Help! Installing leaf style Hand spring

[Maui Mick]

Got great price on an Uberti 73 Cattleman, I new it had a broken hand spring when I purchased it. I knew how to remove the indexing part and what it and the spring looked like and thought how hard can that be.  Well, harder than thought.  I need help on getting the spring into the groove. Is there a special tool to compress the spring at the base to get it into the groove or slot. If any one has some words of wisdom on the installation of the spring it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Red Cent]

The hand spring should go in with a little help with a small hammer. You are talking about moving it laterally into the hand slot. Did you remove the broken piece or was it gone? If the broken piece is still in the slot, a small pin or flat ended nail should punch it out.

I would lay the hand on its side and place the leaf spring in the proper position and start tapping it in.

[Maui Mick]

Thanks, I had tried exactly that but guess I probably was a bit too timid with the hammer.  I appreciate the help!

[Pettifogger]

The springs are installed in the groove and then crimped.  Most of the time you can't even find the spring by itself, they come already installed on a new hand.  As already noted, get the old piece out and tap in the new one from the side.  Then you may need to take a punch and re-crimp it so it doesn't fall out.  Or do what Uberti has changed to and drill the frame for a plunger and coil spring and get rid of the leaf altogether.

[Maui Mick]

Thanks for the help gents, got it in but had to crimp it down more than I wanted so hope it stays in if not I have 3 more springs. For extra assurance of a fix I ordered a hand unit with spring installed as recommended by Pettifogger.  Nice to know there is some help to turn to when your just a novice as I. Thanks again- MM