Gunsmith issue after hand spring broke

[Suntiger]

So the hand spring broke on one of my Navy's and I had a new Pietta  spare that I had bought against that possibility ( Boy Scout)

Have put it back together and can't get it to stay at fully cocked ... I clearly am doing something wrong .. but have never had this happen in the years I've owned them ...my hope is that some kind soul here can gently tell this dummy what he is overlooking or doing wrong..
Many thanks !

Suntiger

[45 Dragoon]

The new hand is too long and must be fitted.

Keep the contours the same as you reduce the length.

Stop when you get simultaneous cylinder lock-up and full cock. (Drag a finger on the cyl when checking). Hand is correct length now.

Now you can correct bolt drop if needed. It should hit the cylinder at least a bolt width before engaging the locking notch.

Mike

[Suntiger]

It will go to full cock and stay without the cylinder... ?

[Suntiger]

45
I added that last post before I saw your reply
It also appeared that the spring was off center..

Do I adjust the hand by filing or grinding wheel? And I guess a Little at a time? I am guessing there's a technique to this .. and last stupid question ... is trying to take the spring from the new one and putting it on the old one something that's doable ?  I greatly appreciate your time and input

[Hawg]

File it, never grind it. Yes you can change out the new spring in the old hand but you have to be careful. You can pry the slot apart slightly and drive the old spring out. It would be better to make a new spring out of a bobby pin than risk breaking the new hand.

[Captainkirk]

+1 on the bobby pin. Works good, lasts a long time. And quicker than filing a hand to fit.

[ssb73q]

It will go to full cock and stay without the cylinder... ?

Hi Suntiger, the reason that the revolver will go into full cock with the cylinder out and not with the cylinder in is because as Mike says, the hand is too long. When the hand is too long, the bolt will lock up in the cylinder before the revolver hammer reaches full cock. The bolt locks up the cylinder too soon because of the too long hand.

It's a pretty simple process fitting a new hand. Slowly file down the hand until you get a proper fit. Use the old hand as a guide. Go slow, testing often. You don't want to remove more of the hand than necessary.

Regards,
Richard

[Hawg]

What Richard said. If you get the hand too short it won't go into battery.

[Suntiger]

Wanted to thank everyone for the helpful information. This group is always great about that , I'm going to try this weekend.
I apologize for not acknowledging y'all sooner , but my ole Lab passed away Monday , and I just wasn't up to communication.. he'd been with us 13 years, which is a good long time for a hundred pound block head. Winston was smart strong and good natured, and he got to pass lying on the front porch, listening to the birds...it's going to take some time...

[mazo kid]

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your old friend. It's always hard.

[mike116]

Sorry about your dog Suntiger.  Been there several times over the years.   Time is what helps most.

[Hawg]

Sorry to hear about your dog. I know it's hard. It's like losing a family member but the best thing you can do is get another dog. I know it's probably not what you want to do right now but it's not replacing the one you lost, it's therapy to get you through the pain.

[Suntiger]

Hawg
I believe that's good advice..just got to work up to it.

As to the hand issue .. also toying w the idea of perhaps just going ahead and sending that pistol off To Goons or someone if I don't do myself

[Len]

Sorry to hear about Winston. Know how it feels.

[ShotgunDave]

We know how you fell Suntiger.

Sleep well Winston.