Savage 220

[Rogmatt]

Gunnut,

I have a Savage 220 in 20 ga, Beautiful gun, but the problem I have with it is that the spring on the forearm keeps breaking as it is made of pot metal. I have ordered 3 of them, and every time I go to install the forearm, it is as if there is to much pressure, and it breaks. The snap on forearm need the pressure to lock in place. Gun Parts Corp is out of them now, I know where I can find another one, but before I get it, I wonder if anyone can shed some light on fitting the spring correctly. I thought of grinding it down a bit to make it shorter as to lessen the pressure. I wish it was made of steel!! Thanks for any help.
I also have a 16 Ga. barrel that I bought to go with this gun. If I can't solve this problem, I will sell it.

[gunnut69]

You can try polishing the spring and even thinning it to lighten the tension  and increase flexability. I've not had this problem although I've fitted several snap action springs(not on a 220 though).  I'd thin the spring and polish it. Always polish with the length of the spring. Marks that cross the flex of the spring concentrate metal stresses and can cause failure. It may also be possible to simply make your own. Spring stock is available from Brownells as well as other sources and the technique is fairly easy to master with a bit of practice.