Opening lever return spring

[gunsaholic]

Anyone know where I might find a V style opening lever return spring for a vintage double barrel? I put a WTB on the EE but no responses yet. Brownells sells a kit that probably contains a spring that would work but the kit is over $100.00 with exchange and shipping which is a bit much for only needing 1 spring.

 

[kamlooky]

Did you try Western Gun Parts?
I have had remarkably good luck with them.

 

[gunsaholic]

Did you try Western Gun Parts?
I have had remarkably good luck with them.

I did but haven't heard back yet.

 

[mooncoon]

There are a considerable variety of them. If you have a cutting torch to heat the metal and forge it to width and thickness and a electric lead pot to draw the temper with you are better off to make one yourself from 1/4 inch drill rod

Cheers mooncoon

 

[gunsaholic]

There are a considerable variety of them. If you have a cutting torch to heat the metal and forge it to width and thickness and a electric lead pot to draw the temper with you are better off to make one yourself from 1/4 inch drill rod

Cheers mooncoon

Yes, I thought about trying to make one if all else fails. I have an acetylene outfit at the cabin but no electric pot so I'd have to temper differently.

 

[Neilm]

If you pm tour fax number I can fax a page with instructions on making one.

Neil

 

[mooncoon]

Yes, I thought about trying to make one if all else fails. I have an acetylene outfit at the cabin but no electric pot so I'd have to temper differently.

You have two other options, assuming no high temperature thermometer;
1. Using drill rod, spring temper is where dark blue turns to grey (and no hotter). Does not matter how you heat the lead, it is just a source of even temperature.

2. I used to draw the temper of springs by putting them in a small tin tray (2" x 4" x1" deep) and held up from the bottom with a couple of 2" finishing nails. Cover them half way or more with automotive lube oil and heat that with a torch until it boils and catches fire. Take away the torch and when the oil has all boiled away, the spring is now a spring instead of brittle steel. The catch is that in the last few years, auto oil has changed and is very difficult to keep burning. Used oil might work better but I switched to molten lead and a thermometer instead. I don't know why the burning oil method works but it does, based on 20 or more springs

cheers mooncoon