this gun has the new style pins, new in 1882 I made some springs from a ball point pin. I guess if they don't last long I'll try something else thanks for all your inputs Dave

Did all hammer guns have "return springs" on the firing pins ?

My ca. 1886 12 ga. hammer gun's firing pins don't have any springs (or they're both broken).

John, I have owned several guns made from about the 24,000 serial and later. These guns were the "solid head plunger"type and none had springs. The plungers were free floating.

that could very well be the answer I was looking for. There were no springs or pieces of springs, I just assumed they were needed to keep firing pins back. I was probably wrong. Thanks again Dave

In my experience, the guns that do not have springs, don't have room for them to be installed in the hole that receives the plunger. Tried it.

#38569 - 1884 - No springs
#59601 - 1880 - Springs

RST shells arrived today, rim of shells catch on firing pins when I try to close gun. Reinstalled springs and problem solved. I guess if the spring fits, wear it!