Aftermarket Action Springs (Uberti 1873 rifle) durability

TheOtherLeft · November 18, 2014, 05:51:11 PM

Hi Pards,

I have a Uberti 1873 rifle and have installed the PGW Action Springs nearly a year ago. So far I've only shot about 600 rounds using these Action Springs. Cleaning the guts of the rifle last night I noticed the Pivot Arms Tips (that ride on the lifter arm & lever cam) are already half worn. I cleaned/smoothed the cams prior to installation of the Action Springs as specified by PGW. Also one of the tensioning Rods is bowed. Is this common? I would've thought I'd get more life out of it than that. I think I'd be lucky to get another 6 months out of it before it snaps off.

I didn't think Action Springs are a consumable item.

Since I'm going to have to replace it are the Slix Springs any better?

Thanks,

cal44walker · November 20, 2014, 03:41:27 PM

Yes, I found it common, and yes Slix springs and their variants are better.

cal44walker

Pettifogger · November 20, 2014, 04:43:51 PM

I have used the original light springs, Whisper Springs, for years. They have never caused lifter or lever cam wear and they have never worn themselves. I have had a set in one gun for over eight years and I shoot quite a bit.

http://www.thesmithshop.com/springkits.html

TheOtherLeft · November 20, 2014, 07:40:11 PM

Thanks all.

Now it seems to be a toss up between the Slix Springs and Whisper Springs. Both appear to do the job without noticeable wear and both get good reviews.

Does anyone with the Whisper Springs have to readjust the tension of the wire over the years?

Pettifogger · November 20, 2014, 09:59:53 PM

Quote from: TheOtherLeft on November 20, 2014, 07:40:11 PM
Thanks all.

Now it seems to be a toss up between the Slix Springs and Whisper Springs. Both appear to do the job without noticeable wear and both get good reviews.

Does anyone with the Whisper Springs have to readjust the tension of the wire over the years?

No!!!!

Long Johns Wolf · November 21, 2014, 01:38:13 AM

No problems with Whisper springs in a couple of 60 & 73 type rifles ever.
Long Johns Wolf

TheOtherLeft · November 23, 2014, 05:21:55 AM

Quote from: Pettifogger on November 20, 2014, 09:59:53 PM
No!!!!

Thanks for that Pettifogger. I noticed in another of your threads you mentioned Positive Slam Down and non-short stroked rifles don't have this and Whisper Springs don't provide enough force when the lifter is lowered due to it's light tension.

Is it the case of increasing tension of the springs. Would Slix Springs solve this problem?

Montana Slim · January 27, 2015, 04:31:19 PM

My primary CAS rifle is a 1998 vintage Uberti 66, still has the stock springs. Noticeable, but slight wear on the cam does exist. Another 20,000 rounds through it and I might have to replace the cam. I shoot BP exclusively & do confess to routinely stripping the action down for cleaning and re-greasing (almost every year).

Slim

Coffinmaker · January 28, 2015, 09:50:31 PM

Hi slim,
Hate to break your heart, but that little can is no longer available as a part. Once it's gone, it's replace the lever.

Coffinmaker

Coffinmaker · January 28, 2015, 09:54:44 PM

As far as after-market lever side springs, other than springs I re-ground myself, I've had excellent results with SlixSprings. A little fitting is required, but once fit, pretty much forever.
A caveat however. Reduced lever side springs work best with some form of "positive slam-down" added to the action. This is especially true of rifles shooting straight walled cases.

Coffinmaker

Montana Slim · February 01, 2015, 07:49:48 AM

Fortunately I obtained a spare when they were available.
WIth all these rifles hanging about, surprised someone else has't picked this up as an aftermarket part...catering to cowboy shooters has been something of a cottage industry.

Slim

longinosoap · February 19, 2015, 10:55:48 PM

I have a 73 from Cimarron in 45 Colt that is awful to lever. Stiff, doesn't eject the empties like it needs to and probably other things I have forgotten about since I quit shooting it two years ago.

I have decided that I have 3 choices-1. Sell it 2. Install Whisper springs for $35 3. Send it to Cody Conagher for $300+

Not totally ready to give up on it yet, so, might the whisper springs help? I don't want to short stroke it (none of my guns are) since I want to shoot 'em like they were ('ceptin this one is really bad) but not sure I want to put another $300 in it.

Opinions and knowledge are welcome. Thanks

Pettifogger · February 19, 2015, 11:56:01 PM

If you don't want to short stroke it why would you sent it to Cody? That's what he does. The primary cause of hard levering is a stiff mainspring. Changing or grinding your mainsspring and replacing the lever and carrier springs will makea noticeable difference in levering effort. Ejecting empties, unless the gun has a problem, is a matter of levering the gun with a little authority at the end of the stroke. If you have a heavy mainspring it makes levering harder so you might not be getting a good snap on the carrier on its upstroke. There is no actual ejector in a 73, the empty is ejected by the carrier hitting the bottom of the empty case. If the carrier does not hit the empty hard enough, it won't eject smartly.

Killshot Kenny · May 11, 2015, 02:05:56 PM

Wisper Springs from the Smith Shop work just fine and are $10 less than Slixsprings.
I tried putting in Action Springs once and they looked half worn out and damaged the lifter nubb before I got them fully installed and properly lubed. Pioneer took them back, fixed the nubb and gave me credit on another short stroke kit.
I have been running Wispers ever since.

KK