Anyone ever try a Model 1842 mainspring in a Brown Bess lock ?

[Artificer]

Folks, I can't be the only one who ever thought about this.

I wasn't happy with the power and speed of the mainspring in some of our repro brown bess locks.  I've fitted a couple of original Model 1842 forged springs to some of them and it worked out great.  There still are a good number of these original springs available at rather cheap prices, especially considering they are forged springs.

Something that might be useful for some members.

Gus

[J.D.]

I thought of it, but haven't modified a lock to accept the '42 spring.

I'm assuming the only thing that needs to be done is relocate the mounting lug hole in the lockplate?

Thanks and God bless

[Artificer]

I thought of it, but haven't modified a lock to accept the '42 spring.

I'm assuming the only thing that needs to be done is relocate the mounting lug hole in the lockplate?

Thanks and God bless

Basically, that's it.  One might have to work the screw hole and screw boss area of the spring and bolster above it a bit as well, but that's not difficult.