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Gunsmithing / Re: Measuring mainspring strength
« Last post by Navy Six on March 22, 2024, 04:20:56 PM »Thanks Coffinmaker. I received a response from Mike Brackett about how he does it(uses trigger pull gauge after hammer is brought to half cock. Hook gauge behind hammer face. When hammer moves record numbers).
My testing is to satisfy me as to why, some of my Colt style percussion guns will still occasionally suck caps despite:
arbor length correction
Slix Shot nipples
polished hammer face and safety notch
polished internals
One or two of my problem guns have responded to a heavier mainspring which cut down the problem significantly. I have no intention of installing a "cap rake". I feel the real problem is the darn caps. The thin construction material of caps combined with hotter caps along with generally lighter factory mainsprings has created this "perfect storm" of cap sucking, at least in my opinion. Having the opportunity to examine several original Colts, both SAA and percussion, I've noted a much heavier mainspring in all of them. Even though I am actively involved in SASS and enjoy a smooth, light action as much as the next person, if I have to go to a somewhat heavier mainspring in my percussion pistols in order to avoid problems, so be it. Besides, all this testing gives me an excuse to shoot more!
My testing is to satisfy me as to why, some of my Colt style percussion guns will still occasionally suck caps despite:
arbor length correction
Slix Shot nipples
polished hammer face and safety notch
polished internals
One or two of my problem guns have responded to a heavier mainspring which cut down the problem significantly. I have no intention of installing a "cap rake". I feel the real problem is the darn caps. The thin construction material of caps combined with hotter caps along with generally lighter factory mainsprings has created this "perfect storm" of cap sucking, at least in my opinion. Having the opportunity to examine several original Colts, both SAA and percussion, I've noted a much heavier mainspring in all of them. Even though I am actively involved in SASS and enjoy a smooth, light action as much as the next person, if I have to go to a somewhat heavier mainspring in my percussion pistols in order to avoid problems, so be it. Besides, all this testing gives me an excuse to shoot more!