Stevens Visible loader

[mooncoon]

Have any of you had any experience with Stevens visilble loader firing pins? I have one which takes two falls of the hammer to fire. I tried shimming the mainspring (coil) for more hammer strength but it still appears to be too weak. Also made a new firing pin.
Seems to be one of those frustrating guns where the spring strength is just borderline at the best of times and with even a small amount of friction on the firing pin, not enough power is delivered to the shell.

cheers mooncoon

 

[gunasauras]

Have you checked headspace? Excessive headspace will give you light strikes as well....

 

[Waba]

I've heard these referred to as "miserable loaders",they were known for their share of problems.I haven't worked with these, Mooncoon, but I've seen often enough in Stevens boys rifles the problem of poorly supported rims. Just a thought.

 

[mooncoon]

I did find that you have to make sure the gun is strongly pumped forward to get it to fire (on the second blow). The guns are a bit unusual in that the locking mechanism probably pulls the breach forward a few thou the tighter you pump it. (lock is on a slight angle). I made a new firing pin and cleaned out the pin hole with a round file; seemed to be a small burr in there. The firing pin now slides smoothly.
I think today I will try to buy a new mainspring; hopefully I can find a spring which is thicker and stronger than the original.

cheers mooncoon