Storing flintlocks

[sqqy14]

Is it best when your rifle is going to sit for a while to have the hammer sitting in the "all the way forward" fired position? What is best for the lock parts, springs, sear etc. or leave it at half cock.

 

[Art Caputo]

I leave the hammer in the fully forward(uncocked) position, and the frizzen open.

 

[11th corps]

I leave the hammer in the fully forward(uncocked) position, and the frizzen open.
View attachment 145844

That's the way I store mine too.

 

[hanshi]

I do the same. It might not matter much in the short run but keeping the springs stressed can cause problems down the road.

 

[B P Maniac Shooter]

I do the same and I'll add, I store them muzzle pointed down.

 

[Bighorserider]

I do the same, but in Europe they are displayed in museums at least with the hammer back and frizen closed.

 

[Rudyard]

I agree and keep the cock & steel at rest though George Shumway said they where displayed in museums at half bent . per original plan but I don't agree as it makes sense to leave the springs at rest & cant hurt any that way. Nice Rifle pictured .
Rudyard

 

[Sidney Smith]

I always do as above, frizzen open, cock all the way forward.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I agree and keep the cock & steel at rest though George Shumway said they where displayed in museums at half bent . per original plan but I don't agree as it makes sense to leave the springs at rest & cant hurt any that way. Nice Rifle pictured .
Rudyard

That is museums for display purposes. For real use rifle, all the way down. That is how I do it to take stress off sear and mainspring.

 

[ord sgt]

Hammer down, frizzen in the open position. I have stored all my flint rifles this way for a long, long time with no problem. I started this practice about 40 years ago and have had no problems with any springs.
I know this thread is about flintlocks, but I keep the hammer down on caplocks too.