Colt Det Spl Mainspring.

AMT8951 · October 10, 2011, 08:05 AM

How hard is it to change out the Mainspring in an older model Colt Det Spl? Is it something I can do at home, or best left to a pro? Thanks

Scorch · October 10, 2011, 11:20 AM

Not hard to do if you know how. But then you can say that about lots of things.

1- Take the grips off
2- Remove the 3 screws holding the side plate on
3- Hold the cylinder latch to the rear slightly
4- Tap the grip frame gently with the handle of the screwdriver, the sideplate will lift itself off
5- Compress the mainspring, unhook from the hammer stirrup, remove
6- Install the new spring into the frame, hook tip onto hammer stirrup
7- Make sure the hand is pressed in and fits within the hand window
8- Replace the sideplate gently, press it into place. DO NOT hit it or force it!! Make sure the latch piece fits over the latch pin and the hand stays in place
9- Replace the screws. If everything is in the right places, test the action. If it works, replace the grips. If not, remove the sideplate and get the hand and latch in place and try again.

Once you've done a few dozen, they're easy!! Just like brain surgery!

If all this is intimidating, consult a pro (good luck finding anyone who works on old Colts anymore).

James K · October 10, 2011, 11:57 AM

Actually, you can replace those old Colt mainsprings without removing the sideplate at all, using a special clamp or padded needle nose pliers. Saves a lot of time and eliminates screw and sideplate problems. (Same with S&W mainsprings, both the flat and coil type.)

Jim

October 10, 2011, 08:05 AM	#1
AMT8951 Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2005 Location: Central NY Posts: 492	Colt Det Spl Mainspring. How hard is it to change out the Mainspring in an older model Colt Det Spl? Is it something I can do at home, or best left to a pro? Thanks __________________ .40 cal Sig 2340 Kahr E9 S&W M65-5 RIA Midsize .45acp Glock 21 Olympic Arms M4 Win M70 .375 H&H FN PBR .308 Win M69A .22 Mini-14 Ithica M37 Deerslayer 12ga Remington 721 30/06

October 10, 2011, 11:20 AM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Not hard to do if you know how. But then you can say that about lots of things. 1- Take the grips off 2- Remove the 3 screws holding the side plate on 3- Hold the cylinder latch to the rear slightly 4- Tap the grip frame gently with the handle of the screwdriver, the sideplate will lift itself off 5- Compress the mainspring, unhook from the hammer stirrup, remove 6- Install the new spring into the frame, hook tip onto hammer stirrup 7- Make sure the hand is pressed in and fits within the hand window 8- Replace the sideplate gently, press it into place. DO NOT hit it or force it!! Make sure the latch piece fits over the latch pin and the hand stays in place 9- Replace the screws. If everything is in the right places, test the action. If it works, replace the grips. If not, remove the sideplate and get the hand and latch in place and try again. Once you've done a few dozen, they're easy!! Just like brain surgery! If all this is intimidating, consult a pro (good luck finding anyone who works on old Colts anymore). __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

October 10, 2011, 11:57 AM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Actually, you can replace those old Colt mainsprings without removing the sideplate at all, using a special clamp or padded needle nose pliers. Saves a lot of time and eliminates screw and sideplate problems. (Same with S&W mainsprings, both the flat and coil type.) Jim