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Statesrights
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Custom leaf spring
Feb 15th, 2023 at 2:45pm
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I’m searching for someone who might make a leaf spring for an open top Colt 1879 .22 revolver. I know, a worthless firearm and not a single shot, but belonged to my grandmother, so….
I have the broken spring.
  
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oneatatime
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Re: Custom leaf spring
Reply #1 - Feb 15th, 2023 at 3:38pm
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I believe the 1879 was a large solid frame and the Open Top Pocket was made from 1871-1877 and the New Line solid frame from 1873-1877? Is it possible the Open Top and the New Line shared a main spring and the New Line part might be easier to find? I see that Numrich has some kind of springs for the New Line.
  
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Statesrights
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Re: Custom leaf spring
Reply #2 - Feb 15th, 2023 at 6:01pm
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[I believe the 1879 was a large solid frame and the Open Top Pocket was made from 1871-1877 and the New Line solid frame from 1873-1877? Is it possible the Open Top and the New Line shared a main spring and the New Line part might be easier to find? I see that Numrich has some kind of springs for the New Line.]

Very likely I mis-identified the model. 
Thank you. Help is appreciated.
  
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MrTipUp
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Re: Custom leaf spring
Reply #3 - Feb 15th, 2023 at 9:48pm
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The early cartridge versions of Colt's so-called "pocket revolvers" were the House, Open Top, and New Line.  If I remember correctly, the House was made in .41 RF only.  As the name implies, the Open Top has its frame open across the top of the cylinder; it was chambered in ,22 RF only.  The New line was a solid frame gun and was also made in .22 RF, plus several other calibers.

A photo of your grandmother's pistol would be very helpful.

Bill Lawrence
  
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Statesrights
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Re: Custom leaf spring
Reply #4 - Feb 16th, 2023 at 9:32am
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.22 RF.
  
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MrTipUp
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Re: Custom leaf spring
Reply #5 - Feb 16th, 2023 at 6:42pm
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Yep, that's an Open Top.  And from what I can barely see, it appears that your spring has snapped not quite in the middle.  If so, it may be possible to have it repaired by welding and retempering; I've had it done and strongly recommend you contact Peter Nagel of Restorative Welding (see website) for his opinion.

Alternatively, good luck finding a replacement spring or having one made.

Bill Lawrence
« Last Edit: Feb 16th, 2023 at 6:49pm by MrTipUp »  
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uscra112
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Re: Custom leaf spring
Reply #6 - Feb 16th, 2023 at 7:10pm
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If that thing below the barrel in the photo is the spring, it wouldn't be that hard to make.  Muzzleloader locksmiths do much more complicated springs with ordinary shop tools.  Small portions of the proper steel (often 1080) can be bought on Amazon, although I'd buy from McMaster to be more certain of the assay.  Doubtless there are how-to videos on YewToob.   

Making springs has been one of the most satisfying gunsmithing tasks I've ever undertaken.  Try it.
  

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JLouis
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Re: Custom leaf spring
Reply #7 - Feb 16th, 2023 at 7:52pm
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" It Is Better To Now Have Been A Has Been Than A Never Was Or A Wanna Be "
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JLouis
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Re: Custom leaf spring
Reply #8 - Feb 16th, 2023 at 7:56pm
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Brownells also sells this Spring making.material.
  

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Statesrights
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Re: Custom leaf spring
Reply #9 - Feb 16th, 2023 at 9:06pm
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Thank you all.
  
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