Any Downside to Higher-Power Hammer Spring?

[danno]

I have a Ruger Blackhawk, which came with (I believe) a 23 lb hammer spring.  Would there be any downside to replacing it with a higher-power spring?  I know Wolff sells 24, 25, and 26 lb springs.  It would shorten lock time, and other than increased force needed to cock the hammer I can't think of a negative.  This is a trail/field gun and not a cowboy action gun, so fast follow-up shots like you'd do in competition aren't a concern.

Thanks,
Dan

[Encore64]

Usually increases trigger pull to. Sometimes causes the gun to move more upon trigger release too. All according to how you maintain your grip.

Best way to know is get an assortment and try them for yourself.

[princeout]

The stock mainspring in the Maximum revolver is a bit stouter than the factory Blackhawk mainspring. It’s the same spring found in the Old Army revolvers. I have one in my work gun, a large frame Vaquero birdshead in 45 Colt. It seems to increase trigger pull a bit but the standard trigger work can remedy that easy enough.

Tim

[taffin]

May 6, 2020 14:45:05 GMT -5 danno said:

I have a Ruger Blackhawk, which came with (I believe) a 23 lb hammer spring.  Would there be any downside to replacing it with a higher-power spring?  I know Wolff sells 24, 25, and 26 lb springs.  It would shorten lock time, and other than increased force needed to cock the hammer I can't think of a negative.  This is a trail/field gun and not a cowboy action gun, so fast follow-up shots like you'd do in competition aren't a concern.

Thanks,
Dan

ALL CUSTOM 'SMITHS I HAVE HAD WORK BY ALWAYS USE STRONGER SPRINGS THAN FACTORY. THIS IS TO ENSURE IGNITION IN A SERIOUS SITUATION SUCH AS HUNITNG SOMETHING THAT WANTS TO BITE, SCRATCH, CLAW, STOMP OR EAT YOU.

[bula]

Now that is something I'd not heard discussed, put forth. A heavier spring for serious use revolver. Am glad this thread came about and responses..thanks.

[x101airborne]

I have had thoughts before of trying a modification to a Ruger but have always been too chicken to try it.
1. Skeletonize the Hades out of the hammer.
2. Install shims on hammer and trigger.
3. Alter engagement geometry on hammer, trigger.
4. Install the highest hammer spring I can find or make.

Like I said, they have just been thoughts; but one day I just might have to try.

[contender]

As noted,, a heavier than "normal" hammer spring can cause a bit more trigger pull increase. And as noted,, that's an easy remedy by doing a quality action job.
More reliable ignition is often the main reason many increase hammer spring weights. As noted by John,, you want it to always perform if you really NEED it to do so.

Now,, x101airborne,, to address your thoughts.
(1) the hammer. it has been done & unless done right, most folks find them "gaudy" & not as attractive. But a side issue,, it could cause a failure to fire due to the loss of hammer weight.
(2) Shims,, often help an action feel better & reduce side pressure/drag by mis-aligned parts. Not a bad thing.
(3) May I SERIOUSLY suggest you study the postings by David Bradshaw here on hammer/trigger engagement. And if that doesn't convince you to not alter the geometry,, start asking all the serious gun builders what they think.
(4) adding the heaviest spring,, not a bad idea,, IF,, you skeletonize the hammer, AND can smooth out the trigger.

All this is just my humble thoughts. Others may disagree with me. And that's perfectly fine. But if you do these things,, I'd first get a spare set of parts,,, (hammer & trigger) to work on that you won't mind ruining. Hammer springs are easy to get.

[x101airborne]

Don't worry. I don't have ANY plans of doing this anytime soon and I would for sure use replacement parts not the originals.
It was just a thought I have had for a while.

[danno]

Thanks everybody for your replies. I got a three pack of heavier springs from Wolff and I'll try them paired with a 30oz trigger spring to see if I can find a sweet spot.

[jeffh]

This is refreshing. I got a thousand CCI large pistol primers handed to me c 2009, when you just couldn't buy them - ANY of them. The story was that they were "junk" and that "only Federal were any good" because the giver's preferred and finely tuned "game guns" wouldn't set the CCIs off reliably.

I'm all about fun and games, but I defer to the requirements of when stuff get "serious," like when it's more than a $17 prize and a little pride at a local club when you knock five bowling pins over faster than either the guy before or after you.

This is especially so for me, since 2008 or so, when one's preference in primers is not always available and being "picky" becomes an extravagant luxury. I once had a brand preference myself, but today it is based on what I can get the most of for what little I have available to spend on them. I've really never suffered from that particular indiscretion in any way - except when I had a reduced power hammer spring.

I'm not out there winning matches or dragging tons of big game home either, so take it for what it's worth, but if primers don't "light," I don't look to ditch the primers, I look for a heavier spring. You'll get used to the heavier spring, but might not get a chance to get used to unreliable ignition.