Some advice on my 1873 carbine

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

On the factory carrier and lever springs, the tab with the screw hole may not fit exactly flush against the receiver due to the shape (design flaw), but should be as flush as it can get.  That puts some bind on the screws which is another reason they are so hard to loosen when they are new.  Yes, there should be some bend in the spring itself.  If it is flush against the receiver then probably lost its tension.  If it was shortstroked then it also had those springs lightened, unless they were replaced by wire springs.  Thinning of the factory springs makes them weaker and could have lost tension.

[Ranger Dan]

On 4/14/2023 at 1:27 PM, Pb Mark said:

Having learned the hard way...

 

The side plates should be off before tightening or loosening the spring screws.  The springs can and often will rotate with the screwing action.  Easy to pop the lifter spring off the cam if not watching with the cover plates removed.  

 

 

In addition, I use a brass punch to tap on the spring base after tightening. Mainly the right (lifter) spring, because the tightening of the screw pushes the spring away from the lifter arm cam surface. Just a couple light taps forces the spring into it's proper position.