[SeanSw]

The mainspring in my Pietta Colt 1851 Navy broke while dry firing the gun (cylinder removed) and I'd like to know the best place to buy a replacement. So far I have only seen the $25 kit at Cabella's and my bookmarks are short on blackpowder websites. Perhaps they can be found cheaper elsewhere?

Interestingly there is a raised seam of brass leftover from the casting process which was interfering with the mainspring. The mainspring had been bottoming out against this small 1/4" strip of rough brass above the mainspring screw and hammering itself to death. The evidence is clear on the broken spring. I will grind this area flat before installing a new part but it's one of the many things to look out for in a replica firearm.

[Bad Flynch]

Probably www.vtigunparts.com will have something that you can use.

Any ridge, sharp shoulder, or significant bump can act as a stress riser and cause a flat spring to fail. This has been one of the shortcomings of flat springs since they were invented. You need that raised portion on the grip frame to get power from the spring, so just barely smooth and polish it. Smoothing and polishing the flat spring helps, too.

[pohill]

If it's a new gun (Pietta), try contacting Traditions. I've had good luck dealing with them - they sent me some replacement parts at no charge.

[Mike 56]

Old Dixie has them for 3.50 http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_434_435_440&products_id=1119 The parts set from Cabela's wouldn't be a bad idea it don't hurt to have spare parts.

Mike

[Misfire99]

You might want to look at Taylor & Company. They have your mainspring for $2.
Here is a link:
http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/index.tpl

[SeanSw]

Thanks guys, these are just what I'm looking for. Upon further inspection my handspring is looking fragilie, I may end up buying the parts kit if shipping becomes prohibitive on the individual parts.

[dwave]

Just a suggestion, if you are going to be buying parts, order a couple handsprings because they usually break. I shoot alot with my 51 colt, (around 200 rounds/month, but it was 400) and I have replaced it twice. Be warned too, you may(probably) have to hand fit it.