1861 Springfield lock help

[TheTyler701]

Craig, I have seen a number of military muskets with the half cock notch removed so the lock would be altered for "target firing". The sear would be altered to slightly engage the the fullcock notch in the tumbler or reduce the dept of the full cock notch on the tumbler so slight pressure on the trigger would trip the lock. (Poor man's set trigger) The state of Mississippi's ordinance officer wrote of a number of muskets being altered for "target" firing of the guns inspected as issued to the Port Gibson Militia company. If the half cock notch is not removed, the hammer would engage this notch on the way down instead of falling to the nipple. I have a Mississippi rifle altered like this.

Guess theirs no way of knowing. lt ls definitely grinded off, but no telling when.

 

[hawknknife]

Could have been done post war for civilian sales for the buffalo trade Western market. When found, sights are replaced with buckhorn rear and blade front.