Jack Rowe, Master Gunsmith Series, Making a Spring. Part 1 of 3.

Published on May 30, 2012
Duration: 9:49

Master Gunsmith Jack Rowe demonstrates the process of making a replacement lever spring for shotguns. He details the identification of three distinct spring types (Greener, Scott, Continental) and provides a step-by-step guide for fabricating a new spring from 3/32 flat spring steel. The process involves careful marking, heating, bending, and refining the steel using common gunsmithing tools, emphasizing precision for proper function.

Quick Summary

Master Gunsmith Jack Rowe explains how to make a shotgun lever spring using 3/32 flat spring steel. The process involves identifying spring types (Greener, Scott, Continental), polishing, marking, heating, and precisely bending the steel with tools like pliers and a hammer for a custom fit.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction to Lever Springs
  2. 00:27Types of Top Lever Springs
  3. 01:00Drawing Scott Lever Spring
  4. 01:21Drawing Continental Lever Spring
  5. 01:58Naming Spring Types & Origins
  6. 02:46Identifying a Continental Spring
  7. 02:51To Make or To Buy Springs
  8. 03:20Spring Material
  9. 03:49Disassembly for Spring Removal
  10. 04:14Removing the Spring
  11. 05:47Demonstrating Spring Construction
  12. 06:00Shaping the Spring Steel
  13. 06:50Heating and Bending
  14. 08:05Refining the Bend
  15. 09:17Final Heat Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of shotgun top lever springs?

There are three primary types of top lever springs: the Greener type, characterized by a long arm and a pin on the top strap; the Scott type, with two legs of similar length and a pin on the underside of one leg; and the Continental type, also with two equal legs but a pin on its end, commonly found in Spanish guns.

What material is recommended for making a shotgun lever spring?

For making a lever spring, it is recommended to use 3/32 flat spring steel. Reputable suppliers like Brownells offer good quality spring steel suitable for this purpose.

What is the process for shaping a new lever spring?

The process involves polishing the inside of the spring steel, marking bend points on the outside, heating the marked areas until red hot, and then bending the steel using pliers and a jig. Refinement is achieved by straightening with a hammer and repeating the heating and bending steps.

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