1842 and 1816 main spring

[ian45662]

Can the main spring from an 1842 springfield be made to fit in the lock of an 1816 Springfield?

[varsity07840]

At a glance, I would say no. The 1816 spring has a tab next to the screw hole to fit under the lockplate bolster. The '42 spring doesn't have it and is intended
to fit under the bolster directly above the screw hole. The 1816 spring also has a differently shaped foot to engage the tumbler. Having said all that, 1816 plates and springs vary considerably, and a '42 spring might work on yours. When I needed a '16 spring I was lucky to hook up with Ed Knisley at a show and go through his stash until I found one that fit.

Duane

[Southron Sr.]

Dixie Gun Works lists two different M1816 Mainsprings in their 2010 catalog on page132.
TPO705 is a reproduction mainspring priced @ $15.00
TS0904 is priced @ $19.50

I don't have their 2011 catalog but I am sure they still carry those mainsprings. Their catalog is also "on line" so you can go to their website and then type in the catalog numbers of those mainsprings and get the latest info.

GOOD LUCK

[Ken Hansgen, 11094]

See pg. 136 if you have a 2011 catalog. Cat. nos. & prices are unchanged.