A detent apparatus and method for rotatably retaining a paint spray tip and turret in a holder to permit rotation of the turret to selectively position the tip to a spraying position and a cleaning position and to selectively permit extraction and insertion of the turret with respect to the holder by actuation of the detent apparatus which is preferably made up of a protrusion and mating recess and shoulder, with a spring portion permitting relative movement of the elements of the detent apparatus to permit withdrawal and insertion of the turret with respect to the holder.