Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Gun Building and Repair => Topic started by: KDubs on August 23, 2025, 05:33:01 PM

Title: Need some advice.
Post by: KDubs on August 23, 2025, 05:33:01 PM

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 So this ol .45 came out out another stock.
 I've been puttsin around with the old lock picture # 3
 As mentioned before it's a Russ hamm.
 Anyway I need to know how to move forward here.
 Get the barrel lower in the stock ?
 Swap the new locks hammer for the one on the original which you'll notice has been worked on.  It's ever so slightly longer than the new locks hammer.
 Swap is the easiest I'm sure but just don't like the looks of it.
 Kevin
 

Title: Re: Need some advice.
Post by: Bigsmoke on August 23, 2025, 07:02:57 PM

Kevin,
That hammer looks like it has already been stretched out a bit to contact the nipple better.
Do you have a photo of the lock in place on the rifle?  That would tell the story a bit better if you did.
It looks like you have a short T/C nipple on the rifle, yes?
Sometime you have to opt for function over appearance.  So maybe the original hammer would do the job better.
Or you could just grind the end of your preferred hammer cup so it would contact the cap and be done with the project.
Do you know how the rifle shoots?  If well, then go for it.  If not, there is always eBay.
John
PS:  Was low to mid 60's today with fairly low fog as I sat on the T- Pier listening to our community band playing its August concert.  Mid 90's up there, eh?  I don't envy you a bit.  But it was pretty nice when we were there in June.  I really enjoyed our time at the RDV.

Title: Re: Need some advice.
Post by: Winter Hawk on August 23, 2025, 10:49:41 PM

Looking at the angle of the hammer to the nipple, I vote for lowering the barrel.  There is quite a gap between the bottom of the drum/snail and the lock which I don't believe should be there.  What I remember is that the two should mate up so the drum is supported by the lock plate when the hammer strikes the nipple.  Moving the barrel down should also allow the hammer to strike the nipple squarely, which it doesn't at present.

My 2 cents worth, and worth every penny!

~Kees~

Title: Re: Need some advice.
Post by: KDubs on August 25, 2025, 08:03:42 PM

Thanks for the replies, I think I'll probably chew on it for a bit since it's just a project gun, no need to rush.
  Most likely try the hammer swap first as I am nowhere near experienced enough to attempt lowering the barrel.
 I'm sure I could figure it out but....
 I'll keep y'all informed
Kevin