Posted: 10/12/2014 11:02:21 PM EDT
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Just picked up a used S&W 442. Shoots well but def has seen better days. I plan on having it refinished.
What's the word on upgrading the springs, worth it? Is there a consensus on which kit is best (Apex, Wilson, etc)? Any other worth while upgrades I should look into? |
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Been a while since I have played with spring kits but they used to come with multiple weight springs. You try one and see if it works ok or if you are getting light hits.
There is quite a bit of difference between different brands of ammo which I guess is mostly primer hardness. Range gun this doesn't matter much but it is something to be conservative with on a defense gun . |
| My advice is if the gun goes bang every time do not invite trouble with misfires by changing springs. Revolvers and j frames in particular are sensitive to developing misfires with light springs. Since a 442 is a carry gun anything that decreases reliability is a no no , regardless of any modest improvement in trigger pull. If you are going to carry it and put wear on it anyway I do not even see the point of refinishing honestly. |
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It's not a good idea to mesh with spring on a J frame.
Like Yeager or not he's right on the mark with this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MawzcjM5dYc |
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I put an Apex kit in mine over a year ago and it did wonders for the double action and single action pull. Also just over 400 rounds of reloads thorough it since the upgrade and NO light strikes. Take your time and polish the bottom of the rebound slide with some Flitz.. One of the best upgrades you can make to those revolvers.
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| I put an Apex kit in my 642 and one in my 360PD; I also did some light polishing on the 360, the 642 was already smooth from lots of shooting and lots of dry firing. No issues with either gun. The kits did lighten the triggers a bit and both guns are still reliable with multiple brands of ammo so I guess it's worth it. |
| I have an apex kit in my 642. The install is easy as long as you take your time. I also did some light stoning/polishing. I have also installed the kit in two other 642s for my dad and uncle. In my opinion, they make a HUGE difference in trigger pull. Especially if you take the time to do some polishing while you're in there. No problems with reliability with any of the three that i have worked with. |
| It's been said before--don't put a spring kit in a J-Frame Smith and Wesson. Even if the primers ignite 100 percent of the time, the rebound is crucial. It's fairly easy to "float" the cylinder when you're shooting a small-framed revolver if your hands are larger--particularly under stress. |
| I just installed the Apex duty/carry spring and firing pin kit in my Model 638. I never got to shoot it yet but I can tell the DA is much more smoother and lighter than factory. I slightly polished the rebound spring slide and followed the video instructions on the Apex website verbatim. It was easy to do and I'm looking forward in installing another kit in another revolver. |