Hammer Spring Weight

[IrvJr]

I picked up a used Ruger Blackhawk this weekend. It was made in 1981 and it's in good shape. I was dry firing it this evening using snap caps when I realized that the hammer spring/main spring for this gun is really heavy. I think it's a stock spring, but after thumbing and dry firing the gun with one hand my hand muscles were beat!

I think I might order some lighter weight springs from Wolff Gunsprings to try it out. I remember replacing the mainspring on my Bearcat and it helped a lot.

What pound weight do you like to use? I don't what the hammer excessively light - I am concerned about reliable ignition.

Should I go with a 21 pound spring? Or how about a 20 pound spring?

I normally use CCI Speer primers in my handloads.

Thanks in advance.

 

[GP100man]

I shoot better with heavier than stock in a SA revolver , it cuts down on lock time !!!

 

[IrvJr]

GP100 man - thanks for the post and the alternative perspective. I hadn't thought about it that way. Maybe I will keep it as is.

 

[flatgate]

I retain the standard spring except in my "big bores" and will usually swap to a slightly heavier "Old Army" mainspring or an aftermarket design.

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[Bucks Owin]

Use both thumbs! :lol: (Works for my young son.. :wink: )

 

[tek4260]

I'm with GP100man. The heaviest mainsprings available do help groups. Try a #26

 

[IrvJr]

Thanks guys. I solved the mystery of the heavy spring. I was using some snap caps that have these little rubber inserts inside where the primer would normally be. some of these inserts are starting to bend and stick out a bit. They are getting caught on the recoil shield when I cock the hammer. This makes it feel like the mainspring is heavier than it actually is.

I like the idea of having a heavier mainspring. My Ruger "New Vaquero" has a very light hammer spring, but I've noticed on the range that the time from when you pull the trigger to the time when the hammer hits the primer seems long and if I'm not careful, it can affect my accuracy.

I think I'll order a heavier spring from Wolff.