Reeder Custom Guns - Need some mainspring help?

Hello All:

Ages ago my grandfather bought a very lightweight French Made side by side 16 gauge shotgun. It was made at the St.Etienne Armory in France by the Berthon Brothers.

I really like the gun but the tiny V shaped leaf spring that returns the middle lever to lock the barrels into battery broke. I was able to take the thing apart and removed the broken V spring. It is about 1 1/4 inches long. I am not sure if one can repair a spring or one can make a whole new one.

Another option would be to buy one but I am not sure where to begin.

Thank you for any replies.

PS: I also had another brain fart. I recall seeing some tiny flip up sights on some double rifles. I am wondering if a set could be fitted to this super light 16 gauge for deer slugs? Maybe that is a real brain fart

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If you check out the American Longrifle Forum there are quite a few longrifle builders that routinely make springs for building flintlocks. Although your gun is not a flintlock I’m sure a new spring can be made. I’m sure a gunsmith can make a new spring for you.

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have a large box of V springs. Don't know if I have one like yours but it is possible.

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That type return spring is not uncommon in old external hammer doubles. Have replaced with round spring stock wire instead of flat. The suggestion of muzzleloader springs is good. Track of Wolf, Dixie and a few other places have the old V shape flat springs.

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Need some mainspring help?

Springs

if you have the springh out, send it to me. I

Spring