Belgian 1889 Project

[Aragorn243]

Given the rarity of the rifles in the US and the almost complete absence of parts, it looks like my alternative is making a spring myself. Can this be done? What type steel should I use?

This spring is rather long and narrow and is held in place by a dovetailed section and a single screw.

Information

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[#1oilman]

You need to start with spring steel which can be bought in different thicknesses and widths, depending on how elaborate the shape is you might have to anneal the spring stock to work it and then re temper

[Eaglelord17]

Heres a video to give a good rough idea what is required. Only difference is instead of making a v spring you would only make the one side. Might be a better option to see if you can find a similar spring (possibly the 1891 Argentine Mausers use the same style, I don't know just a possibility) and modify it to work.

[browningautorifle]

Brownells sells different wire and flat stock, that's a good start.

[Aragorn243]

The really aggravating thing is that I never throw anything away. But this ONE time, I threw away the busted part of the spring, the part that dovetails into the base and has the hole. I did this right after ordering the part from Numrich. Not that I could use it for anything other than a template at this point. The spring itself should be fairly easy to make. I need to file the dovetails into it and then narrow it on both sides and drill a hole into it. It may not even need a bend as it looks like it is straight all the way into the base with moving the sight up or down pushing down on it until it allows it to release.

No other Rifle that I have has a spring that is the same or similar for that matter and the Argentines were the first I checked. 88 Commission rifle next and then the Spanish Mausers.

I like the video, amazed he likes the big rough files. Does a good job with them.

[Eaglelord17]

Yeah it is impressive how well he uses them. I am currently making a stock for a 1882 Swiss revolver using hacksaws and files (building the adaptor and butt-plate out of brass), and I am no where near his skill level.

I know my Grandfather who was a tradesman in the UK before he moved to Canada said for his apprenticeship the first year he was only allowed to use hacksaws and files, and this was as a machinist apprentice! I have done about 3 months worth of formal training with just a hacksaw and files, and that was a long time.

[Aragorn243]

A friend gave me a piece of spring steel today and the rear sight is now fixed. Not my prettiest work but fully functional and really doesn't look bad. Dove tail fits nice and spring is correct width the main length. Over filed a little at the front of the dovetail but I'm happy with it.

[harry mac]

I know it's bad form to resurrect dead posts, but reading this through has me hooked. Does anybody know if this project ever progressed as far as the rifle range?

[Aragorn243]

I know it's bad form to resurrect dead posts, but reading this through has me hooked. Does anybody know if this project ever progressed as far as the rifle range?

You don't know me very well. I let my range membership expire about four years ago and stubbornly have refused to renew it due to being a 20 year member that they decide has to pay an extra $50 to join as a new member. On the positive side, my son-in-law has convinced me to give up my stubborness and renew my membership which is done, as is the mandatory meeting for all new members. I am thus now fully able to take my firearms to the range again and shoot them. Too cold right now and this one honestly isn't real high on the priority list but one of these days, I'll get it there.