hardening tumbler

[Pioneer flinter]

I just finished stoning the sear on the tumbler
of a muzzleloader and i was wondering if i need to reharden or retemper the tumbler if so what is the easiest way to do this than you all for your knowledge and assistance

good hunting and God bless

 

[Bill Hall]

If the hardness of the part was never an isuue to begin with, then polishing the notch shouldn't cause re-hardening to be required. If a problem with the notch was caused by the part being too soft to begin with, then it is probably the case that the metal isn't inherently "temperable?". In other words, a mild steel type of metal was used, and hardnening it would be somewhat complex. Not that it can't be done, there are guys here who are experts at case hardening, just a hit or miss proposition for the first timer (or me :surrender: lol). I also think it should be hardened before any exact work is done on the notch, like stoning, as the heat involved can change things a little (harden big, grind small).

If the hardness of the part isn't an issue now, I'd leave it alone. If it is an issue, smarter people than I can guide you from here. Good luck. Bill

 

[LRB]

Snowdragon is right, but it depends on the lock make. If it is a quality lock, you're fine. If it is a cheap import with thin case hardening, you may need re-case it.

 

[ron ward]

the above answers are good, but tend to lean toward the assumtion that allot of material was taken off in the stoning process, which there shouldn't have been. if you just stoned the face of the notch enough to slick it up, you shouldn't have removed enough material to change anything, even if it is an inexpensive lock....or so i would think.

 

[LRB]

the above answers are good, but tend to lean toward the assumtion that allot of material was taken off in the stoning process, which there shouldn't have been. if you just stoned the face of the notch enough to slick it up, you shouldn't have removed enough material to change anything, even if it is an inexpensive lock....or so i would think.

Have you tuned an India import yet?

 

[ron ward]

wicke,
no, i haven't. and i stand corrected for not knowing how bad they can be... i guess. although i am a proponent of building low budget because i can usually make things work right with a little work on my part. i am just a hobby builder that has read allot and have a good friend that is a gunsmith that i have just about spent an appreniceship with in time, watching him and working on my own stuff. i try to stay away from the obviously scary stuff.

 

[Pioneer flinter]

thanks again for all of your advise the lock is on a dixie tennessee mountain rifle I have the trigger
pull w/the front trigger down to a comfortable weight, I can't seem to measure it because the front trigger is a straight trigger and the hook on my trigger pull gauge slides off to easy, i guess i could put some tape around it to keep it from sliding off, if i am inclined, but like i said
i am comfortable with the weight.

good hunting and God bless