What is the best book?

[springfield art]

What is your best recommendation for a book that has detailed instructions and photographs for disassembling, reassembling, and working on flintlock locks?
I've got a Russ Hamm lock that is really hard on trigger pull. I want to take it down and clean each part (fearing old lube that is basically gluing the lock) and I may need to reduce the main spring a bit.
I appreciate the input.

Auto supply stores sell a spray that will dissolve gunk; it's best used outdoors, can't think of the name off-hand, but it's formulated to dissolve all kinds of gunky gummy stuff. Wear a mask!

 

[Grenadier1758]

@Daryl Crawford, you say it is hard to release the sear when the lock is removed from the stock. Have you checked for binding in the bridle over the tumbler? All too often the screws holding the bridle in place can be overtightened and bind on the tumbler. Is the screw the sear rotates on too tight and binding the sear movement? Look at the full cock notch. Does the sear nose move the tumbler as the sear is lifted for release?

A lock tune up is in order.

 

[Daryl Crawford]

I'll look into the trigger per @waksupi guidance.
I'll look closer at the lock @Grenadier1758 when I get home tonight.
Cabin Creek is about 1.5 hours from me so in the long run I'm sure I can give them a call.

 

[waksupi]

Keep in mind, even the best locks take some effort to set off when out of the gun.

 

[Daryl Crawford]

Thanks for that reminder. Tonight I will try to take the lock down for a good cleaning, check screws and the like, then start looking at triggers on line. This goes beyond my experience so I will go slow, seek resources, and learn. Worst case is that I mess it up and get a professional to correct my errors.

 

[waksupi]

This is the type trigger to use. It should be pinned as high, and as far forward as possible in the front top corner.

 

[Daryl Crawford]

Appreciate that. After taking the lock apart, my inexperienced eyes noted no problems. Surfaces that touch are polished and the lock has clearly not been used.
After putting it back together I did get some better spark, though it is still extremely hard to trip when not mounted on the rifle. I put it back on the rifle and, while still a strong trigger pull, it was better than it was before I disassembled the lock. No idea why.
Next is to look into the trigger and to get the mechanical advantage. I'll probably look into someone doing that as I've never tried before and wouldn't want to mess it up.
Thanks all for the help.

 

[smo]

I would try adjusting this screw….

 

[Daryl Crawford]

Saw that. What the heck is it? Do I screw it in or out.