SliXprings Lever Springs Installation Instructions Follow these step-by-step instructions to install and adjust SliXprings finger lever and carrier lever springs in compatible 1860 Henry, 1866, and 1873 rifles and carbines. Proper installation can help provide smoother lever operation, controlled spring tension, and consistent action cycling. Contents Product overview Compatibility and fitting Tools and parts required Installation steps Spring adjustment Function testing Troubleshooting Safety notes Downloadable instructions SliXprings Lever Springs Overview SliXprings lever springs replace the factory finger lever and carrier lever springs used in compatible Uberti-style 1860 Henry, 1866, and 1873 rifles and carbines. When correctly installed and adjusted, these performance springs can reduce excessive factory spring pressure while maintaining the controlled tension necessary for reliable lever and carrier operation. Spring tension should be adjusted gradually. Excessive spring pressure can make the action unnecessarily difficult to operate, while insufficient pressure can prevent proper lever or carrier function. Compatibility and Fitting These instructions apply to SliXprings lever springs designed for compatible 1860 Henry, 1866, and 1873 rifles and carbines. Receiver dimensions, spring mounting locations, side plate clearance, and previous action work can vary between individual firearms. Minor fitting or spring-tab adjustment may therefore be necessary. Remove only the minimum amount of material required. Check the fit and function frequently during installation, and do not continue if the required modification is unclear. Tools and Parts Required Required parts SliXprings finger lever spring SliXprings carrier lever spring Correct spring mounting screws Recommended tools Properly fitting gunsmith screwdriver set Bench vise with padded jaws, if needed Non-marring punch set Fine polishing stone or abrasive Clean, well-lit work surface Installation Steps 1. Verify the Firearm Is Unloaded Point the firearm in a safe direction. Remove all ammunition, open the action, and visually and physically confirm that the chamber, magazine, and action are empty. Remove all live ammunition from the work area before proceeding. 2. Remove the Side Plates and Factory Springs Remove the receiver side plates according to the firearm manufacturer's disassembly instructions. Carefully remove the existing factory finger lever and carrier lever springs. Use a properly fitting screwdriver to avoid damaging the mounting screws. 3. Inspect the SliXprings Lever Springs Inspect both replacement springs for burrs, rough edges, shipping damage, or other irregularities. Lightly polish burrs or rough areas on the spring ends only if necessary. Remove the minimum amount of material required and avoid changing the spring's intended shape. 4. Position the Finger Lever Spring Place the finger lever spring block over the correct mounting screw hole. Position the spring so the radiused end faces downward and toward the front of the rifle. 5. Align and Secure the Finger Lever Spring Start the mounting screw without fully tightening it. Rotate the spring assembly until it is aligned parallel with the rifle's receiver. Tighten the mounting screw gradually until the spring provides the desired amount of tension. 6. Check Finger Lever Spring Contact Confirm that the spring tab contacts the lever cam surface correctly. Operate the lever slowly and confirm that it moves smoothly without scraping, catching, or binding. 7. Install the Carrier Lever Spring Install the carrier lever spring using the same general procedure. Align it correctly with its mounting location and tighten the screw gradually. Adjust the carrier lever spring to provide slight controlled tension. The carrier should remain at the top of its stroke when placed under normal operating load. 8. Check Side Plate Clearance Temporarily position the side plates and check the clearance between the spring tabs and the inside surfaces of the plates. Clearance should be minimal, but the spring must not contact or bind against the side plate during operation. Adjust spring-tab length only if necessary. Remove material gradually and check the fit frequently. 9. Reassemble the Rifle Reinstall the side plates and all other components according to the firearm manufacturer's instructions. Confirm that all screws, pins, and action components are properly positioned and securely installed. Final Spring Adjustment Spring tension should be adjusted gradually. Small changes in screw tension can noticeably affect lever and carrier operation. The finger lever should move smoothly without excessive resistance The lever spring tab should remain in proper contact with the lever cam The carrier should remain at the top of its stroke under normal load The carrier should still cycle smoothly with controlled resistance Neither spring should bind against the side plates Adjustment tip: The preferred setting is the lightest spring tension that still provides consistent, controlled, and reliable lever and carrier operation. Final adjustment may vary depending on receiver tolerances, previous action work, ammunition, and shooting style. Function Testing Keep the rifle completely unloaded during all function testing. Do not use live ammunition while checking the installation. Cycle the lever slowly several times Confirm smooth lever movement throughout the full stroke Confirm that the carrier rises and lowers correctly Confirm that the carrier remains at the top of its stroke Check for scraping, catching, or spring binding Confirm that both mounting screws remain secure Confirm that the side plates install without contacting the springs Stop immediately if the action binds, the carrier does not remain properly positioned, a spring moves out of alignment, or a spring contacts the side plate. Troubleshooting Lever is difficult to operate Check for excessive spring tension, incorrect spring orientation, side plate contact, improper spring-tab alignment, or interference with the lever cam. Carrier will not remain at the top of its stroke Increase carrier lever spring tension slightly and test the action again. Make small adjustments rather than fully tightening the spring screw at once. Spring contacts the side plate Confirm that the spring assembly is parallel with the receiver. Adjust spring-tab length only if alignment alone does not provide adequate clearance. Spring mounting screw loosens Confirm that the correct screw is being used and that the spring block is properly seated. Do not overtighten or use a damaged screw. Action operation remains inconsistent Check both lever springs for correct alignment and tension. Also inspect the action for interference, worn parts, previous modifications, or other conditions unrelated to the springs. Safety Notes Always confirm that the firearm is unloaded before beginning work Keep live ammunition away from the installation and testing area Follow the firearm manufacturer's disassembly and reassembly instructions Use properly fitting gunsmithing tools Do not force misaligned screws, springs, or side plates Remove only the minimum amount of material required during fitting Do not operate the firearm if the action binds or a spring moves out of position Consult a qualified gunsmith if proper installation or adjustment is uncertain Proper installation, adjustment, and function testing are essential for safe firearm operation. SliXprings is not responsible for damage or injury resulting from improper installation, excessive modification, use in an incompatible firearm, or failure to follow applicable firearm safety procedures. Download the PDF Instructions A printable version of the lever spring installation instructions is available in PDF format. Open Lever Springs Installation Instructions PDF The PDF opens in a new browser tab or window. ← Back to Installation Instructions Back to Top
