Got a new shooter in the field but had a problem

[Bassdog1]

One of my sons friends recently inherited two traditional muzzle loaders from his grandfathers estate. One is a 32 caliber flintlock and the other a 45 Caliber Percussion. Both were built by his grandfather in the 70s and are in good shape. He asked if I could help him get started with the guns so we took them out today. The 32 Flinter was very accurate wit 25 grains of powder, .310 swaged ball and .015 Mink oil patch. We had trouble getting it to fire consistently but I am not the best with flint and will get him in touch with a couple folks that I know with more knowledge in that area. The Percussion gun was very accurate as well with 65 Grains. a .440 ball and a .015 patch but loaded kin of loose and the patches were shredded. I will help him on developing the load and getting a better patch and ball combo worked out. The problem came when we were cleaning and found a large crack in the hammer. The lock is older and obviously repurposed for this gun I will post some photos just wondering if anyone would be able to repair this hammer.

 

[Bassdog1]

This is the lock and crack.

 

[hanshi]

The drum, Bassdog1, should be supported by the lock plate more securely than what's shown in the photos and the hammer does have a noticeable crack as you stated. For shredding patches an op wad works as will smoothing the muzzle crown and going to thicker patching. You already know your lubes as well as anyone here. Perhaps Scotch Bright swabbing could help?

 

[Bassdog1]

Definitely gonna polish the crown and bore and try some better and thicker patching. Just wondering about repairing the hammer as its well outside my comfort zone.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I wonder if you could tig weld the lock and then file & polish it out?

 

[2 shots]

as above find a good tig welder. no problem

 

[Bassdog1]

Will try and find someone to do this. If anyone on here is up to the task I would ship it to you and pay for the repair.

 

[thealchemist]

Will try and find someone to do this. If anyone on here is up to the task I would ship it to you and pay for the repair.

Did you find anyone to tig it?

 

[user 48679]

Any (automotive) welding shop worth their salt would be able to TIG it, if they're willing to take on a small project (many won't).

 

[thealchemist]

I would be willing to do it. I tig weld for a living mostly stainless but that should be a pretty easy fix if it’s just carbon steel. Does anyone know what it’s made of? Is it hardened?

 

[Bassdog1]

Not had a chance to ask anyone yet

 

[thealchemist]

Not had a chance to ask anyone yet

Like I said If you can’t find a local I could do it just let me know

 

[Bassdog1]

Will let you know soon

 

[Uncle Miltie]

The gunsmith at The Log Cabin in Lodi OH can repair your lock at reasonable cost.