Has anyone changed their springs?

[Bar Stool Billy]

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 I was told to order some new springs from Brownell (sp?) and cut two loops off of it. Has anyone tried this?

BSB

[RRio]

What springs would you be talking about? USFA pistols use flat springs.
Are you sure you posted in the right place?

[Bar Stool Billy]

 Thats the reason I emailed a local gun smith. I don't know anything about the SAA's. I can strip a 1911 to the last screw but I think I will take the revolvers to a compitant smith.

BSB

[RRio]

You can get spring kits for the USFA SAA.
I personnally make my own trigger/bolt spring, and then modify the main spring. but this is tricky and you can lose the temper in the spring if you are not careful.

I have used on occasion, and recommend Wolff Springs :

http://www.gunsprings.com/1ndex.html

It's relatively easy to change them out. Here to help if needed. Hope this helps.

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Billy,
Anyone giving you advice about coil springs is probably talking about Rugers.  The Colt SAA, and copies such as those made by USFA, use flat springs - one for hammer, one for trigger and bolt and one for the hand.  The two coil springs used are for the ejector rod and the loading gate.
If you can completely strip a 1911, you should have no trouble with the SAA.  It is one of the simplest designs you will ever find.  Basically there are only five moving parts, hammer, trigger, cylinder, bolt and hand.
I have had pretty good luck using the following replacement springs from Brownells;

Wolff reduced power mainspring (hammer) part # 969-322-800  $15.00

Heinie wire trigger/bolt spring - part # 394-630-000  $6.75

Both springs are easy to replace.  You remove the grip backstrap to replace the mainspring and the trigger guard to replace the trigger/bolt spring.
A note regarding the use of reduced power trigger/bolt springs:  Due to the excellent fit and finish of the USFA guns, I have never had a problem using the reduced power trigger/bolt springs with them.  On some of the less expensive "clones," where the polishing and fitting of the bolt is not as exact, you may experience some problems with the bolt "sticking."

[Bar Stool Billy]

 Will it void the warranty with USFA if I have my guns worked on by anyone other than USFA? I believe that Colt will not work on a gun that have been touched by anyone other than Colt.

BSB

[RRio]

I do not believe it will for a simple spring change-over, but you might want to ask them before you do.
Ask them here:

http://www.usfirearms.com/pages/contactus.asp

[Bar Stool Billy]

 Here is their response:

Randall
Modifying the gun can cause it to go out of warranty.

USFA Lifetime Warranty.
What is included:
U.S. Fire Arms stands behind its products. U.S. Fire Arms products are warranted, subject to the conditions below, for as long as you, the original purchaser, owns the firearm. This is a mechanical device and has a ‘Life.’ The life or duration depending on severity of use, climate, care, ammunition, etc. 

What is excluded from our Lifetime Warranty:
Firearms that are Out of Proof. An Out of Proof Fire Arm is one which has been brought out of its normal operating range; caused by use of non-factory parts, use of reloaded ammunition, or improper ammunition, powder, neglect, corrosion, abuse, wear, alteration of mechanism, defacement of proof marks, serial numbers, or, alteration of internal or external parts, and, any other operation or alteration on the fire arm which we feel brings it Out of Proof. Be sure to retain your sales slip as proof of purchase and date when making a claim. While we are aware that many shooters reload there own with no problem, hot loads are not recommended.


Thanks for your interest in USFA!

 I responded by asking if they could do it and what the turn around time would be. I sure would hate to miss next months match waiting for my pistolas. When I get their response I will let you all know.

BSB

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

BSB,
What, exactly, are you trying to achive?  If you feel that your gun needs an "action job," I would try the simple spring replacement first.  This is all that my USFA's (and I own several) have needed.  If you are still not satisfied with the results, replace the original springs and send it back to USFA if you want the work done under warranty.
I have one USFA that has a factory action job and, to be honest, I don't see much difference between it and my other USFA's using the springs that I mentioned in my earlier response.
CJF

[CW Price Texas Ranger]

I replaced the hammer and bolt springs in both my premiums.  I now can cock it single handed!  One SAA needed the sear recut as the hammer would move ever so slightly back as the trigger was pulled.  I recut sears and hammers myself on both my SAA's and 45ACP's.  Simply replacing the heavy springs improved my poi significatly.  Also, I have noticed that over the last couple of years, the machining at USFA has gotten better and there is less tooling marks.  Warranty?  They state that the gun will wear out from use, so as long as it is okay why send it to them.  Save the factory springs and reinstall them if you need to send the gun back.  As noted by Capt John, those are the identical springs I have used on both USFA's and 3 Ubertis.  However, I would suggest getting a set of screwdrivers from Brownels that fit Colts.  There is less chance of ruining a screw.   

[RRio]

  However, I would suggest getting a set of screwdrivers from Brownels that fit Colts.  There is less chance of ruining a screw.   

Absolutely agree with that! Never, ever use a "standard" screwdriver on any gun.

[Doc Sunrise]

A Grace Screwdriver Kit is a must.  Replacing botched up screws can get costly.  The Wolff Spring kit is good, but almost makes trigger pull at 3 lbs. too light for Any Action Shooting.  Nothing more frightening than a .45 Colt firing down range because your finger twitched.  I tried the old leather trick and found it lightened up the pull to be very comfortable while maintaining plenty of hammer drop power and left trigger pull closer to 4lbs.

[Virginia Gentleman]

I am going to use the small piece of neoprene sold as a replacement for the leather insert of yesteryear on my mainspring.

[Doc Sunrise]

Some traditions are hard to break!

[Virginia Gentleman]

The big thing I am worried about with the leather is it will attract moisture and start rust while neoprene breaths and won't trap moisture, infact I will saturate it with some gun oil.

[Doc Sunrise]

I decided to follow your advice and order the neopreme.  Ben Franklin once said that "the best way to adapt to change is to be a part of it."  I am due I guess.

Thanks for the tip!
Doc Sunrise