Wolff Gunsprings; A Major Improvement

To make the most out of your Smith and Wesson revolver, you may need to make some improvements regarding factory parts. My 686P is one of my favorite firearms that I own, but the trigger pull weight was ridiculously heavy. With a trigger pull like this, it can cause your front sight to jump when you break a shot, resulting in reduced accuracy and false sight settings. The simplest way to alleviate this issue is to replace the main and rebound springs.  The replacement springs I used are from Wolff Gunsprings, and I have found that they produce great products at fair prices. After browsing their website, I realized that they have something for just about everybody. They have a variety of springs for revolvers, pistols, rifles, shotguns, and some hard to find ones too. This variety allows you to purchase either a “pak” or your choice of springs, to customize and improve the trigger pull and function of your firearm. Before we continue with this article, I need to add a disclaimer:

“Modifying the manufacture’s design of a firearm may void your warranty. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to be a how-to guide. The purpose of this article is to review a specific product, and to show what may be involved during installation and function. You (the reader) are responsible for the safe handling, operation, and function of your firearm. You are also liable for any damage, injury, or accidental death that may result from incorrect work you may perform. WeLikeShooting.com, its writers, and staff recommend consulting a competent gunsmith or armorer prior to working on your own firearm.”

Wolff’s products come neatly packaged, and include information on the inside of the tag(s). Be sure that you read and understand it prior to using their products. In this review the type 2 Revolver Shooter’s Pak (reduced power, SKU#17121) was used. Contained in the outer bag are 13, 14, and 15 pound rebound springs, and a reduced power mainspring that are individually bagged. Always be sure that the firearm is unloaded! To see the difference in pull weight, I needed to find out what the original pull was. After measuring with a trigger pull scale, I had found that the single action pull was 4 lb., 10 oz. The double action pull was off of my scale, and I had to use a different one. It came in at 11 lb., 10 oz.!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After removing the grip, frame screws, the yoke and the cylinder, I used the handle of a hammer to strike the back-strap to remove the side plate. Don’t pry it off, as it will damage the frame and plate. Next, the strain screw is loosened, and the mainspring is removed. Using a rebound slide tool, the spring and slide are removed by pushing in and up. At this time, I cleaned and lubricated the inside of the frame, and its components. Comparing the Wolff springs to the stock S&W ones, I noticed some differences. The mainspring hooks have a slightly different shape, and the body of the Wolff mainspring had a rib formed in it. Also, the bottom of the S&W spring had a small tab to lock into a notch in the bottom-strap, versus the angled bottom of Wolff’s. During the fitting I did need to stone a small area on the back of the hooks. After a couple of passes the new mainspring hooks had closer tolerances versus the S&W’s stock spring, and fit securely. Your installation experience may differ. The rebound springs were a little different too. The S&W spring was shorter than Wolff’s, had thicker coils, and was roughly ground down on both ends. The Wolff rebound spring had cleanly cut coils, and were bur-free. The installation of the Wolff spring kit is the reverse order of dis-assembly. I used the 13 lb. rebound spring with the reduced power mainspring in order to get the lightest trigger pull possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After re-assembly, I pulled the trigger a few times checking for proper function. While I was doing this I could feel the change. The action felt smoother, more consistent, and significantly lighter, while the hammer offered only slight resistance when pulled back. The results from the trigger pull scale say it all. A major improvement! The single action pull was reduced to 3 lb., 4 oz., and the double action registered on the scale at 6 lb., 10 oz. The difference is 1 lb., 6 oz. (single action), and a solid 5 lb. (double action).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m very happy and impressed with the Wolff Gunsprings products. The fit and finish are excellent, as are the end results. For the price of this kit ($15), you can’t go wrong. Now that I’ve tested these products, I’m planning on replacing the springs in some of the other firearms I currently own, and others in the future. The bottom line is that I would highly recommend Wolff Gunsprings to anyone who may be looking to improve the function or operation of their firearm.

Thanks for reading,

-Rhody