mainspring tension

[broke_collector]

I have a "indian" bess and it seems to me to have excessive tension on the mainspring. I can get the trigger lightened up but I am afraid to start on the mainspring as I have had little experience with a flinter of that size. Should it be stiff as a board? I made sure that the bridle screw was not contacting the inside of the cock, causing friction and likewise checked for excessive friction on the tumbler and bridle contact. Does the normal tension need to be that stiff to get good ignition? It is hard to cock and I feel that it puts undue stress on the tumbler, sear, etc. What do you guys think..THANKS
Jimbo

 

[rich pierce]

If you can cock it, it's not too strong. The frizzen spring needs to match it, though.

 

[broke_collector]

Rich,
After de-burring the "innards" of the lock I, after much file and test-file and test on the trigger spring, got the thing working fine. I did not futz with the main spring. Lots of sparks! It looks like the frizzen is fairly well hardened. Lets see what time will do for it. Now lets go smoke up the hollow! :blue: Jimbo