armi san marco rifle

[tomdurall]

I am new to the community and really need some expert help. I have been messing around with replica traditional black powder rifles and pistols for 35 years. I currently own several TC rifles, navy arms pistols, and a couple CVA rifles as well. About 25 years ago I purchased a 50 cal Hawken style rifle from a gun dealer in Wichita, KS. The gun has been a reliable and extremely accurate firearm. A few months ago the lock spring broke in the gun and I have been totally unsuccessful in finding a replacement. I have checked with numerous local gun dealers, gun shows, etc. No one seems to have any knowledge of the gun or any source for a lock spring. As mentioned earlier the rifle is a 50 cal. Hawken style rifle. The only markings on the gun are as follows:

ARMI SAN MARCO
GARDONE VT
249

I have spent hours on the internet and there are unlimited web pages for revolvers but I have yet to find a single reference to this company making rifles. I really hate to give up on this rifle as it has provided coutless hours of enjoyment over the years.

If you know of a source for the lock spring, a replacement lock, or any other remedies I would really appreciate your help

 

[BrownBear]

Never heard of it. But L&R Lock is one of the leading lock sources, both for new build and dropin replacements. I'd measure yours and give them a call. Could be one of their springs would work, or at worst one of their locks with a minimum of inletting. Shot in the dark, but a good one, I think.

 

[tomdurall]

Thanks for the tip. I will call them tomorrow

 

[Zonie]

I'm betting that L&R won't have anything that will fit.
L&R, Chambers, Davis, and Chambers Siler are all American locks made in the U.S.A.. Armi San Marco was an Italian company.
The "BLUE BOOK OF MODERN BLACK POWDER VALUES" SAYS
Previous manufacturer located in Gardone, Italy, acquired by American Western Arms Co. in 2000 and reorganized as American Western Arms, Italia...
All Armi San Marco black powder cap and ball and cartridge conversion models were discontinued in 2000.
In 1993 the Hartford line was introduced by E.M.F..."
This book only lists three rifles as being made by Armi San Marco. These are: HAWKEN RIFLE (.45, .50, .54 & .58 cal), ST. LOUIS HAWKEN (.50, .54, & .58 cal) & ROCKY MOUNTAIN SHORT RIFLE (.50 cal X 24 in barrel).

American Western Arms, Inc. sold only C&B pistols. They were last reported to be in Del Ray Beach, Florida.

At one time, Dixie Gunworks offered a number of different mainsprings both plain end and "claw type" which are made for locks which have a stirrup connecting the spring with the tumbler.

There may be a possibility that they will have a spring that will work although the lock plate may have to have a hole drilled in it to support the mainsprings side pin.

If you haven't already talked to Dixie I would suggest that you call them at 731-885-0700 which is their information number.

 

[windwalker_au]

I am new to the community and really need some expert help. I have been messing around with replica traditional black powder rifles and pistols for 35 years. I currently own several TC rifles, navy arms pistols, and a couple CVA rifles as well. About 25 years ago I purchased a 50 cal Hawken style rifle from a gun dealer in Wichita, KS. The gun has been a reliable and extremely accurate firearm. A few months ago the lock spring broke in the gun and I have been totally unsuccessful in finding a replacement. I have checked with numerous local gun dealers, gun shows, etc. No one seems to have any knowledge of the gun or any source for a lock spring. As mentioned earlier the rifle is a 50 cal. Hawken style rifle. The only markings on the gun are as follows:

ARMI SAN MARCO
GARDONE VT
249

I have spent hours on the internet and there are unlimited web pages for revolvers but I have yet to find a single reference to this company making rifles. I really hate to give up on this rifle as it has provided coutless hours of enjoyment over the years.

If you know of a source for the lock spring, a replacement lock, or any other remedies I would really appreciate your help

is the lock spring a leaf sping or a coil spring if it is a coil the the spring from a tc or lyman will fit,if it is a leaf spring i am betting that the spring from a traditions hawken lock will fit.
bernie :thumbsup:

 

[tomdurall]

This is a leaf spring type with the "claw" on the end to connect to the stirrup. I have a traditions rifle in the cabinet. I will check the lock spring on it. Otherwise, I plan on calling Dixie Gun Works to see if they have something that will work.

 

[tomdurall]

Spoke to the gunsmith @ Dixie Gun Works today and the problem is resolved. I really appreciate the time everyone spent with their replies. This is my first experience in being involved with a forum and the results are amazing. I spent months trying to resolve this problem by myself with zero result. The members of this forum directed me to a solution in just a couple of days. You saved me from retiring an old fried. Putting this gun into retirement would be like burying an old faithful dog.

Many thanks

Tom

 

[Zonie]

Well, we wouldn't want you to bury your old faithful dog! Not unless he had given up the ghost. :grin:

Hopefully the Dixie gunsmith asked you to send the lock to him so he can select a spring with the right length.
He also may have to drill a new hole for the new springs side pin.

If you have to replace the spring yourself I would strongly recommend that you call up Dixie and order one of their mainspring vises. If you use pliers or channel locks there is a real good chance that you will break the spring when you compress it.
Also, if you have to replace the spring yourself, I recommend that you create a post explaining exactly what you have on hand and asking for a little help in the "Gun Builders Bench" area of the Muzzleloading forum.
zonie