186 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 
(2in. 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. 
