I have a .45 half-stock percussion rifle that was made by Bob Tingle. It is very accurate and is a blast to shoot, but the coil spring in the lock has reached the end of the road. I might be able to substitute a TC coil spring, but was wondering it I could just re-temper the spring. I have nothing to lose, so I'll probably give it a try this weekend. I'm am not an expert spring maker, but I have made a number of flat springs and found it to be relatively easy. The spring/lock and rifle look like this...
I'm planning to heat it to dark red and quench in oil. If it doesn't work or breaks, then it's on to plan B (getting some wire of appropriate size and learning how to make coil springs).
Any help is appreciated. If I do end up having to make my own, where do you recommend getting the wire?
Thanks