Please Help with box lock problem!

[Mark Elliott]

I am currently repairing three box locks and I am having the same problem with all three; the trigger spring won't stay put.   It is pulling out of its mortice when you press too hard on the trigger.    I can fix this problem with a brass shim in the mortice to tighten it up.   However,   I figure there must be a better way to do this.   The question is,  how do I secure the trigger spring without resorting to a shim?   

Any help will definately be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark E.

[Acer Saccharum]

I assume, not knowing how the thing is constructed, that the springs did stay in place when built.

If the mortice is the only means of holding the spring,
is the mortice worn to the point it won't grip the spring?

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Mark, it would be interesting, and perhaps helpful, if you can post a few pictures of the construction.  I have a percussion box lock pistol that was given to me disassembled, and which I have never studied.  I'll check it out now that you've asked a good question.

[blunderbuss]

Mark I've repaired several of those mostly the double barreled kind but others too but need to see it as well

[Mark Elliott]

I went to take pictures for all of you and figured out the problem myself.     It is simply a matter of geometry and physics.    Apparently, my mind just isn't firing on all cylinders.   I just don't know how I could be so stupid.   The tenon on one end of the spring that fits into a mortice at the bottom front of the pistol frame must stay below the tip of the other end of the spring where it contacts the trigger/sear.    You just have to adjust the position of that tip relative to the trigger/sear and the tenon end of the trigger spring.    The position of the trigger relative to the tumbler is also an issue in the case where I am having to make a new tumbler.    I am learning a lot with these projects and will probably never have to repair another  box lock again in my life.

Thanks,

Mark

[BartSr]

I also would love th see pictures.

Paul

[Acer Saccharum]

Paul, the original post is four years old.