Colt SAA spring

peddler

I had a Colt Saa one time that had a leather washer under the main spring, where the screw attaches the spring to the frame. That was a real smooth cocking, and real good shooting revolver. Why was the washer there? And did that lighten the hammer pull? And is the washer a good way to smooth the hammer pull?

charliemeyer007

I think your washer was placed there to shim a tired spring, that was too soft/relaxed to fire primers reliably. Spring metallurgy is much better in modern times. Proper tempering and shaping flat spring is nearly a black art.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/Colt-33188/Revolvers-35751/PFrame-38014/SingleActionArmyFirstGeneration-37711.htm

added I guess if the leather is soft and spongy and the screw not tightened you could perhaps produce a softer spring. Would not be my first choice method, but if you are happy thats cool with me.

peddler

This Colt was made in 1976 and was not shot that much. I was thanking that the washer was there to weaken the spring, to make the hammer easier to pull. Revolver had a real smooth action and was a pleasure to shoot.

Hawk Carse

A piece of leather under the mainspring changes the working angle and reduces the spring load on the hammer for easier cocking. I first read about it from Elmer Keith and it was not new with him.
You can even get a neoprene shim to avoid the risk of leather picking up moisture and rusting the spring, screw, or grip strap.

peddler

looked like the washer was about 1/8" thick, I my try this on another Colt SAA I have.

Mort4570

this is a very common way to reduce the hammer tension ,makes cocking much easier,but too much and the primer iggition can get iffy.It's been done to many,may Colt's and clones there of with flat springs.

noell316

You can also use a lead shim. Won't pick up moisture