1860 colt won't cock

[walruskid1]

went out today with my brace of 1860 colts. the pietta lasted about 18 shots before the hammer won't stay at full cock. no broken springs inside. what crapped out? i bought it from a friend so a return is not an option. i have fixed a few 1858 rems and fixed the cyl stop on an 1860 colt before so i'm not afraid to fix it myself. i do suspect the hammer/sear engagement may be messed up. can i stone it deeper if the edge is rolled? help.

 

[biliff]

Make sure the trigger return spring is engaging the notch on the trigger and/or putting sufficient pressure on the trigger so it engages the notch in the hammer.
A quick check is to push forward on the trigger while cocking the piece. If the hammer stays at full cock then there is something going on with this spring.

 

[wulf]

Could be a stuck cap that found it's way inside.

 

[walruskid1]

its been apart to clean. no debris inside. forward tension on the trigger won't help.....

 

[Smokin6Gun]

If the sear is fitting the fullcock notch of the hammer ok, flat top of sear in notch and not pointed or rounded, try switching the trigger and bolt screws for the heck of it. That has worked me a couple times. The trigger screw gets grooved or worn when older and the screw from the bolt isn't worn near as much and in a differant pattern. Or may just need new screws. Just did it on my 10 yr old 1860 Pietta.
Good luck on it hope that works for you.

 

[walruskid1]

thanks smokin gun, the screws looked good. top of the sear had a wire edge and burrs. notch on the hammer was rounded big time. i stoned the notch flat and slightly deeper. holds ok now. i suspect it may be soft, stoned VERY easy.

 

[Smokin6Gun]

You are very welcome, if sear/hammer is soft and you wanna use a surface hardner get some Kasenit.
Here's the site if you can't find it locally.[url] http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/productdetail.aspx?p=7626[/url]

Or parts here's a source.[url] http://vtigunparts.com[/url]/

 

[crockett]

Another alternative to the kasenit, if it doesn't work, is file out a little grove/slot and put in a plug made of tool steel. You need to dovetail this in. Any epoxy glue rated to 600 degree will hold the dovetailed plug.