6. Retract gun about 6 inches, remove split pin in spring-rod key and drive out spring-rod key with bronze drift.
7. Release retracting mechanism gradually until spring compressor rope is slack, draw spring rod out of front end of spring cylinder, and detach spring compressor.
8. Attach retracting mechanism to spring rod, right.
9. Retract spring rod about ½ inch, remove split pin, and drive out spring-rod key.
10. Release retracting mechanism gradually until spring compressor rope is slack, draw spring rod out of front end of spring-cylinder and detach spring compressor.
Note.—Assembly of counter-recoil springs is reverse of removal. The following precautions must be observed in assembling:
(a) If tension-spring compressor brings spring rod up solid against spring cylinder bushing in rear of spring cylinder, ease off rope slightly and pry up rod with bronze drift until it will enter the bushing.
(b) Before key slot enters gun lug see that keyways in spring-rods and keyways in gun lugs are in line. If not, turn spring-rod by means of drift until keyways are in line.
VI. To Remove Breechblock.
1. Remove operating-shaft detent, slide operating handle to the right as far as the chain will permit, remove 1-16 inch split pin from studlink pin.