S&W 442 main spring

[crooked stripe]

I have replaced the main spring (the one in the handle under the grips) in my 637 and 317 to a lighter 9 lbs spring and would like to do the same in my newly acquired 442. Being there is no hammer on the 442 there must be a different way of proceeding. Might anyone be able to tell me how to do it. All help would be appreciated. Thank you, rj

 

[Drail]

It's exactly the same. Clear gun. Remove sideplate, but dont' pry it off. Remove the screws and tap the grip frame with a wood or plastic screwdriver handle and it will loosen enough you can lift it out. You will see the hammer. Remove and replace mainspring. Replace sideplate. Be sure to get all of the screws in the same holes they came out of. A better way to lighten the pull is to replace the trigger return (rebound )spring with a slighter lighter one and leave the mainspring full power. Lightening just the mainspring will slow the time for the hammer to fall and can cause certain brands of ammunition to misfire. Be sure to test fire after you finish.

 

[Guillermo]

the hammer is there...it will all make sense when you open her up

 

[9mmepiphany]

While you have it apart, it is a good to to de-burr/cleanup the part of the strut that is inserted into the main spring...it wouldn't hurt to polish the tip of the strut that contacts the hammer either

 

[BADUNAME37]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/dadams111/642innards.jpg

 

[rcmodel]

You will need to cock the hammer with the trigger just far enough to get a pin punch or paper-clip in the spring retaining hole in the strut before you can take it out.

rc

 

[kle]

You will need to cock the hammer with the trigger just far enough to get a pin punch or paper-clip in the spring retaining hole in the strut before you can take it out.

rc

the internal-hammer 442 (and 642, and 640, etc.) DO have a single-action notch on the 'foot' of the hammer. You can cock the hammer (trigger-cock first, then complete the cocking with a tool or something) that will make this easier.

At least, it is this way with my 442-1.

 

[crooked stripe]

Replies

Gee guys, I new you would come through. Just got home from the hospital as I was having injections around my spine for pain in my neck. Sounds bad but not so. Anyway all the advice is spectacular. The picture sure helps. If the manual had some photos it would be nice but that generic manual stinks.
I read somewhere that taking off the side plate was going to cause a major catastrophe and I was a bit Leary. I have the 442-2 model if it makes any difference. Great tip on polishing the ends of the spring lever, never gave it a thought. I plan on doing this project as soon as my Hogue grip comes from Midway, most likely in the mail box as we speak. Temp is now up to a great 6 degrees with the wind at 15-20 mph. I will see if I can get the wife to make the 100 yard dash to the mail box. Thanks again for the great advise. rj

 

[BADUNAME37]

You are welcome.
Hey, I know what injections are. I have had hundreds since 2005 (Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine).
After a while, I feel like a pin-cushion!

 

[crooked stripe]

FDF, I have the same thing, Degenerative Arthritis. This treatment they came up with they call Cervical Fassetts Dual and the pain is gone when you wake up. Fantastic. Next treatment they burn off the nerves coming through the spinal cord. Good for a year. I keep my fingers crossed. Take care and good luck. rj

 

[BADUNAME37]

FDF, I have the same thing, Degenerative Arthritis. This treatment they came up with they call Cervical Fassetts Dual and the pain is gone when you wake up. Fantastic. Next treatment they burn off the nerves coming through the spinal cord. Good for a year. I keep my fingers crossed. Take care and good luck. rj

Thanks!
I will check into that!