Sharps rifle hammer

[Boomer110]

My 1863 model Sharps rifle hammer has only 2 positions, fully cocked or fully down, no midcock. Is there something wrong with it or is that the way it is supposed to work?

Thanks

 

[johan_steele]

My 1863 model Sharps rifle hammer has only 2 positions, fully cocked or fully down, no midcock. Is there something wrong with it or is that the way it is supposed to work?

Thanks

There should be a half cock.

If you remove the lock and have a half cock it is swelling in the wood. If no half cock then it is the lock. These were interchangeable parts so replacement is not a serious issue.

 

[JOHN42768]

Parts if needed try: Lodgewood or S&S

 

[ewmail15]

Most likely your mainspring is not maintaining pressure on the sear, which holds the tumbler/hammer in place at each position. At full cock there's much more pressure on the mainspring to do its job. The trigger end raises the sear stud which releases the hammer smack down on the cap (or pellet)/nipple.

I bought an NOS mainspring from Lodgewoood, only to have to return it for a stronger one.

 

[7thWisconsin]

Try tightening or loosening the tang screw also. Sometimes if the trigger guard is being snugged too tight against the stock it messes with bringing the gun to half cock.

 

[Boomer110]

Thanks for all of the replies