Loose Hammer on Percussion rifle.

[briantllb]

The hammer on my percussion rifle is loose on the tumbler, or whatever the square post it fits on is called.
Can I tighten it by peening the sides of the post with a center punch to expand it so as to make the hammer fit properly?
Or should I put a bit of weld or silver solder on there and file to fit?
It is an original antique but of little real value and I don't intend or expect to ever shoot it so whatever I do to tighten it up won't impact its value or functionality.

 

[JCB]

The hammer on my percussion rifle is loose on the tumbler, or whatever the square post it fits on is called.
Can I tighten it by peening the sides of the post with a center punch to expand it so as to make the hammer fit properly?
Or should I put a bit of weld or silver solder on there and file to fit?
It is an original antique but of little real value and I don't intend or expect to ever shoot it so whatever I do to tighten it up won't impact its value or functionality.

Jim Chambers responded to this question once on another forum. He said to lay the hammer face down on your anvil, (the back of your bench vice) put the ball end of a ball peen hammer in the hole and with another hammer strike it. This will peen all four sides evenly. If it’s still loose you can do the outside. The screw should cover any marks left behind. I would wear safety glasses. I’m told hardened metal against hardened metal can splinter.

 

[Phil Coffins]

If it isn’t going to be shot, I’d leave it alone.

 

[Rob M.]

The hammer on my percussion rifle is loose on the tumbler, or whatever the square post it fits on is called.
Can I tighten it by peening the sides of the post with a center punch to expand it so as to make the hammer fit properly?
Or should I put a bit of weld or silver solder on there and file to fit?
It is an original antique but of little real value and I don't intend or expect to ever shoot it so whatever I do to tighten it up won't impact its value or functionality.

Yeah , you can do that . I use a small punch and smack each square in the middle near the edge . Just a little , little at a time ...too much youll have to file a bit . Best of luck

 

[Sam squanch]

Get some brass shims , shim the loose side or sides of the square hole in the hammer. May need to fabricate a hardwood block for your vise jaws to protect the tumbler as you squeeze the hammer back on the shaft. Peening will only fix it temporarily, and you might damage the hammer, it may crack.

 

[kyron4]

If you're going to shoot it , I'd shim it; if a wall hanger leave it be.

 

[CVA Enthusiast]

kryon4 nailed it, if I shoot it I`d shim or peen it, if a mantelpiece leave it in peace