44M Interarms Virginian Dragoon bolt spring source needed

[Milkmaster]

I need to replace a broken bolt spring on an Interarms .44 mag Virginian Dragoon SA pistol. Numrich shows the part but it is sold out. Neither Midway or Brownells even list Interarms parts. The pistol is a Colt action. Does anyone know if another spring will work just as well in these pistols? I see parts that look very similar but lack the experience to know if they work before ordering. I have googled it quite a bit and see other springs mentioned. However, nothing is specific enough to know exactly what to order. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Jim K]

All those actions are basically the same and a spring for any SAA type or even Colt percussion type (1851/1860) should work with maybe some fitting. Plus there are some wire springs on the market that won't break.

Jim

 

[Milkmaster]

I bought this today hoping that it will fit. There were no dimensions given to know how large it really is in person.

 

[Jim K]

Your picture in #1 looks like there are two springs in there. That is not unknown when the spring breaks and someone puts in a new one and leaves the old one in place for some reason. I would remove all the junk before installing the new spring.

It should fit; a common problem is that the trigger limb is left long and if not fitted right will keep the trigger from functioning properly.

Jim

 

[Milkmaster]

Dragoons actually have a separate lighter trigger spring you see in my picture above. Then they have a heavier bolt spring on top beneath the same screw. My bolt spring is what is broken. The trigger spring still works fine. I took a chance and ordered 2 of the springs on their website for experimentation. If the length is correct, I would just trim off the trigger side etc. I guess there is a chance I use the whole new spring and see how the trigger works out.

 

[rcmodel]

I agree you have one broken spring on top of another broken spring now.

You would have been better off ordering one of the music wire springs the make now.

If you can get one to fit?
One of those will last longer then you will.

rc

 

[Milkmaster]

My plan turned out successful! I ordered an 1851-1860 bolt and trigger spring combo that came in the delivery today. I trimmed the new trigger spring section off the new replacement and installed it on top of the old thinner but still viable trigger spring. I left the bolt spring on the new piece of course. Quiet a nice setup now. Perfect lockup and only about a 3 lb trigger pull. Thanks for the help here guys. This pistol hasn't been fired in 20 years because the spring was broken. I acquired it for next to nothing to use as a project. Any idea what it is worth now that it is shootable?

 

[Jim K]

You are right. Way back when, I knew the Dragoon used two separate springs, but I had forgotten. I always assumed that was to prevent the bolt from jumping under recoil and causing the cylinder to unlock. (S&W had the same problem with the .44 Magnum, IIRC.)

By using two springs they could make the bolt spring extra strong without making the trigger pull too heavy.

Jim