Gunsmiths for Muzzleloaders

[Rawhide_Koba]

Howdy everyone, can anyone recommend gunsmiths in Oregon who work on muzzleloaders and antique firearms? Specifically I'm looking at internal repairs on a percussion rifle.

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[Andy54Hawken]

A lock is a fairly easy fix most of the time...Till Mr. Murphy steps in to "help out" ...

Take it apart and give it a good cleaning is helpful...as is a mainspring vise.
Be aware that many antique muzzle loading firearms do not have a half cock notch or setting....so...what can appear broken really ain't.

Many times it is simply a matter of replacing a worn spring , sear or tumbler.
The big issue here , is finding the proper sized replacement...that said...a little bit of file work or sanding can work here.

What seems to be the issue with your rifle...?
Andy

 

[Rawhide_Koba]

Thanks, Andy. It's a Springfield 1861 which I believe to be original, except for the lock and ramrod, which I believe are replacements. The gun does not hold half or full cock but I can feel the spring tension on the hammer when it's pulled back.

 

[Rawhide_Koba]

Also, the 500 yard rear sight leaf detached at some point, and I have it, but don't know if it can be reattached somehow.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Ahh....
The '61 should hold at a half cock ....
A good lock cleaning...and a re-touching with a file on the hammer notch , sear or tumbler may do the trick here.
Sure wish we were closer...I have done this many times ( successfully ) .
As for the rear sight...I haven't replaced of re-attached one of those.....yet.
Andy

 

[solv3nt]

I'd hang it on the mantel and order a better one as opposed to paying a smith as she isn't complete.

 

[Rawhide_Koba]

Ahh....
The '61 should hold at a half cock ....
A good lock cleaning...and a re-touching with a file on the hammer notch , sear or tumbler may do the trick here.
Sure wish we were closer...I have done this many times ( successfully ) .
As for the rear sight...I haven't replaced of re-attached one of those.....yet.
Andy

Would it be safe to remove the lock from the stock even if I can't keep the hammer cocked (hey, that rhymes!) If I could just take a peek inside there I think I could figure out what needs to be changed.

 

[Nosferatu]

Gunsmith? I thought you just need a bastard file and a hammer to fix a muzzle-stuffer?

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Would it be safe to remove the lock from the stock even if I can't keep the hammer cocked (hey, that rhymes!) If I could just take a peek inside there I think I could figure out what needs to be changed.

Yes...just need to remove the lock bolts...then hold the hammer back as you remove it from the stock.
Andy

 

[Rawhide_Koba]

Yes...just need to remove the lock bolts...then hold the hammer back as you remove it from the stock.
Andy

Thanks, I'll give it a go!