i86 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 



to get two springs exactly alike. The recoil spring should be 

 contracted three-eighths to half an inch ; the back check 

 spring one inch to one inch and a quarter. To put in the 

 springs, first place the main or recoil spring in position with 

 the tubular guide inside the coils, and cup-headed collar 

 washer in the end of the loop. Then push through the 

 spindle and screw same into the sliding block. Contract the 

 back check spring, and force it into position, and fix the sliding 

 spindle by screwing it into the sliding block. The back check 

 spring being lighter and more easily compressed, is best fitted 

 last. It is well to see that the back spring is of sufficient 

 strength when compressed about an inch to cause the recoil or 

 main spring to contract about three-eighths of an inch ; other- 

 wise it will be useless — in fact, worse than this, for it may 

 permit a dangerous fly-back of the gun, especially if this 

 latter is a large weapon fully loaded. 



There is usually no elevating gear with these springs ; but 

 if the gunner desires a lifting gear, I see no reason why a screw 

 socket could not be adapted. As a rule, the stalk of the 

 double-eye fits into a plain brass bush let into an oak block, 

 bolted with copper or Muntz's metal bolts to the floor of the 

 punt ; or, if used aboard a sailing-boat, a quarter-inch iron or 

 steel plate fixed to a short fore-deck. The use of a light rope 

 fastened from the punt's bows to the breech-end of the gun 

 (2 in. for a pound gun) is recommended and advisable as a safe- 

 guard against a break ; yet at the same time is not absolutely 

 necessary. 



Of course, the fitting work of this gear should be perfectly 

 accurate. Much will depend upon the quality of the work for 

 the lasting of the gear. "Play" or movement in any part 

 should suffice to condemn the job ; for, if allowed to go into 

 practice, a break will very likely result. The novice would do 

 well to employ a gun expert to test the work in any new gear 

 of this kind of which he may have the slightest doubt or fear. 



