Lighter mainsprings for Pietta 1860's?

Andy Griffith · April 9, 2012, 02:00 PM

Is there a drop in replacement on the Pietta 1860's for a little bit lighter mainspring? Just asking if anyone else has tried it- I picked up two more that must have been made for that Italian monster in the factory- they are that stiff!

I see several listed for Uberti's and other single actions...but which one and what part #?

dlbarr · April 9, 2012, 03:10 PM

Andy, I don't know for sure but I bet Wolff Springs would have what you're looking for.

Smokin'Joe · April 9, 2012, 04:27 PM

Mainsprings, like other gun parts, often require hand fitting. Grind down the sides of your existing monster spring in an hourglass shape like my exaggerated drawing shows. Go slow as with all metal removal projects and don't allow metal to overheat.

Hawg · April 9, 2012, 11:36 PM

While you can grind a spring down it's not an ideal fix. Get a Wolff.

arcticap · April 10, 2012, 02:15 AM

What I find interesting is that I've read other complaints about Uberti or other mainsprings being so soft that they needed to be stiffened up by using various shims made from leather or wood, or replaced altogether.

Smokin'Joe · April 10, 2012, 06:33 AM

Quote:

it's not an ideal fix

The hourglass shape of the modified spring distributes the forces more evenly across the spring surface resulting in less localized stress and less chance of spring breakage.

Hawg · April 10, 2012, 08:44 AM

Quote:

less chance of spring breakage.

Maybe but you're the first one I've heard say that. I've heard several people say the opposite.

Andy Griffith · April 10, 2012, 01:19 PM

Well, I took down the spring this afternoon, and ground the sides- at no time did I allow it to get warmer than I could touch (just a little at a time). It isn't quite hourglass shaped because I didn't have to take it down that far- really just a smidgen off of each side so it has an ever so slight hourglass shape. I then polished the sides of the spring so they shone like mirrors and cold blued them to help protect it from rust.

It's now slick, and still has plenty of power to bust the toughest caps.

Thank you!

April 9, 2012, 02:00 PM	#1
Andy Griffith Senior Member Join Date: May 14, 2009 Location: Macon Co. NC Posts: 591	Lighter mainsprings for Pietta 1860's? Is there a drop in replacement on the Pietta 1860's for a little bit lighter mainspring? Just asking if anyone else has tried it- I picked up two more that must have been made for that Italian monster in the factory- they are that stiff! I see several listed for Uberti's and other single actions...but which one and what part #? __________________ Barney Fife: "Nip it, nip it, nip it!" Andy Griffith:"Oh now Barn'...."

April 10, 2012, 01:19 PM	#8
Andy Griffith Senior Member Join Date: May 14, 2009 Location: Macon Co. NC Posts: 591	Well, I took down the spring this afternoon, and ground the sides- at no time did I allow it to get warmer than I could touch (just a little at a time). It isn't quite hourglass shaped because I didn't have to take it down that far- really just a smidgen off of each side so it has an ever so slight hourglass shape. I then polished the sides of the spring so they shone like mirrors and cold blued them to help protect it from rust. It's now slick, and still has plenty of power to bust the toughest caps. Thank you! __________________ Barney Fife: "Nip it, nip it, nip it!" Andy Griffith:"Oh now Barn'...."

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

April 9, 2012, 03:10 PM	#2
dlbarr Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2011 Posts: 162	Andy, I don't know for sure but I bet Wolff Springs would have what you're looking for.

April 9, 2012, 04:27 PM	#3
Smokin'Joe Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2010 Posts: 211	Mainsprings, like other gun parts, often require hand fitting. Grind down the sides of your existing monster spring in an hourglass shape like my exaggerated drawing shows. Go slow as with all metal removal projects and don't allow metal to overheat.

April 9, 2012, 11:36 PM	#4
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	While you can grind a spring down it's not an ideal fix. Get a Wolff.

April 10, 2012, 02:15 AM	#5
arcticap Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Location: Central Connecticut Posts: 3,166	What I find interesting is that I've read other complaints about Uberti or other mainsprings being so soft that they needed to be stiffened up by using various shims made from leather or wood, or replaced altogether.