Make a Spring Compressor For the Remington Model 700

If you’ve ever tried to disassemble the Remington Model 700s firingpin assembly, you know what a devilish little contraption it is. Fortunately, there’s a simple fixture you can make yourself that will take the tedium out of working with this assembly. The materials required to construct this spring compressor couldn’t be much simpler or easier to find. They consist of a 9-inch piece of 1/8 x 1-1/ 4-inch iron bar stock and two 1/4-20 x3/4-inch flat-head machine screws with nuts and washers.

Cut the bar stock in two equal 4-1/2-inch lengths. Then, at the end of one piece, form a one-inch leg at a 90degree angle. From this bent position, cut a gap 0.80-inch wide, leaving a pair of upright claws. Then bend the tip of each claw inward at a 45-degree angle about 1/4 inch and set the part aside for later finishing. The other piece is bent at one end in the same fashion, forming a 90degree angle with 3/4-inch upward bend. A slit is cut into this upward angle at center 0.20 inch wide.

Then use an end-mill to cut a linear slit at the center along the entire bottom of this piece (see photo below). The first piece is then completed by positioning two flat-head countersunk screws, one located 0.40 inch from the tip, and the other 1.50 inches from the tip. I would tap these screws into position and permanently anchored them with J. B. Cold Weld to prevent slippage while tightening the nuts as the tool is used.

Right top: The Remington’s firingpin assembly is shown here installed in the spring compressor with the spring in the relaxed position. Right bottom: With one end of the spring compressor in a vise, the Model 700s firing-pin spring is fully compressed. Note how conveniently the claws hold the shroud and the firing pin squarely in place. As a finishing touch, round off all the sharp edges on both parts.

You could leave them in the white, although bluing would enhance the appearance of the fixture, if you’re so inclined. This, however, is certainly not a necessary step. Finally,place two layers of electrical tape on the two longer claws to prevent any marring of the firing-pin assembly shroud where it fits the holding claws. In operation, the spring compressor opens fully enough for a firing-pin assembly to be placed into the tool. It’s best used by placing one end of the compressor in a vise.

To install the firing-pin assembly in the fixture, place the shroud end of the pin assembly into the fork of the tool, and allow the smaller fork to straddle the firing pin. Then, with one hand, push firmly on the tool until the spring is fully compressed. One nut is then tightened to hold it in place. Be careful not to push against the firingpin end or it could cause injury. Only thumb and forefinger pressure at the shroud end of the part is required to compress the spring.

With the spring fully compressed, the firing-pin assembly can be taken apart by removing the retaining pin from the cocking piece of the assembly. The locking nut can then be released, allowing the parts to be removed from the tool. The firing-pin spring is still under pressure, so release the holding nut slowly as the slide moves, relaxing the spring.

Conclusion This handy spring compressor for the Remington Model 700s firing-pin assembly is easy to construct, and makes the job of working with the assembly an easy one, totally free of complications. I Left top: At this stage, the cockingpiece retaining pin is easily removed while the spring is firmly held and compressed. The retaining nuts can now be loosened to relax the spring and remove the parts from the fixture.

Left bottom: Disassembling the Remington Model 700s firing-pin assembly into its component parts would be considerably more difficult’and possibly even dangerous’without the simple do-it-yourself spring compressor detailed here.

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