In a bit of a pickle, y'all

38splfan · August 1, 2005, 08:52 AM

My 1858 Remington has developed a bit of a problem. The hammer does not want to stay cocked (at half or full). Pull it back, let go, wham, it drops. ( I removed the good nipples and put a trash one on to test this)

I've given the internals a once over, and there is no blatantly obvious damage or excessive wear. It's been shot with mostly blank loads for reenacting and light loads for targets.

It's a brass frame and not terribly expensive, so no biggie if it's DOA. However, other than this problem it is in great shape and I'd like to keep it running if I can. It's one of my favorites and was my first handgun. (mom bought it for me at 16 years old, nearly seven years ago)

Can it be saved, or is this God's way of saying I need a 2nd model Dragoon?

38splfan · August 3, 2005, 02:59 PM

Well, I asked about in the gunsmithing forum, and it was suggested that the cylinder stop, which also acts as a sear, might be the culprit.

Sure enough, there was JUST ENOUGH wear that it would not seat in the hammer notches properly, thus causing it to fall.

A trip to the Dixie Gun Works web page (www.dixiegunworks.com) yeilded the proper parts, which will be put on order on payday.

Looks like new life for the old warhorse.
Not only the cylinder stop, but the following will be replaced:
cyl. stop
hand and spring
hammer
mainspring
trigger/stop spring

A complete overhaul for about $31, plus shipping.
I'll post an update when it gets taken care of.

August 1, 2005, 08:52 AM	#1
38splfan Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2004 Location: Ft. Lewis/Tacoma, WA. Posts: 1,034	In a bit of a pickle, y'all My 1858 Remington has developed a bit of a problem. The hammer does not want to stay cocked (at half or full). Pull it back, let go, wham, it drops. ( I removed the good nipples and put a trash one on to test this) I've given the internals a once over, and there is no blatantly obvious damage or excessive wear. It's been shot with mostly blank loads for reenacting and light loads for targets. It's a brass frame and not terribly expensive, so no biggie if it's DOA. However, other than this problem it is in great shape and I'd like to keep it running if I can. It's one of my favorites and was my first handgun. (mom bought it for me at 16 years old, nearly seven years ago) Can it be saved, or is this God's way of saying I need a 2nd model Dragoon? __________________ "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to others and I expect the same from them." - John Wayne

August 3, 2005, 02:59 PM	#2
38splfan Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2004 Location: Ft. Lewis/Tacoma, WA. Posts: 1,034	Pickle solved. Well, I asked about in the gunsmithing forum, and it was suggested that the cylinder stop, which also acts as a sear, might be the culprit. Sure enough, there was JUST ENOUGH wear that it would not seat in the hammer notches properly, thus causing it to fall. A trip to the Dixie Gun Works web page (www.dixiegunworks.com) yeilded the proper parts, which will be put on order on payday. Looks like new life for the old warhorse. Not only the cylinder stop, but the following will be replaced: cyl. stop hand and spring hammer mainspring trigger/stop spring A complete overhaul for about $31, plus shipping. I'll post an update when it gets taken care of. __________________ "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to others and I expect the same from them." - John Wayne