Broken hammer spring

[fredrader]

I broke I a part in the lock which I assume would be called the hammer spring..I did it by trying to cock the hammer back too far and it snapped..It is on a Richland Arms Yorkshire .45 rifle..Are these parts mfg specific or can I buy one somewhere easily and just pop it in..I am very new to the black powder game..Here is a pic of the part..
Click on the thumbnail and again on the pic for a largest view..Thanks in advance...Fred

 

[Len Graves]

Yes those springs are pretty specific to the lock. The spring you show broken in called the main spring. There is another spring on the inside of the lock called the sear spring resting on the sear. Which is the part the trigger pushes against. If you have a flint lock there is a spring on the outside of the lock which the frizzen or steel rests. this is called the frizzen or feather spring. Someone on this forum will know who made that richland arms lock. If so you may be able to get a spring from that company ( such as Uberti Etc.) If you know of a gun smith (black powder) he may be able to make you one. Good luck. PS. I don't think you broke it by cocking it too far. I have a hunch it was already on its way.

 

[paulvallandigham]

Since that is the static arm of the V-spring, it would not be broken by cocking the hammer back to any degree. It had a flaw in it to start, that just chose this moment to break. Call Brownell's or Track of the Wolf, or Dixie Gun Works, to ask about a replacement spring. The gun was made in Italy, but by which company is anyone's guess. Pieta used to be active in making replicas, but may no longer be in business. Pedersoli is the other well-known, and current producer of Italian replicas. There were other companies in the business back in the 70s, and 80s. All had factories in or around Brescia, Italy. The 3 American Suppliers will have had enough calls about these mainsprings to know what may work for you. If they don't have it, they often will know who has, or how you can make do with some other mainspring.

 

[fredrader]

Thanks for the help,I will try and contact them and see if they can hook me up with the part.. Here are a few pics of the lock etc..
It is for my Richland Arms Yorkshire .45 cal Rifle

 

[bingo1952]

Since that is the static arm of the V-spring, it would not be broken by cocking the hammer back to any degree. It had a flaw in it to start, that just chose this moment to break. Call Brownell's or Track of the Wolf, or Dixie Gun Works, to ask about a replacement spring. The gun was made in Italy, but by which company is anyone's guess. Pieta(Pietta) used to be active in making replicas, but may no longer be in business. Pedersoli is the other well-known, and current producer of Italian replicas. There were other companies in the business back in the 70s, and 80s. All had factories in or around Brescia, Italy. The 3 American Suppliers will have had enough calls about these mainsprings to know what may work for you. If they don't have it, they often will know who has, or how you can make do with some other mainspring.

They are alive and well.

 

[paulvallandigham]

Thanks. Its been awhile since I looked at anything they were exporting to the USA for sale.

 

[grey8833]

fredrader:

You could always make a spring. Brownells carries the steel, TOW has a nice phamplet on the subject. You will need a jewelers saw, a MAPP gas rig (high powered propane), and some files- but it really is not all that hard. Only took one practice spring. Got my second one right - was for an out of production Japanese pistol.

I just read what I wrote... no really, its not that hard.

Mike F.

 

[fredrader]

That sounds like a great idea..I thought about welding this one back together but I don't know what the heat would do to it.It probably wouldn't hurt it though...I'll see if I can contact Brownells though and get some steel and see what happens..Thanks

 

[grey8833]

fredrader:

Oh yea, forgot a magnet. The magnet keeps you from guessing about temperatures. Steel goes non-magnetic at its critical point in heating. There is also recommends an oil tempering method. If you have a lead pot (I have a Lee) just wrap the spring in foil and dunk it in the melted lead for 30 min. - neater than oil and works.

If you are going to make the spring get "Simplified V Springs" by Kit Ravenshear. A total of 21 pages - and he gets it done. Track of the Wolf carries it. Really recommend this one. By the way, it was a lot of fun!

Mike F

 

[fredrader]

Thanks,I went out to the garage and Mig welded mine back together and it seems to work fine for now..I will probably get some spring stock anyway and try and make me another one..Thanks guys,Fred
Click on the thumbnail and again on the pic for the largest view..

 

[bingo1952]

It ain't purty but then purty is as purty does. :thumbsup:

 

[fredrader]

I know it ain't purty but I just figured I would try a quick repair on the broken part so I could use it untill I can find/Make a replacement part..It seems to work fine though..I really needed a Tig welder but I don't have one..Anyway I can use it now so I am very happy ..