S&W 39-2 spring replacement?

[toocool]

I have a Smith & Wesson Model 39-2, Serial #A2848** and have frequent failures-to-feed. I have an original 39 magazine, some aftermarket type (came with the gun, got the factory one from a forum member) and a stainless 639/3906 magazine. I have the FTF's with all three magazines, no particular round out of the mag, and it happens with WWB FMJ and UMC FMJ, as well as Gold Dot JHP's. I bought it used at Gander Mountain so I don't know its round count. I'm guessing I need at least a new recoil spring, but what power level? Wolff sells reduced power springs, a factory-weight 14# spring, as well as extra power springs.

What would be your suggestions for replacement? Should I replace all springs, just the recoil spring, the recoil and firing pin springs or look for some other solution?

Thanks for any help...

 

[rodregier]

What is the exact nature of the function issues? Fired case not ejecting, slide crunching cartridges being fed, stovepiping?


Given the unknown condition of the springs, my gut reaction would be to replace the recoil, FP and magazine springs with Wolff. Wolff makes a nice product.

I would suggest starting with standard weight recoil/FP spring kit, and mild "plus" for the magazines.

The 39-2 wasn't designed to reliably feed HP ammunition, so you may have issues in that regard even if you get the springs sorted. The Remington "vanilla" hollowpoints are the closest to FMJ profile for feeding purposes.

Once you get it working properly, note how far fired brass is thrown. If it is more than say 5 feet you can safely consider going with a heavier recoil spring. Wolff sells a recoil calibration pak which permits iterating weight.

Tip - dip the ends of the different weight recoil springs in different color model paint and write up a color code chart. That will keep you from getting the different weights mixed up, they all look very similar.

Suggest inserting a cartridge case (from below in the field-stripped slide) under the extractor. It should hold it in place with moderate tension. If not, you have an extractor or extractor spring issue.

 

[toocool]

The problem is the rounds don't fully chamber when firing...smacking the back of the slide will complete the chambering, and I can't see any issue with the feed ramp...it's polished smooth and the gun extracts well. It's hard to tell about the ejection; I've only been able to shoot at an indoor range, so the cases bounce off the wall between firing lanes....

I also forgot to mention, I also tried it with Power Ball ammo, figuring that if it fed that reliably, that would be my SD load of choice, but the Power Ball does the same thing.

I'm planning on replacing the mag springs for the two blued mags, but should I have to do that on the 639 mag (bought new from S&W in the last year)?

Also, if I'm reading the Wolff site correctly, if I order mainsprings, I also get an extra-power firing pin spring? And how hard is it to replace the firing pin spring in a 39, compared to replacing the striker assembly in an M&P (which is a piece of cake...)?

 

[rodregier]

It's fairly ugly replacing the FP spring on the metal frame Smith autopistols. You have to push the firing pin right up to it's stop with a pin punch, and pop the safety out at the same time.
Once you start moving the safety tumbler sideways, it holds the spring in place and you can release the punch pushing on the firing pin.
When the tumbler clears the spring, the spring will launch if you don't capture it :-(

The 39 doesn't have the magazine safety plunger, so you don't have to wrangle that.

That releases the spring (and firing pin).

It may not be compelling to replace the new magazine spring. However, they are sold in singles, 3's and 10's out of Wolff, so why not?

My experience is that the S&W factory recoil springs were "light" for purpose to begin with, so a tired spring could be inadequate for closing the reciprocating slide.

(I used to own a 469 and a 659).

Hopefully this will help you some...