but puts a bit more compression on the spring.

[Joe Lansing]

    Thanks Pards for all the info. All your input is greatly appreciated.

                                                           J.L.

[Montana Slim]

No use ordering one replacement....spares is where it's at.
I've used the flat springs on all my revolvers...been doing so for 35+ years.....when I have need of a new one, I order a half dozen. They are pretty universal...one type for C&B, one for cartridge. One of these types has fit all I encounter. Even at that, average life in my pistols is 8-10 years each.
Last time I ordered, they were $2 for C&B, $3 for SAA. BTW, you can often continue to use the "broken" spring with a little ingenuity.

To learn about fitting parts, timing a revolver, etc. the best buy is to look for a used brass-framed Colt. Buy some extra parts and have-at-it.

Regards,
Slim