I just got my first BP gun, a used brass framed Pietta 1858, 8 inch barrel. It seems to be in good condition, but the action of the trigger and hammer will occasionally feel funky, while cycling it, especially rapidly. By cycling it I mean pulling the hammer back to full cock and pulling the trigger, while using the thumb to keep it from fully releasing. It feels rough around the half cocked position. Hard to describe it.
When dry firing it ( with a Q tip to protect the nipple ), it feels fine. Another thing I noticed is that with the hammer resting on the nipple, there's approximately 1/4 inch of free play/no resistance, when pulling the hammer back. Is this normal or a symptom of a problem like a bad spring? I haven't shot it yet, but I'm assuming it should shoot OK.
When dry firing it ( with a Q tip to protect the nipple ), it feels fine. Another thing I noticed is that with the hammer resting on the nipple, there's approximately 1/4 inch of free play/no resistance, when pulling the hammer back. Is this normal or a symptom of a problem like a bad spring? I haven't shot it yet, but I'm assuming it should shoot OK.