Wolff Spring Kit in Revolver: Do-it-yourself?

[CarbineCaleb]

Hi - I just received a Wolff Reduced Power Spring Kit in the mail for my S&W 617 revolver. I have never taken a revolver apart before. I do have some tools, and am fairly good with mechanical things in general. Can I put this in myself, or would that be a bad idea? If it's a bad idea, what would be an appropriate charge from a good gunsmith to put them in for me?
Thanks,
Caleb

[Unclenick]

Like a wrist watch (but bigger), the taking apart is often easier than the reassembly. Get Jerry Kuhnhausen's Shop Manual for Smith revolvers and read it first. You'll learn more than you wanted to know and enjoy yourself in the process. At the end you will probably want to do more than just change springs, and since you'll have it apart anyway. . .

At Brownells, the book is item #924-600-002 (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=13805&title=Jerry+Kuhnhausen+SHOP+MANUALS)

Nick

[CarbineCaleb]

Hey - Uncle Nick, thanks! Looks like it will be interesting reading, and if I use it, it will pay for itself on the first (successful) job. :D

I looked at Amazon.com, figuring they'd be cheaper (they normally are) - but in this case, Brownell's also has a much better price. :)

[Dave Sample]

Good advice from Uncle Nick. Take it and good luck.

[somerled]

Invest in good gunsmith's screwdrivers. Brownells offers a Magna-Tip set with the four bits needed for S&W revolvers. And do not pry the sideplate off or dry fire the revolver while it is off! I've seen so many marred revolvers.

Jerry Kuhnhausen's book is a good resource.