only reason I mentioned about slide spring is my son has the full size 75b and his is easier to rack then mine, even he says mine is hard as heck to rack and he has stronger hands. Like you said, he mentioned to change my rack method to like how you said to do it., it is easier, . I bought the gun used and was wondering if maybe the previous owner put in a heavier spring? Are the different springs you put in color coded as to the spring weight? would putting the hammer on half cock before racking make it easier and not cause an issue with safety? thanks for both of yall's replies.