The problem with this Q A L&R is # 1 the seer arm pivot hole is so oversized that with a single trigger the seer cants with more trigger pressure applied which relates to a very mushy trigger pull! #2 the mainspring walks off the cam on the tumbler the wood in the lock mortise holds the spring in place and yes like many of you mentioned # 3 the mainspring is a little weak! # 4 soft parts are a concern! # 4 Man this has a three height seer arm when you go from full cock 1/2 cock or cock at rest! I am surprised the tumbler is not crooked! Most are!
Moderator, I am not here to bash Cox he is a super nice guy but a little QC can go a long way!
Is this enough faults with what should be a fine product? To me it seems that L C built an excellent product when he owned the company however Cox could benefit with some quality control from LC!!
If the lock is new, I would send it back.
If it is something you picked up second or third hand...
1. You should be able to replace the sear screw easily enough. What I would do is take a #8 blank screw, turn the shank down to where it fits neatly in the sear, then turn down the end and thread it to screw into the plate. (and when I say "turn" I mean chuck it up in a drill press and file it
)
2. Depending on just how bad the spring/tumbler relationship is, you should be able to plug the original mainspring pin hole and move it back a bit. Does the hook of the tumbler hang down below the edge of the plate with the cock all the way down? (the hook of the tumbler can probably be bent up a bit too, if necessary)
3. L&R mainsprings are not near as strong as something like a Siler, but I don't think it's generally a problem.
4. Yes, L&R tumblers and sears are SOFT. I've had luck case hardening them with Kasenit, quenching in warm water, then tempering them as I normally would to brown.
5. I personally do not worry about whether or not a gun has the much-vaunted "one position sear".
This is not one of my favorite lock designs out there, as far as the inner workings go....which is why I built mine with Siler parts!