H&R 929 Mainspring Repair

[24-7 Dave]

First time posting, long time 'guest' reader. I have an H&R 929 .22 cal revolver I inherited from my father-in-law. When I took it to the range to test fire it, it failed to fire roughly 30% of the time due to light hits on the rounds. I've been reading through the older posts and found the solution for the constant misfires--broken plastic on the hammer end of the mainspring guide assembly. Just received the replacement from Numrich today (ordered the all metal one). It fits normally and allows the weapon to cycle normally, but I'm concerned about the mainspring seat that came with it.
The original seat is rounded to apparently allow it to rotate as the spring guide angle changes during cocking and firing, but the one that came on the replacement is flat and rectangular, and fits loosely in the channel machined near the butt. Also, and my main concern, is the new one is narrow and only about half the width of the frame, which can allow it to move from side to side. For those who have replaced theirs before, is this a problem, or should I try to install the old curved seat in its place? Not sure how to safely compress the spring outside the frame and get the guide through the hole in the seat so I can pin it and re-install in the weapon. Recommendations please!

 

[N.Schafer]

I always use the old seat when I replace the mainspring guide. I think the small, rectangle piece is just to keep the spring on the rod. To compress it, I put the head of the guide rod in a vice. Using pliers, push the seat down until you can slip the slave pin in the hole. Wear safety glasses in case it slips.

 

[24-7 Dave]

Many Thanks!
The new spring seemed REALLY stiff when I tried to compress it free-hand, so I was afraid I'd get the rectangular plate off and not be able to compress it again by hand when I matched it up with the original. Your method worked as advertised and everything slipped back in place smoothly, even with the arthritis in my hands. I'll take it to the range tomorrow and ops check it with a hundred rounds or so.
Follow-up question.
Since this is metal-on-metal versus the nylon or plastic original, I put a very light coat of Shooters Choice grease on the surfaces to minimize wear and keep it moving freely. Any problem using that product since it's sealed inside the grips?
Dave

 

[24-7 Dave]

Just ran 100 rounds through the 929 and it performed flawlessly. The replacement mainspring/all-metal guide assembly is a solid replacement in terms of form, fit and function for this particular production year (mine has a serial number that starts in AL for reference). Thanks again to N. Schafer for the advice on safely swapping out the shipping plate. Glad to see there are still forums with folks willing and able to help others.

 

[retDAC]

I did this to another H&R not long ago, except I used chassis lube w/Moly in it.