I recently purchased a rifle, that with a rear action Golcher lock and barrel that exhibits 2 UK proofing stamps. So, I figure it’s an original from the mid 1800’s. It shoots very accurately, but has a single action trigger with a considerable pull weight. Considering installing a single set trigger but hesitate to alter the original. Has anyone out there had a similar situation?
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Installing set trigger in an 1800’s original rifle
- Thread starter Buckskinquin
- Start date
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You may want to post photographs of what you have. Someone here has likely done something similar and may offer some suggestions.
rich pierce
70 Cal.
If the lock has no fly but has a half cock notch it won’t work with a set trigger.
What rich said. Also, you can stone the surfaces of the full cock notch on the tumbler, and the sear contact to lighten the pull. Easy though, a little goes a long way.
rich pierce
70 Cal.
Also one needs to make sure that the trigger bow could handle a set trigger.
I agree with @rich pierce . Most of the antique sporting rifles I've examined that have double set triggers have no half-cock notch in the tumbler at all. The half-cock position is considered the "safety" on a sidelock muzzleloader. I don't recall handling an original with a single set trigger, but I expect the issue with the half-cock notch would be the same.
Not sure I would want to modify a functional original in that way, anyhow.
The trigger let-off can be improved with proper engagement of the sear nose in the full-cock notch. This requires careful stoning, but can make a tremendous difference. The one caveat would be with military guns. The tumbler typically has a different radius for the half-cock than full-cock. Difficult to explain, but you need a firm pull on the trigger to keep the sear nose from hitting the half cock notch, and there is only so much that these can be lightened, but I understand that a knowledgeable gunsmith can improve it some.
Notchy Bob
Not sure I would want to modify a functional original in that way, anyhow.
The trigger let-off can be improved with proper engagement of the sear nose in the full-cock notch. This requires careful stoning, but can make a tremendous difference. The one caveat would be with military guns. The tumbler typically has a different radius for the half-cock than full-cock. Difficult to explain, but you need a firm pull on the trigger to keep the sear nose from hitting the half cock notch, and there is only so much that these can be lightened, but I understand that a knowledgeable gunsmith can improve it some.
Notchy Bob
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That’s the route I’ve chosen to take, tuning the lock. The lock does have a fly and a solid half cock.
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