Need help

[Mad Dog 1954]

Hello new to muzzle loading as far as percussion weapons. I have experience with modern firearms. I want to get started with traditional and purchased a Lyman 1858 revolver and a Galef & Son pistol. The revolver is fine and a joy.. The pistol is a pain. At first when trying to shoot it would drop to half cock. Took it apart and cleaned. Change nipple guessing which one after measurement.. Using #11 caps it has to be fired 4 or 5 times before going bang, So from my knowledge is there no enough spring tension ? The trigger seem too big. Anyway would like some advice since I would like to shoot it. THANKS

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Hello new to muzzle loading as far as percussion weapons. I have experience with modern firearms. I want to get started with traditional and purchased a Lyman 1858 revolver and a Galef & Son pistol. The revolver is fine and a joy.. The pistol is a pain. At first when trying to shoot it would drop to half cock. Took it apart and cleaned. Change nipple guessing which one after measurement.. Using #11 caps it has to be fired 4 or 5 times before going bang, So from my knowledge is there no enough spring tension ? The trigger seem too big. Anyway would like some advice since I would like to shoot it. THANKS

Is it still dropping into halfcock, or did you get that corrected? If the hammer is falling freely, the first thing to look at are two items. Is the hammer hitting centered and parallel to the nipple top? Does the cap bottom out on the nipple? A poor fitting cap will be high on the nipple requiring several blows to push the cap down on to the nipple for proper concussion.

 

[Grenadier1758]

It appears that the tumbler may be dragging on the lock plate. I can see some marks there. How tight are the two screws in the bridle? They may be too tight and the bridle is binding on the tumbler. And the sear may be tight and not clearing the half cock notch in the tumbler. I can't see if you have a fly in the tumbler. Need to see a picture of the lock at full cock. Sometimes if the sear is rubbing on the tumbler, it won't clear the half cock notch. If the fly is missing , the fly is tiny piece of metal that will cover the half cock notch on firing. Since you have a single trigger, you shouldn't need a fly as the trigger pull should clear the sear off the tumbler.

 

[Crow-Feather]

Hello new to muzzle loading as far as percussion weapons. I have experience with modern firearms. I want to get started with traditional and purchased a Lyman 1858 revolver and a Galef & Son pistol. The revolver is fine and a joy.. The pistol is a pain. At first when trying to shoot it would drop to half cock. Took it apart and cleaned. Change nipple guessing which one after measurement.. Using #11 caps it has to be fired 4 or 5 times before going bang, So from my knowledge is there no enough spring tension ? The trigger seem too big. Anyway would like some advice since I would like to shoot it. THANKS

Was the pistol new or used,

 

[Mad Dog 1954]

Used I will check out the items especially the hammer not striking properly sounds like that might be it. Thanks for the advice

 

[ohio ramrod]

Also check the end of your nipple it should have a "knife" edge. A flat edge will not work as well and may require several "hits" to fire.If the edge is flat you can "sharpen" it by chucking it in a drill and use a tool stone to bring it to a sharp edge.

 

[ord sgt]

Also look at the lock mortice. Do you see evidence of the main spring binding against the wood? You may need to remove a small bit of wood there. If the lockplate screw is over tightened, it may cause the main spring to rub.

 

[flntlokr]

As Ord Sgt says, check the lock mortise; look for any shiny spots on the wood, and carefully remove the shiny bits with a very sharp chisel or knife. Then put a dab of lipstick or inletting paint on the lock parts that were rubbing, and re-assemble and dry fire it a few times, then take it apart and see if there has been any more rubbing. Check for new contact points carefully as well. Keep at it until everything is free. Good luck. It's not an uncommon problem.