Flintlock trigger sear spring quick fix.

[vstarclassic]

Hello, I was working on a Bess lock and managed to break the above mentioned spring. I tried to build a proper tempered spring to no avail. Next option was, as the spring was broken at the hinge I tightly screwed the top part in, fitted a coil spring which met with the trigger sear arm and soldered in place. not the prettiest or traditional but totally functionable. Quick fix if you cant find a proper replacement. Since retor fitted at 1840 Springfield. Works. G

 

[mooncoon]

for reference to future springs you might want to build; I make mine from drill rod which is a high carbon steel. When the spring has reached its final shape, heat it red hot and water quench which makes it brittle hard. Then put it in a bath of molten lead for 3 minutes. You can judge the correct temperature of lead by floating a thin piece of steel on top of the lead and when the colour changes from black/blue to grey, unplug the pot and immerse the spring for 3 minutes. If you are fortunate enough to have a high temperature thermometer, you want 720 to 740 F

cheers mooncoon

 

[vstarclassic]

Thank you will give it whirl.