High Standard slide stop lever spring

ok3wire · May 2, 2001, 02:15 PM

I just purchased an early 70's vintage High Standard Military Model Victor .22LR semiauto. While giving it a good thorough cleaning, I removed the right side grip. Much to my surprise removing the grip left the slide stop lever free to fall from the frame recess it sets in. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that the (darn near microscopic) slide lock lever spring was not securely attached to either the lever or the frame. Question number one: Is this the normal situation for a High Standard Victor?

You can probably see where this story is headed. While attempting to reinstall the slide lock lever, the spring lived up to its name and sprang off to parts unknown. Fortunately I've been able to locate a replacement, but I'm not anxious to have a recurrence of this experience. Question number two: Do you think it would be OK to solder the end of the spring into the tiny depression in the slide stop lever so this won't happen again? Thanks in advance.

Poohsdad · May 2, 2001, 03:32 PM

You could put some thick grease in the hole, that might do the trick. Or, you could just not remove that grip again. As a side note, i have one of those springs for sale for $5.00 shipping included if you havent already ordered it. PAT

ok3wire · May 2, 2001, 04:42 PM

Thanks, Pat. Unfortunately, the hole in the slide stop lever that accepts the spring isn't deep enough for grease alone to do the job. I just can't believe that High Standard designed the pistol in this manner.

I appreciate the offer on the spring, but, as fate would have it, the first one I located has already shipped.

Alex Johnson · May 3, 2001, 12:13 AM

I'm in the process of rebuilding an HD Military. I wouldn't advise trying to solder that spring on, it is simply too small and you would completely remove the temper from it, it would probably continue to work for awhile anyway, but eventually it would flatten out. If it is really worrying you about losing it clean both the slide stop and the spring with acetone, or rubbing alcohol to remove all oil and grease and than glue it into place with a small amount of super glue, or some other reasonably strong, removable adhesive.

ok3wire · May 3, 2001, 02:54 PM

Thanks for the tip, Alex. I obviously hadn't considered the effect soldering would have on the spring temper.

Perhaps a little JB Weld would do the trick. It's a more permanent solution that super glue, but could be drilled out at a later date if need be.

May 2, 2001, 02:15 PM	#1
ok3wire Member Join Date: April 27, 2001 Location: Lost Angeles Posts: 37	I just purchased an early 70's vintage High Standard Military Model Victor .22LR semiauto. While giving it a good thorough cleaning, I removed the right side grip. Much to my surprise removing the grip left the slide stop lever free to fall from the frame recess it sets in. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that the (darn near microscopic) slide lock lever spring was not securely attached to either the lever or the frame. Question number one: Is this the normal situation for a High Standard Victor? You can probably see where this story is headed. While attempting to reinstall the slide lock lever, the spring lived up to its name and sprang off to parts unknown. Fortunately I've been able to locate a replacement, but I'm not anxious to have a recurrence of this experience. Question number two: Do you think it would be OK to solder the end of the spring into the tiny depression in the slide stop lever so this won't happen again? Thanks in advance. __________________ Semper Fi Bill

May 2, 2001, 04:42 PM	#3
ok3wire Member Join Date: April 27, 2001 Location: Lost Angeles Posts: 37	Thanks, Pat. Unfortunately, the hole in the slide stop lever that accepts the spring isn't deep enough for grease alone to do the job. I just can't believe that High Standard designed the pistol in this manner. I appreciate the offer on the spring, but, as fate would have it, the first one I located has already shipped. __________________ Semper Fi Bill

May 3, 2001, 02:54 PM	#5
ok3wire Member Join Date: April 27, 2001 Location: Lost Angeles Posts: 37	Thanks for the tip, Alex. I obviously hadn't considered the effect soldering would have on the spring temper. Perhaps a little JB Weld would do the trick. It's a more permanent solution that super glue, but could be drilled out at a later date if need be. __________________ Semper Fi Bill

May 2, 2001, 03:32 PM	#2
Poohsdad Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Posts: 20	You could put some thick grease in the hole, that might do the trick. Or, you could just not remove that grip again. As a side note, i have one of those springs for sale for $5.00 shipping included if you havent already ordered it. PAT

May 3, 2001, 12:13 AM	#4
Alex Johnson Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2000 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 812	I'm in the process of rebuilding an HD Military. I wouldn't advise trying to solder that spring on, it is simply too small and you would completely remove the temper from it, it would probably continue to work for awhile anyway, but eventually it would flatten out. If it is really worrying you about losing it clean both the slide stop and the spring with acetone, or rubbing alcohol to remove all oil and grease and than glue it into place with a small amount of super glue, or some other reasonably strong, removable adhesive.