Slix TTN Top Lever Spring
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Slix TTN Top Lever Spring

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TTN & Cimarron 1878 Coach Gun Performance Top Lever Spring

Improve the opening feel, lockup consistency, and overall operation of your TTN or Cimarron 1878 Coach Gun with the SliXprings Performance Top Lever Spring. Designed specifically for TTN-manufactured Model 1878 shotguns, this premium replacement spring helps reduce excessive top lever opening effort while maintaining the positive spring pressure needed for dependable action lockup.

A factory top lever spring may feel excessively stiff, become weakened or damaged through use, or lose consistency over time. These conditions can make the shotgun harder to open, create uneven lever movement, or affect how positively the top lever returns when the action is closed.

The SliXprings Top Lever Spring is precision formed from premium music wire and heat-set after manufacturing to help maintain consistent tension, resist fatigue, and provide dependable long-term performance. Its carefully engineered design promotes smoother, more predictable top lever movement without sacrificing proper action function or secure lockup.

Whether you are competing in Cowboy Action Shooting, replacing a worn factory component, or tuning a favorite Coach Gun for smoother operation, this spring provides a practical performance upgrade for compatible TTN and Cimarron 1878 shotguns.

Why Upgrade Your TTN Top Lever Spring?

  • ✔ Helps reduce excessive top lever opening effort
  • ✔ Promotes smoother, more predictable lever movement
  • ✔ Maintains positive spring pressure for dependable lockup
  • ✔ Helps the top lever return consistently when the action is closed
  • ✔ Replaces worn, damaged, weakened, or excessively stiff factory springs
  • ✔ Precision formed from premium music wire
  • ✔ Heat-set to help maintain consistent spring tension
  • ✔ Engineered for fatigue resistance and long service life
  • ✔ Designed specifically for compatible TTN 1878 Coach Guns
  • ✔ Ideal for Cowboy Action Shooting and recreational use
  • ✔ Proudly made in the USA

Top Lever Spring Compatibility

Fits

  • TTN Model 1878 Coach Guns
  • Cimarron 1878 Coach Guns manufactured by TTN
  • Compatible 12-gauge side-lock models
  • Cowboy Action competition shotguns
  • Recreational and restoration shotguns based on the TTN 1878 action

Does Not Fit

  • Stoeger Coach Guns
  • Norinco JW-2000 shotguns
  • CZ side-by-side shotguns
  • Cimarron shotguns not manufactured by TTN
  • Other firearms not based on the TTN Model 1878 action
Important:
The SliXprings Performance Top Lever Spring is engineered specifically for TTN Model 1878 and TTN-manufactured Cimarron 1878 Coach Guns. Minor fitting may be required because of individual firearm tolerances, production variations, wear, prior repairs, or previous action work. Professional installation by a qualified gunsmith or experienced TTN shotgun tuner is recommended.

Signs Your Coach Gun May Need a New Top Lever Spring

A worn, damaged, incorrectly installed, or excessively stiff top lever spring can affect how the shotgun opens and how the lever returns when the action is closed. Replacement may be appropriate when a compatible TTN shotgun displays one or more of these symptoms:

  • Excessive effort is required to move the top lever
  • Top lever movement feels rough, uneven, or inconsistent
  • The lever does not return smoothly when the action closes
  • The original spring is bent, cracked, corroded, or damaged
  • The factory spring has weakened or lost tension
  • Lever feel has changed noticeably over time
  • The shotgun has a high competition round count
  • The action is being serviced or restored

Stiff or inconsistent top lever operation can also be caused by dirt, damaged components, improper fitting, worn locking surfaces, incorrect lubrication, or previous action work. The entire locking and lever system should be inspected before installing replacement parts.

Product Specifications

Product Type Performance replacement top lever spring
Primary Application TTN and TTN-manufactured Cimarron Model 1878 Coach Guns
Gauge Compatible 12-gauge models
Spring Material Premium music wire
Manufacturing Process Precision formed and heat-set after manufacturing
Spring Configuration Dual-leg spring with long and short installation legs
Primary Benefit Reduced opening effort with positive top lever return
Package Quantity One top lever spring
Installation Minor fitting may be required; professional installation recommended
Country of Origin Proudly made in the USA

How the Top Lever and Locking System Work

The top lever operates the shotgun’s locking mechanism. Moving the lever releases the locking system so the barrels can be opened. When the action is closed, the spring applies pressure that helps the lever and locking mechanism return to their proper positions.

Top Lever Moves  →  Locking System Releases  →  Action Opens  →  Spring Helps Return Lever During Lockup

The spring must provide enough tension for dependable lever return and action operation without creating unnecessary opening resistance. A properly fitted SliXprings replacement spring helps balance smoother lever movement with the positive spring pressure required by the mechanism.

How It Improves Top Lever Operation

An excessively stiff factory spring can make a Coach Gun more difficult to open, particularly during rapid competition use. A worn, weak, damaged, or improperly fitted spring can also produce inconsistent lever movement or unreliable return.

The SliXprings Performance Top Lever Spring is engineered to reduce unnecessary opening resistance while preserving the positive spring tension needed for proper operation. Its precision-formed geometry promotes smoother and more predictable movement as the lever is operated.

The spring is heat-set after forming to help stabilize its shape, maintain consistent tension, and resist fatigue during repeated opening and closing cycles.

Premium Music Wire Construction

  • Manufactured from premium-quality music wire
  • Precision formed for consistent shape and fit
  • Heat-set after manufacturing to stabilize spring geometry
  • Engineered to resist fatigue during repeated use
  • Maintains positive spring pressure for dependable operation
  • Promotes smooth and predictable top lever movement
  • Designed for long-term competition and recreational use

Package Contents

  • One SliXprings Performance Top Lever Spring
  • Dual-leg configuration for the frame and top lever drum detents
  • One complete replacement spring for a compatible TTN 1878 Coach Gun

TTN 1878 Performance Top Lever Spring

SliXprings Performance Top Lever Spring for TTN and Cimarron 1878 Coach Guns

Precision formed from premium music wire and heat-set to promote consistent spring tension, smoother lever movement, and dependable long-term operation.

Installation Orientation

Proper spring orientation is essential for correct operation and optimum spring life. The SliXprings Top Lever Spring has two legs of different lengths:

Long Spring Leg

The long leg installs into the detent located in the shotgun frame or action block.

Short Spring Leg

The short leg installs into the detent located in the top lever drum.

Installing the spring backward or allowing either leg to seat incorrectly may affect spring tension, lever movement, spring life, or proper action operation.

Installation & Safety Notes

  1. Confirm that the shotgun is completely unloaded before beginning work.
  2. Follow the firearm manufacturer’s disassembly and maintenance procedures.
  3. Inspect the original spring for bending, breakage, fatigue, corrosion, or incorrect orientation.
  4. Inspect the top lever drum, frame detent, locking components, pivots, and contact surfaces.
  5. Confirm that the long and short legs of the new spring are correctly identified.
  6. Install the long leg into the frame or action-block detent.
  7. Install the short leg into the top lever drum detent.
  8. Confirm that both spring legs are fully seated in their correct locations.
  9. Check the top lever for smooth travel and consistent spring return.
  10. Confirm proper closing, locking, and unlocking operation.
  11. Perform all appropriate safety and function checks before returning the shotgun to service.

Professional installation recommended: Installation should be completed by a qualified gunsmith or experienced TTN shotgun tuner. Improper installation, fitting, or orientation can affect lever return, action lockup, spring life, and safe firearm operation.

Installation Instructions

Review the complete SliXprings installation instructions before installing the spring. The instructions open as a PDF in a new browser tab.

View TTN & Cimarron 1878 Top Lever Spring Instructions

Ideal For

  • Cowboy Action Shooting
  • Competition Coach Guns
  • Replacing worn or damaged factory springs
  • Reducing excessive top lever opening effort
  • Promoting smoother and more predictable lever movement
  • Restoring older TTN 1878 Coach Guns
  • Maintaining high-round-count competition shotguns
  • Routine shotgun maintenance and action tuning
  • Recreational shooting and firearm restoration

Recommended TTN & Cimarron 1878 Performance Upgrades

Complete your TTN or TTN-manufactured Cimarron 1878 Coach Gun service with these related precision-made performance components.

TTN 1878 Performance Sear Springs

Performance sear springs for TTN and Cimarron 1878 Coach Guns

A matched left-and-right sear spring set designed to promote smooth trigger operation, consistent sear engagement, and dependable long-term performance.

View Sear Springs

SliXPin Performance Firing Pin Kit

SliXPin Performance Firing Pin Kit for TTN and Cimarron 1878 Coach Guns

A matched extended firing pin and stainless steel spring system designed to promote positive primer contact, dependable return, and consistent ignition.

View Firing Pin Kit

Frequently Asked Questions

Which shotguns fit this top lever spring?

It is designed specifically for TTN Model 1878 Coach Guns and Cimarron 1878 Coach Guns manufactured by TTN.

Will this spring fit a Stoeger Coach Gun?

No. It is not designed for Stoeger Coach Guns, Norinco JW-2000 shotguns, CZ side-by-side shotguns, or other non-TTN models.

What does the top lever spring do?

The spring applies pressure to the top lever and related locking mechanism, helping the lever return and supporting consistent action operation as the shotgun is opened and closed.

Will this spring make my Coach Gun easier to open?

It is designed to help reduce excessive spring resistance and promote smoother top lever movement while maintaining the positive tension needed for dependable operation. Final opening effort also depends on the condition and fitting of the complete action.

Does a lighter-opening spring affect lockup?

The SliXprings spring is engineered to reduce unnecessary opening resistance while preserving positive spring pressure. Proper fitting and a complete inspection of the locking system are still necessary to confirm dependable action operation.

Which spring leg goes into the frame?

The long spring leg installs into the detent in the frame or action block.

Which spring leg goes into the top lever?

The short spring leg installs into the detent in the top lever drum.

What happens if the spring is installed backward?

Incorrect orientation may affect spring tension, lever movement, spring life, or proper action operation. Always confirm that the long and short legs are installed in their correct detents.

Can this spring correct a worn locking system?

No. A replacement spring should not be used to compensate for worn, damaged, improperly fitted, or unsafe locking components. Those conditions require inspection and professional repair.

Is fitting required?

Minor fitting may be required because of production tolerances, firearm wear, prior repairs, or previous action modifications.

Can I install the spring myself?

Professional installation by a qualified gunsmith or experienced TTN shotgun tuner is recommended. Improper installation can affect top lever return, action operation, and safe lockup.

Are installation instructions available?

Yes. A link to the SliXprings TTN and Cimarron 1878 Top Lever Spring installation instructions is included above.

Is the top lever spring made in the USA?

Yes. Every SliXprings Performance Top Lever Spring is precision manufactured in the United States from premium music wire.

Whether you are tuning a dedicated Cowboy Action shotgun, restoring an older TTN 1878, or replacing a worn factory component, the SliXprings Performance Top Lever Spring provides a precision-formed replacement designed to promote smoother lever movement, consistent spring tension, and dependable action operation.

Manufactured in the USA from premium music wire and heat-set for long-term consistency, this spring is a practical performance upgrade for shooters who expect their TTN or Cimarron 1878 Coach Gun to open smoothly and operate reliably.

Proudly Made in the USA

Every SliXprings Performance Top Lever Spring is precision manufactured in the United States from premium music wire and heat-set for consistent spring tension, dependable performance, and long service life.

SliXprings Performance Top Lever Spring proudly made in the USA

11 Product Reviews - Average rating 5 / 5 (Show All)
spring
Jim Robertson - 07/19/2026
good product and shipping was good also this time.
Works Great
Lead Hammer - 07/04/2026
Works Great
HAPPY COWBOY
STEPHEN CLARK - 10/16/2025
I WISH I HAD BROKEN THE ORIGINAL SPRING SOONER.. YOUR SPRING DOES THE JOB WITH A MINIMUM OF EFFORT.. I AM TRULY AMAZED AT HOW EASILY THE SHOTGUN BREAKS OPEN NOW WITH SLIX SPRINGS INSTALLED
Great addition
Edward - 09/28/2025
This spring made opening the shotgun so much easier. Great purchase
Perfect!
Tim Pack - 01/13/2025
Just getting back into cowboy shooting. I had broken the spring in my first shotgun about 16 years ago. I couldn’t find a replacement then so I purchased another shotgun just like it and did a little grinding on it to make it better. My son found these and I purchased 2 sets. Simple install and I have 2 TTNs ready to shoot. The spring weight is perfect in both. Needless to say I am a happy cowboy!
Lever spring
D K - 09/06/2023
Best thing since sliced bread. This is the second spring ( 2 shotguns ) that I’ve installed. Makes the gun open so much better. If you own a 1878 TTN shot gun this is a must. Oh yeah the sear springs are great too.
Fits original Remington 1889 12 gauge hammered sxs
Brian Albee - 05/20/2023
Hi, with a quick sharpening of the spring ends with a stone and a pair of pliers I was able to replace the missing top lever spring on my Remington 1889 side by side hammer gun.
Springs
Bruce Thomas - 05/17/2022
All good
T.t.n lever spring
Garret - 03/15/2022
I finally got was able to test this lever spring and it worked flawlessly without issue I will be ordering this product again just to have spares.

Thanks again
Great product
DKR - 04/01/2021
R & R of the top lever spring was fast & easy. Opening of the shotgun. is so much easier, almost like cheating
Big difference
Allan - 04/20/2020
I notice a big difference in feel when opening the shotgun.
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