Rogers & Spencer #2

[mike116]

These things always come up when you aren't looking for them but I learned that one should always be prepared for the unexpected.

I was browsing an auction site the other day and saw this R & S that no one was bidding on.    I watched it for a while and then threw out a bid.    I got notified last week that I won.   My bid was $254.   After buyers fees and shipping I had spent $300.    The R & S I bought 8 months ago was over $500 with shipping.    It appears that $500 plus is the new normal for a R & S.  I don't feel too bad about this one.  AF date code,   made in 1980.
 

[Marshal Will]

Wow, Mike. Another great find. Congratulations. It looks great.

[Zulch]

That was a nice find Mike. Congratulations.

[Captainkirk]

Score!!!!
I love my R&S. You stole that one. Hell, I paid twice that 10 years ago for mine.

[mike116]

Definitely a good deal.    This one is not as nice as my other one.    It almost takes two hands to cock it and the trigger pull must be around 75 pounds.   The mainspring will be getting some work and maybe a new set of grips.    If I can make this one work well enough I will keep it and make a double rig for it.    If it doesn't work out I can trade or sell it without going in the hole.

[ShotgunDave]

You may have just got the deal of the century with that one Mike! You'll definitely make money if you decide to sell or trade.

[Miguel Loco]

You're livin' right Mike!

[Navy Six]

Mike, you did what you have to do! I am always on the lookout for a R & S and the few time I turned one down I always regretted it. One of mine has a hammer spring like your new one but I am reluctant to trim it as replacement parts are difficult to come by right now.

[mike116]

You're right about scarce parts but I will do what I can to fix it.   I might try to make a spring from something else or modify a spring.   I'm confident I can make it better.

[Bishop Creek]

Nice score Mike! I have always wanted a Rogers & Spencer and you can still get Howell's conversion cylinders for them from MidwayUSA.

[mike116]

I'm considering that too Bishop.   I will need softer springs with a comversion cylinder.

[Marshal Will]

Is there a way to space the bottom of the spring to lighten it something like what can be done with a Colt?

[mike116]

Maybe,   I don't remember exactly.    I've only had one of them apart once one time.

[Marshal Will]

I'm interested in what you find out and how you accomplish the lighter spring. With any luck, you may have a simple solution, there.

[Len]

I'm interested in what you find out and how you accomplish the lighter spring. With any luck, you may have a simple solution, there.

I see two methods:
1) Make it thinner, using a Dremel and then polish it
or
2) Anneal it more, using a propane torch
Just my 2 p's