Saw what seems like a crazy idea but it worked - cocking.....

A guy at the bird club was a visitor with another member. He has a SxS muzzleloader, similar to some I have. He has a thin white cord tied to the hammers. It forms a "U" in the back, over the tang. When the bird flushes, he yanks the cord, thereby cocking both hammers at once. There is enough cord that each hammer can fall independently.

A few times he de-cocked one or both barrels that were not fired in what I will call a conventional manner - that is, ease down hammer with web of hand over cap to prevent accidental contact of hammer and cap. Then he drapes the cord back where he wants it and is ready again.

I've never tried this nor even seen or heard of this. I'm intrigued, but right now too chicken to try this. I might practice with just caps and see if I can pull it off. What do you think?

That's a great idea, I have never thought of it but will use it. Should work with a SXS flint gun too.

Interesting. Use good string!

I’ve done it hunting rabbits. Tie a knot at the centerline of the pulling loop so both hammers come back evenly. Grab the knot and pull