Armi Jager Zouave

[hrt4me]

I just bought an Armi Jager Zouave for $120;.overall the rifle is in pretty good condition, although it's missing its ramrod, and its trigger holds the hammer at half- and full-cock, but I have to manually push the trigger forward. How difficult is it to disassemble its lock to repair its trigger?

 

[Columbus]

The trigger doesn't do anything other than trip the sear, doesn't have anything to do with holding the hammer. Did you remove the lock and look? I just bought one of the same in near new condition.

 

[hrt4me]

I have not yet disassembled anything

 

[EC121]

If it has been sitting round, the trigger is probably rusty or hanging in the wood. With the hammer at half cock take the two side screws out about two turns and tap(not hammer) on them. The lock should easily come out. Then you can look at the trigger. It might just need a drop of oil. Also, you need to grease the lock while it is out. A lock only has about 6 parts. It isn't a mystery.

 

[hrt4me]

where do I need to apply grease to the lock internals?

 

[EC121]

I use a toothpick to lube anywhere that two metals slide together or rotate. Sometimes you can see the scratches where things rub the lock-plate. Grease works better because it doesn't run into the wood when the rifle is stored.

 

[bang]

Once you get in it you'll find things pretty simple. If you plan on using in cold weather use a grease or oil that won't stiffen up in low temps.
How does the bore look?
Measure the bore land to land and groove to groove. I found mine to be a tad undersized. Closer to .577 than .580 I cast .575 minis a have to just slightly size them. You can go to Track of the Wolf and get a nipple so you can use #11 caps if you can't find musket caps.
60 grains is standard military load. 65 pushes mini just fine.
There is also a clamp on front sniper sight available for it. Makes seeing front sight much easier, for me anyway.
On my full stock rifles I remove barrel then put wax on the wood and light grease on bottom of barrel. Keeps moisture from building up causing wood to swell and barrel from corroding. Makes cleaning easier too. Generally I remove the barrel once a year to check. Longer if just in storage.
To me the original ram rod seems pretty useless for patched ball. Not much to get a hold of to push. But it will ram a proper fitting mini or paper patched projectile easily. Post pics.
.

 

[Columbus]

Don't want to hijack the thread but it would be good info for those of us owning the Armi-Jager version. Does anyone know how to get a SAC card for these?

 

[hrt4me]

the Armi Jager Zouave lock appears good, but the trigger just flops back and forth, for lack of a better term...

I also happen to have two other Zouaves (none which I have gotten around to firing yet, unfortunately), and each of their respective triggers do not have as much fore-aft movement as the trigger on this Armi Jager version...

so now my other conundrum is trying to decide which to fire, as two of these are unfired (namely, the Miroku and the Navy Arms, which I believe is a Zoli...?)

 

[hrt4me]

If it has been sitting around, the trigger is probably rusty or hanging in the wood. With the hammer at half cock, take the two side screws out about two turns and tap (not hammer) on them. The lock should easily come out. Then you can look at the trigger. It might just need a drop of oil. Also, you need to grease the lock while it is out. A lock only has about 6 parts. It isn't a mystery.

the trigger is not hanging up on anything... quite the opposite! it has free play completely fore and aft until the hammer is cocked... and from full cock, the trigger functions properly to release the hammer as intended... I am just wondering how to eliminate all the trigger movement, which is not there on my other two Zouaves

 

[EC121]

Sounds like the trigger bar is too low or the trigger plate isn't inlet deep enough.

 

[hrt4me]

on this Armi Jager Zouave, even when the hammer is at half-cock and at full-cock, its trigger has enough free play to flop and rattle around, despite the trigger properly activating the sear to release the hammer

I may end up taking apart the other two rifles to compare their inner workings...

 

[nhmoose]

Does anyone know how to get a SAC card for these?

I am in NH USA where are you and what is an SAC card! No idea but bet you are not in the USA.

 

[Columbus]

I am in NH USA where are you and what is an SAC card! No idea but bet you are not in the USA.

Really? How does Columbus, OH suit you? A SAC (Small Arms Committee) card is a letter of approval for use in N-SSA skirmishes. The Zoli guns are listed but the Armi-Jager ones are not and have to be inspected and approved for use. Trying to find where I can get that done. And yes, I've asked on the N-SSA board as well.

 

[hawkeye2]

You have 5 replies over on the N-SSA board now but I believe you need to be a member to get a card. You might inquire here (below) on how to become a member and hopefully get responses from those near you, I'm sure there are some.

https://www.n-ssa.net/vbforum/forumdisplay.php/26-N-SSA-New-Prospective-Members-Inquiries