stoeger mod, need help

[andy42s]

I am replacing the break open lever spring on my stoeger (the one on the 1/8" rod which activates the safety). I got a Lee's spring to make the lever easier to operate, but I can't get the thing back together. My problem is that I can't compress the spring enough to get the rod back into place in the receiver. I notice there is a hole drilled in the rod, which I assume is for a temporary pin to hold the spring on while placing the rod into the receiver. I can't even get the spring on far enough to get a pin in there. Is there any trick to get the derned thing back in there, or am I just too much of a wuss?

[Pettifogger]

Yep, you're a wuss.  

First, you need to put the receiver in a padded vice.  Next, you need a pair of needle nose or snap ring pliers and put it on the cone shaped part up near the point.  Push it back after the rod has gone through the hole in the hanger and the spring starts to compress, push it in until the tip drops in the hole in the locking bar.  Also, if you have shortened the rod in order to deactivate the auto safety it is sometimes difficult to get everything started because the end of the rod will hit the edge of the hanger hole.  You have to make sure the rod goes into the hole.

[Duke York]

With the spring on the rod, place a nail or pin through the hole.
Twist the spring until fully compressed.
Place into position and remove pin.

Duke York

[Cutter Carl]

And old fork works also.  slid the rod between the tines as far as it will go and you can then push on both sides of the fork to compress the spring.

[andy42s]

thanks for the replies! Unfortunately I don't own a vise, so I'll try the twisting the spring and the fork methods. I did shorten the rod to deactivate the "auto" safety, which does seem to be making it more difficult. Thanks fellers! 

[andy42s]

just put 'er back together using a fork. it worked perfectly! Thanks Carl!