need mainspring for tower flintlock pistol

OBG · October 30, 2009, 08:55 PM

ok, so i have this old (at least to me) reproduction flintlock (probably a dixie gunworks repro from the 70's) with the british-looking proofs on the lockplate...crown, GR, Tower. sometimes called a brown bess, but clearly in great shape, except for one thing. the mainspring was too weak to flip open the frizzen pan. so dummy that i am, i decided a little prying with a screwdriver and hammer was in order....snap, bad OBG. i tack welded it so at least the hammer doesnt flop around, but there;s no way i can really repair it as it broke right in the bend of the spring. does anyone know where i can find a replacement mainspring?

Scorch · October 31, 2009, 12:24 AM

Probably going to have to make one.

Bill DeShivs · October 31, 2009, 02:24 AM

If you have the old spring, I can make one. It won't be particularly inexpensive.

Harry Bonar · October 31, 2009, 09:06 AM

Sir;
I'll pass along Mr. Frazers method of spring making:
After you have it bent, polished and ready, heat it to cherry red and quench it endwise in water. Then take an old can and bend a recess which will hold the hardened spring when covered with motor oil and set the oil on fire and let it all burn off. There, you have a spring - you can obtain the steel from Brownells.
Harry B.

PetahW · October 31, 2009, 06:43 PM

Dixie Gun Works will have a replacement.

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October 30, 2009, 08:55 PM	#1
OBG Junior Member Join Date: October 30, 2009 Posts: 4	need mainspring for tower flintlock pistol ok, so i have this old (at least to me) reproduction flintlock (probably a dixie gunworks repro from the 70's) with the british-looking proofs on the lockplate...crown, GR, Tower. sometimes called a brown bess, but clearly in great shape, except for one thing. the mainspring was too weak to flip open the frizzen pan. so dummy that i am, i decided a little prying with a screwdriver and hammer was in order....snap, bad OBG. i tack welded it so at least the hammer doesnt flop around, but there;s no way i can really repair it as it broke right in the bend of the spring. does anyone know where i can find a replacement mainspring?

October 31, 2009, 12:24 AM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Probably going to have to make one. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

October 31, 2009, 02:24 AM	#3
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,979	If you have the old spring, I can make one. It won't be particularly inexpensive. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

October 31, 2009, 09:06 AM	#4
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	Spring Sir; I'll pass along Mr. Frazers method of spring making: After you have it bent, polished and ready, heat it to cherry red and quench it endwise in water. Then take an old can and bend a recess which will hold the hardened spring when covered with motor oil and set the oil on fire and let it all burn off. There, you have a spring - you can obtain the steel from Brownells. Harry B.

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October 31, 2009, 06:43 PM	#5
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	Dixie Gun Works will have a replacement. .