Chilean Mauser Band Springs

[rocky321]

I use padded rubber quik clamps to press down on the spring with a brass punch inbetween. Sometimes yes, most times no! Any tricks to compressing the springs?

[Patrick Chadwick]

I tried the clamp idea, and found it too fiddly. So I simply put the rifle across my knees and press the band spring down with a "pointy" piece of hardwood held in one hand, slide the band with the other.

:wave:

[rich v]

I use a hardwood wooden dowel rod, run it thru a pencil sharpener to get a semi-point to use for the band spring compression [wearing a thin pair of leather gloves helps your grip and also in case you slip you will keep your puncture wound minimal]

[Patrick Chadwick]

"It might come in handy one day" is the packrat's motto, and

"I knew it would come in handy one day" is the pleasant justification for keeping the other 99% in the drawer.

So how about trying this?


19920

It is a fret clamp for a guitar - the thing basic guitarrists use when they have been strumming the same open-string chord for years, and want to live dangerously and try another one, without actually using their fingers!

It opens out, and the clamping faces are covered with leather strips.

19919

It's too tight for most rifles, but could be opened out (or maybe they come in larger sizes).

Glue a little piece of hardwood stick, about 1/8"-3/16" square onto the small clamp face, and you're in business for high-speed, risk-free, spring depression and barrel-band removal!

So why haven't I done that?
Well, you see, supposing I got a guitar one day...?

:wave: