Little problems with the SP-101

[Baby Huey]

I couldn't find what I wanted with the search option, I was hoping someone could help me. I've got an SP-101 that I love, no interest is getting rid of it. I would like to improve the functionality, however. Two areas that need help are the cylinder and the trigger. The cylinder has one chamber that has bad extraction, worse as the gun gets hotter. Is honing the only way to improve this? Can the extractor be improved? And what about chamfering the chambers to allow easier speed loading?

The trigger is a little heavy, but 100% reliable. I'm not interested in lightening the pull, but I would like to have a more positive reset. Let me explain. When I fire in double action, sometimes it seems like I short stroke the trigger, and it absolutely refuses to move when I try to pull again. I need to let go and the trigger might travel another 1/10th of an inch. There is a tiny spring in the trigger group. Does this spring have to do with the reset? Can I add a stronger spring to "kick" the trigger back more forcefully without really messing up the weight of the trigger pull? Thanks for helping out!

 

[larryw]

To help with the trigger reset, try removing the trigger return spring and plunger from the frame and honing the tube they ride in.

Lots of good stuff can be done to the SP101 trigger, have fun!

 

[Baby Huey]

Thanks Larry, I hadn't thought of that as an option. I'll ask for a pro to do that when I get the chambers smoothed up. Good Advice!

 

[larryw]

It's really not that difficult to do yourself, provided you feel comfortable doing some minor work on your guns. If you can remove the trigger group and have some 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper, you're probably up to the task. If so, lemme know and I'll post step-by-steps.

 

[Jim K]

For that rough chamber, try using some 600 or 1000 grit emery paper in a slotted cleaning rod or a slotted dowel rod. Put the rod or dowel in an electric drill and run it into the chamber. (If using a rod, make sure it does not touch the chamber, only the paper.) A couple of seconds should smooth up the chamber. Emery paper as fine as 2000 grit can be bought at auto supply stores, but a chamber should not be too smooth.

Jim

 

[DBR]

larryw:

What do you recommend using for a hone? My SP101 has the same problem: rough trigger return. I've had the gun completely appart and tried to smooth the "tube" but I guess I didn't do enough because I only got a marginal improvement.

 

[larryw]

I used a strip of 600 grit sandpaper and rolled it into a tube that fit the hole in the frame. Oiled the paper and worked it slowly (two directions: twist and pump) and eventually things were nice and smooth. Just go slow, you want to smooth things up, not make the hole bigger.

 

[Baby Huey]

Thanks for the replies

I'm glad to see that others have had this problem. I'll try to clean up the chambers and the trigger myself. I will post results. THanks for posting the tips.

 

[Obiwan]

I had one tuned by Weigands(sp?)

It was marvelous!

 

[larryw]

Obiwan, how much did that run and how long did it take?