smoothbore frizzen trouble?

[Rebel]

I am having problems with the frizzen rebounding back on the Tradegun lock and hitting the flint leading edge and dulling it. I am having to knapp the flint after every 2-3 shots to keep it sparking. So,how do i go about stopping it. The frizzen spring seems plenty strong. Could the frizzens pivot arm be to short, or is it because the angle is wrong on it? Any tips to help?

 

[paulvallandigham]

Sounds to me that the cam is too short. The cam is that little " heel " of the boot that makes contact with the upper arm of the frizzen spring. The spring should be mounted in such a way that there is enough movement upward after the frizzen is released to open that it stops the frizzen from rebounding back and hitting your frizzen.

Fixes: 1. Get a new frizzen from whoever made the lock. It should be their cost, not yours.

OR, 2. Weld a bit of metal to the bottom of that cam, and file it down to shape.

OR, 3. Put a thin leather washer between the frizzen and the barrel, or bridle, running the pivot screw through it to hold it in place. This will provide enough friction to keep the frizzen from rebounding, but will not interfere with the frizzen opening up.

 

[Rebel]

Thanks Paul. My first thought was the pivot cam arm you refer to. It is shorter than any other i have had. that is probably the problem. The gun was a Track Of The Wolf kit NW Tradegun. I would have to get a new frizzen from them and the guns is already pretty old so it is my problem not theirs. Then it would have to be fitted to the lock. Maybe i will contact Roy and see what he thinks he can do with it.

 

[paulvallandigham]

If that is a North Star West trade gun, they should have replacement frizzens. Talk to Track about the gun to find out who made the lock for that kit. I have always found the staff at Track to be very helpful.

 

[Rebel]

It isn't a NSW, it is a Track Of the Wolf Tradegun kit. I think it is one of the early ones with a Davis lock, but i solved the problem already. I took the lock out and checked and the frizzen screw wasn't completely tight. So i tightened it down good and seems to be working fine now. thanks for the help.

 

[paulvallandigham]

Hah! Its always the little things that crop up to cause us headaches, now, isn't it? Glad to know you found the problem and it was an easy fix.

 

[Rebel]

Yep it usually is. Thanks again.